Doggies Running: A Guide to Preparing and Training

Getting your doggie ready to run is an exciting milestone, but it requires patience and a solid plan. Start by building their endurance with short, frequent walks.

Before you begin any exercise routine, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best age and health status for your dog to start running. This will help you avoid any potential health risks.

A good rule of thumb is to start with short running sessions of 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing the duration and frequency over time. This will allow your dog's body to adapt to the demands of running.

If you're a trail runner, a hearty breed like a herding dog, German Short-Haired Pointer, or Vizsla is a good match.

Dalmatians can run 30 miles a day as they were bred to run alongside horses and carriages.

If you're a casual runner who maxes out at 3-5 miles, a dog who prefers shorter distances like snub-nosed mixes, some terriers, or larger dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs is suitable.

Pit bulls are very athletic and great companions, and with the right conditioning, they can make good running dogs.

Discover more: Border Collies Good Running Dogs

If you're a trail runner who enjoys going for double digit distances in the mountains, then look for a hearty breed like a herding dog, German Short-Haired Pointer, or Vizsla.

If you max out at 3-5 miles, then pick a dog who prefers shorter distances like snub-nosed mixes, some terriers, or larger dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Dalmatians can run 30 miles a day as they were bred to run alongside horses and carriages.

Pit bulls are very athletic and great companions, and can run 20 miles a day in virtually any terrain.

Labradors are lean but sturdy and have enough energy to keep pace with a sprint workout or go the distance on a 10K.

The Airedale terrier has a short, wiry coat made for hot places, and they love to run, but you'll probably get along best if you're running 10K or less.

Vizslas are beautiful dogs that are insanely athletic, and they can handle colder climates with the right gear.

Australian Shepherds are known for having considerable energy, double water-resistant coats, and unwavering loyalty, but they can be a little too loyal and will guard their owners or be cautious with strangers.

German Short-Haired Pointers are build for endurance and love to work for long periods of time, thanks to their hunting backgrounds.

Siberian Huskies are natural runners, bred to run hundreds of miles in extreme cold weather. They excel in skijoring, bikejoring, and hiking, and love to be active and have a job.

Their thick coats keep them well-insulated in the nastiest conditions for days at a time. This makes them perfect for running in cold weather, but they don't do as well in hot temperatures.

Huskies were bred as sled dogs, so it's in their nature to run and run some more. Their endurance is never-ending, and they'll gladly tough out less-than-ideal conditions by your side.

If you live in a colder climate, a Husky might be a great choice for you. They can adapt to warmer climates, but they thrive in the cold.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a top-notch breed that's perfect for active families. They were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, so they're extremely athletic.

This breed has an efficient stride that lets them run for miles without getting tired. Their short, low-maintenance coat is also a plus, especially when you're running in the heat.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are surprisingly good with people, making them a great choice for families with kids.

A different take: Rhodesian Ridgeback Speed

The Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that's perfect for active owners, with endless energy and athleticism. They're bred to chase small prey, making them natural running machines.

Their short legs may make ultra long distances a challenge, but they can handle varying distances with ease. They're adaptable to different climates, with long wire-haired and short-haired coats.

In terms of ideal climate, Jack Russells can handle any, although heavy snow may be an issue due to their short legs. They're perfect for running on pavement and trail, and can handle distances from 5km to half marathon.

Their boundless energy makes them a great companion for long-distance running, and they can run for surprisingly extended periods of time.

Herding dogs like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Cattle Dogs are bred to work all day on farms and in mountains where they cover long distances.

Northern breeds like the Husky or Malamute are bred to pull sleds over long distances and are natural runners.

These breeds have an endless endurance, and their thick coats keep them well insulated in cold weather.

Dalmatians can run 30 miles a day as they were bred to run alongside horses and carriages, making them a great choice for long-distance running.

Pit bulls are also athletic and great companions, and with the right conditioning, they can make good running dogs.

With the right training, dogs of all shapes and sizes can run various distances, and it's essential to gradually build your dog's distance slowly over time.

Dalmatians are natural runners, bred to keep up with horses and carriages, and can easily cover 30 miles a day.

Pit bulls are often overlooked as running companions, but they're actually very athletic and can handle long distances, with one owner reporting her pit bull can do 20 miles a day.

Here's an interesting read: How Fast Can Pit Bulls Run

German Boxers can also make great running buddies, as one owner has successfully run with her Boxer for up to 1 hour 45 minutes, even in cold temperatures.

Vizslas, on the other hand, require regular and long runs to stay happy and healthy, or they might become a handful.

Small dogs can also be great running partners, like a half fox terrier, half spaniel mix who has already completed a 20km run without getting tired.

It's essential to remember that every dog is different, and some breeds are more suited to running than others.

Siberian Huskies & Malamutes are natural-born runners, bred to cover hundreds of miles in extreme cold weather. They're perfect for skijoring, bikejoring, and hiking.

Their thick coats make them well-insulated in harsh conditions, and they thrive in cold climates. However, they don't do as well in hot temperatures.

These working breeds love to be active and have a job to do, including running. They're ideal for running in cold weather, but can adapt to warmer climates with proper training.

In terms of terrain, Huskies and Malamutes can handle any type of terrain with ease. They're built for endurance and can run long distances, from 5k to marathon+.

Their endurance is never-ending, and they'll gladly tough out less-than-ideal conditions by your side. With their hardy build and intelligence, they're a great companion for runners who live in colder climates.

If you're one of those crazy people who ran through the Polar Vortex, a Husky or Malamute might be the perfect breed for you. They'll keep up with your running schedule and love every minute of it.

Small breeds can be just as athletic as their larger counterparts. Dachshunds, for instance, have been known to run a marathon distance.

Some small breeds that are surprisingly good at running include Dachshunds and pug mixes. These breeds may not be the first that come to mind when thinking of running dogs.

They may even have their own running buddies, like the Instafriend who runs with her pug mix.

For more insights, see: River Run Dachshunds

Dachshunds have been known to run a marathon distance, proving that small dogs can keep up with endurance activities.

I've seen a pug mix running with its owner, showing that even breeds with unique characteristics can be great running companions.

Some small breeds, like Dachshunds, have been proven wrong the assumption that they can't run.

These breeds, such as Dachshunds and pug mixes, are great examples of small dogs that can keep up with running.

Their ability to run long distances is impressive, and it's clear that they can be great running partners for their owners.

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a herding breed that's perfect for active owners who enjoy running. They're smaller cousins to the Collie and love vigorous exercises.

These energetic dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid finding their own jobs, like herding the humans.

Ideal for running, Shelties can handle distances from 5km to half marathon. They're adaptable to any terrain and can thrive in any climate, except for warm ones where they might overheat.

Short-nosed breeds tend to have respiratory issues and are not ideal for running.

If you're thinking of running with your dog, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for signs they need to rest.

Just about any dog can become a runner, but the distance they can run may vary depending on their individual needs and limitations.

Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, are particularly prone to respiratory issues and may not be able to handle long runs.

The key is to find a comfortable distance for your dog and stick to it to avoid any potential health problems.

Dogs get the zoomies after waking up from a rest, so you might notice your dog having zoomies in the morning or after a nap. This is a common time for dogs to release pent-up energy.

Dogs can have the zoomies multiple times throughout the day and will usually calm down after they expend some energy. This behavior is known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs).

Puppies and young dogs tend to get the zoomies more frequently than adult dogs, and senior dogs are less likely to have zoomies, but it's still possible for them to get a sudden burst of energy.

Zoomies are a common dog behavior where dogs get a sudden burst of energy and start running around in circles or engaging in repetitive behavior. It's also known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs).

Dogs of all ages and breeds can get a case of the zoomies, and it's unclear what exactly triggers a dog to run around suddenly. However, it's often associated with excitement, happiness, or even stress.

Some dogs may get the zoomies when they're feeling particularly excited or happy after engaging in something fun, like a fun walk outside. Others may give a final hurrah after coming home from a fun walk and run a few laps around the house to express their happiness.

Puppies tend to be more energetic and playful than adult dogs and can be more easily excitable, making them more prone to zoomies. Senior dogs are less likely to have dog zoomies, but it's still possible for them to get a sudden burst of energy every once in a while.

Dogs may also get the zoomies when they're bored and not getting enough exercise, or when they're feeling stressed and need an outlet for their anxious energy. In these cases, the zoomies can be accompanied by barking or whining, and most dogs will have nervous energy about them.

Dogs usually get the zoomies after they get up from a moment of rest. So, you may notice your dog having zoomies in the morning or after waking up from a nap.

Puppies and young dogs can get the zoomies in the evening, which is usually a way for them to expend their last bit of energy before bed.

Dog zoomies can be a normal and exciting part of your dog's behavior, but they can also be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Just make sure your dog has adequate space to run around, and move any home décor or fragile items out of the way to avoid breakage.

Dog zoomies aren't just about excitement and playfulness, some dogs may get them due to stress or anxiety, which can be accompanied by barking or whining.

Regular exercise and playtime can help reduce the frequency of dog zoomies, especially for high-energy breeds that need outlets to channel their energy.

High-energy breeds often default to zooming around when they don't have enough opportunities to play, so make sure to include some form of exercise, like morning walks or trips to the dog park, in their daily routine.

Playing with enrichment toys like treat dispensing toys or puzzles can also help keep your dog's mind and body engaged, reducing the likelihood of destructive zoomies.

If your dog's zoomies are too frequent or destructive, it's best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to determine the cause and find healthier outlets for their energy.