5 Tips for Running with Your Four-Legged Friend

Research shows that running with a canine friend could boost your fitness levels. Here’s how to get started.

Fact: dogs make the best running buddies. They can’t wait to head out the door, they can set a good pace and they never complain about the weather. According to a recent study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, people who exercise with their dog are 34 per cent more likely than non-dog owners to be physically fit. And for many, running with a dog tops walking – it boosts the owner’s aerobic fitness, allows the dog to express natural instincts and, let’s face it, is a lot quicker than hours of strolling. ‘We’ve seen first-hand the benefits of running with a dog,’ says Ginetta George, director of DogFit (dogfit.co.uk), dog running experts. ‘A responsible dog owner should be exercising their pet every day. Not only does running with their dog keep both pet and owner fit, but it also saves valuable time – no need to walk the dog then head off to the gym!’

This perhaps explains why canicross, cross country running with a dog, is growing in popularity. Originally borne in Europe as a way of training the dog sledding community during the off season, canicross is now a sport in the UK. A variety of dog breeds – from little terriers to big labradors – take part, as well as owners with a range of fitness levels. Dog racing events take place up and down the country, whether at an official canicross event or a dog-friendly parkrun, over a variety of distances. Fancy getting involved? You can, as long as your dog is fully matured (usually around a year old). Here are some tips from the experts at DogFit on how to run with a canine friend.