Go for a run!

Thinking of trying to race a 5 or 10K and don’t think you can do it alone? The Peninsula SPCA is here to provide you with the perfect running buddy, and this one has a tail and positive attitude.

So why run with a four-legged partner instead of a two-legged human? For one, dogs won’t judge. You can run at your own pace, breath as obnoxiously as you want, sweat as profusely as possible, and your dog will remain content. Also, no need to worry about holding a conversation while you’re trying to seem like you’re not gasping for air.

Dogs aren’t worried about how many calories you’ve burned, how fast you ran that last mile, or what your form looks like. Running with a dog allows you to have the freedom to take your mind off of the stress and focus on putting one paw, or one foot, in front of the other for as long as you like.

You’ll also grow closer to your dog. Spending an hour on the trail, side by side, and conking out on the couch together post-workout will strengthen the bond you have so that he or she will never leave your side and will always be begging for another trip outside, which in turn keeps you more active.

               

It’s not a good idea to take very young or old dogs with you on any kind of run. Runners World magazine recommends that puppies be between nine and sixteen months old before they venture out for a jog. Also, before you strap on your sneakers and take your dog out, make sure she or he is healthy and capable of being active for a long period of time in extreme hot or cold weather. Start off slow, building up miles or minutes gradually over a few weeks. Use a leash and keep your dog within three feet of you during the run. When encountering people on a trail, Christie Aschwanden, contributing writer for Runners World magazine, suggests that you pull off to the side to let them pass without interacting with your dog. Lastly, make sure your dog stays hydrated and cool during the summer.

The following breeds of dogs are perfect for all different types of runs:

1.       Long, steady runs (over  10 miles): dogs with a medium build, such as Weimaraners, Goldendoodles, and German shorthaired pointers

2.       Runs shorter than a 10K: Sprinting dogs with a muscular, lean build such as Greyhounds, beagles and pitbulls

3.       Long, slow runs: dogs with bigger bodies, such as dalmatians and labrador retrievers

4.       Running on trails: calm, obedient, people-friendly dogs like labradoodles, golden retrievers and border collies.

For the complete list of different running dog breeds, visit http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527--13611-0,00.html

To find your perfect running buddy, visit http://www.peninsulaspca.org/petango/ or stop by the Peninsula SPCA today to see all of our adoptable pets. You may find a dog that fits your running lifestyle completely..