Dog Day 5k

Dogs are great walking companions and great personal trainers. If you begin walking with your dog, you may soon find his tail is wagging your walking program. They are ready to walk when you are (unlike friends and family), will tow you down the trail, and let you know when it is time to lace up your sneakers.

Dog Training
Opt for formal classes, if they are available and affordable. Start while the dog is a puppy, and continue until the dog can be trusted off leash. Your dog can earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, which indicates a level of obedience and training attained. If attending classes is not possible, you may want to try training books, such as Carol Lea Benjamin's Mother Knows Best, Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, or Dog Training in 10 Minutes. The end result of good training is a dog that is a pleasure to walk with -- one that will sit, down and heel on command, as necessary. You really don't want to be towed into the sunset at about 60 MPH!

Walking Your Dog on a Leash
If your dog is on a leash, it can't get away and cause problems. Consider using a pinch collar while walking your dog, if he is a puller, to increase your control and comfort. Some walkers use a harness, and others find retractable leashes to be the best way to give the dog a little more slack, then reel them in as needed.

Are Dogs Allowed Where You Plan to Walk?
Check with the organizers of walking events you plan to attend. If walking in a park, call ahead to check to see if there are any restrictions. Note that dogs are sometimes allowed on trails, but not in shuttle buses or visitors' centers.

Carry a Pooper Scooper
If you don't have (or want to purchase) the actual tool, try a plastic bag. Many carry the plastic bags that newspapers sometimes come in. When the bag is placed over the hand, you can pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside out, and tie the end closed. Dispose of it properly. Zip-closure storage bags are another secure option.

Staying Hydrated
Carry water for both you and your pet. You can use your hand as a water dish for him. Some walkers suggest using collapsible cups, inflatable water dishes, and zip-closure bags, as well.

Taking Time for Rest
Find a shady spot and take ten. Play with the dog, talk to other walkers, and cool down a bit. Dogs can't sweat. They keep cool by panting, finding shady spots, walking in water, and drinking lots of water. If you are walking near water in the summer, find a safe place (not public beaches) and let your dog go swimming. If you drove to your walking spot, be sure not to leave your dog in a vehicle unattended if it's warm out and you're making stops on your way home.

Identification
Every dog should have a couple of forms of identification. Name tags and collars get lost. Tattoos and embedded micro-chips will back up the name tag. You should carry a clear photo of the dog, which can aid in recovery, should such a situation arise. Also, some areas of the country require you to carry your dog's rabies certificate with you.

Is Your Dog Ready?
Before taking a dog on a 10K Volksmarch, consider if the dog is healthy enough, has the desire, and is trained enough to walk the distance at your side. You should get an OK from your veterinarian if your pooch has any sort of medical problem, is overweight, etc. Work up to the longer distances with him by doing the shorter distances first.

Trails
Dog walkers I've spoken to generally prefer country walks and trails that have sidewalks, or paths that are well off the road.

Excerpt from About .com by Wendy Bumgardner

Research indicates that dogs often are good companions for people who exercise. Dogs of every size, color and variety often frequent hike and bike trails on outings with owners and families. Not all dogs are with runners, but there are plenty of people who train on the trails and many of them bring their best buddies along.

Veterinarian Stephanie Swanzy, DVM, of Anderson Mill Animal Clinic is a competitive runner who has participated in two marathons, including last weekend's White Rock Marathon in Dallas, and a smatterings of smaller races for about eight years. She runs often on various trails she has been struck by the increasing number of dogs who accompany their owners.

"I see lots of people with various types of dogs on the trails," laughs Stephanie. "You can see anything from small toy breeds to big giant breeds. Not all the dogs are running, but many are. One that recently caught my eye was a little pug running as fast as he could alongside his owner. He seemed like he was having a good time."

Generally exercise is good for pets in the same way it is good for humans. It promotes strong hearts and lungs, good muscle tone, strength and stamina. But if you are planning to begin running with your best buddy, it's a good idea to think about your dog's comfort and safety. Stephanie offers some professional advice to make running with your dog a good experience for you both.

• Consult your pet's veterinarian . "Just like humans, dogs need a physical examination before they begin a running routine," she says. A check-up can identify any conditions or medical reasons that might impact how long or how far your dog should run or whether the animal should run at all.
• Pick the right pet. If you are a serious runner, make sure your dog is a breed that enjoys running and is physically capable of the challenge. Stephanie says: "Some dog breeds will not be able to exercise very much or for very long because of their particular body shapes and physiology. For example, a Boxer will have more limitations than a German Shepherd. It just makes sense that a tiny dog can't run as far or as fast as a larger one."
• Devise a training routine . "Just like you might train for a race, your dog needs to train for running," adds Stephanie. "Let your dog set the pace as you start out and work up to longer distances and times. Pay a lot of attention to your dog and learn to recognize when he is telling you 'hey, I'm getting a little pooped here.'"
• Consider the physical condition of your dog . "Even if there are no medical challenges, if your dog is overweight, he may tire more easily or have pain in his joints when he runs. Overweight dogs are also at greater risk for heat stroke."
• Be conscious of heat and humidity. "Dogs can suffer from heatstroke just like you and they lose body heat more slowly than humans. Heat loss is mainly through the mouth (panting) with some loss through the foot pads. Watch for signs of distress and stop if you see them, even if you haven't been running long," says Stephanie.
• Be alert for serious symptoms . "Most dogs will try to keep going, but if they begin to lie down, won't go any further and are having difficulty breathing, stop immediately."
• Water your dog . "Carry enough water for yourself and perhaps a collapsible bowl in your pack," she suggests. "If you are running longer distances, more than a mile or so, keeping your dog hydrated is important. If you run on area hike and bike trails, you'll find fountains along the way and many of them have low water fountains especially for dogs. But it's still a good idea to plan ahead," she advises.
• Keep an eye peeled for injuries . "One of the most common injuries to watch for is wear on the pads. Sometime on really hot pavement, pads can wear to the point of blistering. Remember that your dog doesn't have shoes. Also, just like humans they can injure joints and ligaments that may cause limping and pain."
• Run reasonable distances . "I wouldn't run with a dog more than three to five miles. Don't consider a marathon. The 26.2 mile course is punishing for humans even after months of training. Pay attention to your dog and work up to a distance that is comfortable and still fun. All dogs are different. If you have a young border collie with boundless energy, the two of you may be able to run further." The smaller the dog, the shorter the distance they can run. Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and other small breeds may only be able to go a short distance.
• Use a leash . "When you run with your dog, I'm a big advocate of leashes," says Stephanie. "It will help you prevent accidents with cars, bicycles and pedestrians." Remember to keep the leash at a length at which you can control the animal but no longer. If you both act as two runners on the trail instead of a unit, it will be a challenge for some runners to pass.
• Use reflective material at night. "As days get shorter in the fall and winter, use reflective tape on your dog's collar or a blinking light. Drivers may not be able to see your dog even if they can see you."
• Pick up after your pet it's just the right thing to do.