Training Tips - Get Active with your Pup!

By Maureen  Prendergast



The start of the 2013 "My Dogs are Barking" 5k Road Race! 



With the arrival of this newsletter, let me remind you, spring is only a few weeks away. And while we still have a ways to go before it really starts to warm up, it is already time to start thinking Pet Fair 2014! More specifically the My Dogs are Barking 5K. Did you and your dog run it last year? Were you looking to improve your times this year? Did you want to run it last year, but you just weren’t totally sure what running with your dog was all about?  If you answered yes to the last question, than please, read on (read on anyway because we know you love animals so this is still for you).

Start at the beginning.  Are you and your dog in shape to run? How about a doctor’s visit for you and a vet visit for your dog, if you are just not sure. We want to see everyone at our 5K but we only want to see you and your dog running if it’s physically ok for you to do so.

This young runner's got it all figured out!

Running isn’t complicated. It’s a lot like walking, only you get done faster. And it might help make your dog tired. Get it? Dog tired? Anyway, any running program should actually start with walking. Bonus! If you have a dog, chances are you guys already know how to walk together. Start by heading out the door and plan your route. Do you normally walk your dog for 20 minutes? Well, try walking for 5 minutes (to warm up your muscles and hopefully a chance for your dog to relieve itself) and then begin a slow, jog for 1 minute. You should be breathing easy enough to talk to your dog. If you find yourself gasping than either slow down and/or trying running for less than that minutes time. If you follow a walk/run program and are patient you and your dog will see some nice results soon! Another option, if you don’t like using a time, try walking from let’s say, one tree to the next tree. Then try running from that tree to the next one. So on and so forth. Before long you are going to find yourself running for that extra tree because it’s going to become easier to do so. Know what? Now you are a runner!

Runners hit the pavement at the "My Dogs are Barking" 5k in 2013

Ever wonder what to wear on a run? For dogs, it’s quite simple. A regular (non-choke) collar on a dog is always a good idea. Whether you are running or walking. Dogs don’t have pockets! They cannot carry wallets with all their important information. A collar with identification tags is important in case you and your dog ever get separated. But what about a running accessory? A harness is probably the best choice if you are going to be running with your dog. Because running can sometimes have abrupt stops and starts if your dog were wearing a choke or pinch collar that would certainly cause lots of un-necessary pain and stress. Not what running should be all about! Attaching your leash to your dog’s regular collar might not even be the best first choice. As pulling and quick/sudden tugging on your dog’s neck can still occur. A properly fitted harness is the most comfortable accessory choice for your dog while running.



The family that runs together, has fun together!

We hope these last few weeks of winter find you well. Now get up, get out the door, and run! And tell your dog, our Pet Fair is Saturday September 20^th, 2014. Hope to see you there.