Saturday, September 8, 2012

Dog Running Gear For All Runners

By Tara Webb


Runners who want a little company on their daily trek to better health may decide to invest in outfitting their canine friend. Dog running gear is a good investment to help keep your pup comfortable and safe as he runs alongside you each time you venture out. A canine needs to be safely outfitted as he runs at a faster pace on a leash flanking you then he would freely in a backyard.

If you are just starting out as a runner and want your four-legged friend to come along with you, you should first make sure he or she is ready. There are some breeds of canine that are not meant to run alongside their owners. Your furry friend will also need to be of a certain age before you can safely have him or her tag along on your route. A stop at the family vet's office to determine your pup's health might be the first stop in your path to good health.

Regular leashes of six, eight or ten feet long are not going to be as comfortable on a run as a runner's leash for dogs. The leash for runner's dogs will be adjustable and comfortably set around their waist. It will have a leash of about eight feet long that allows their canine to run in front of them or to the side of them. It will not have a retractable style leash because they are not secure for safety reasons.

Most waist leashes allow you to have your exercise partner run at your side or in front of you. This is a choice that you can make that is best for both you and your canine. The waist portion should be padded for maximum comfort and some come with a water bottle hook.

There are many canine outfitters that carry clogs or boots for dogs who accompany their owners on runs, hikes or jogs. These are usually made of an all-weather material with a slip-resistant padding on the bottom. Most come with a cord or large strip of Velcro to secure the boot around the dog's foot. You will need to help your pup get used to wearing these fancy type shoes before attempting to take her on a run.

If you and your favorite exercise partner are going for a longer run or a hike, you might outfit him or her with a backpack. There are many different types of packs made for dogs that can help you carry things like cell phones, keys, cameras and water. Some of them have built-in water bladders which make them a lot more comfortable for your four-legged friend to walk or run with them.

When you first begin your exercise routine with your pup, you will want to start out slow. Beginning with short runs for a few days and then slowly progressing to longer and longer runs will be beneficial for both you and your four-legged partner. If you pup seems to get tired, stop and offer him or her water and a short rest before continuing.

Dog running gear is for your dog's safety and protection. You will enjoy your run, lose weight or maintain your health while spending time with your canine friend, who will be protected with the best equipment for your run. Be sure to specify her breed when purchasing items to outfit her from an online store.




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