- Hello fellow trail runners and dog lovers! Lace up your sneakers and grab a bag of treats because we're about to embark on an adventure. In today's pawsitively entertaining blog post, we'll be unleashing the ultimate guide to trail running with your four-legged companion. Get ready to sprint through the wilderness while dodging squirrels, sniffing every tree, and mastering the art of untangling leashes. So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a barking beginner, these tips will have you and your furry friend bounding with joy on the trails. Let's paw-ty!
What You Need Prior Trail Run With Your Dog
Before adventuring into this journey with your new and furry trail run partner there are a couple of things we need to do and know before hitting the trail.
- Pre-run readiness: Consult with your veterinarian, & brush up with obedience training and make sure you are picking appropriate trails for both you and your pup.
- Gearing up: Make sure you have gather the basics & a few extra items to ensure a safer and enjoyable experience for everyone in trip including your dog.
- Mind your trail manners: Leash manners, stepping aside when others are coming and picking up your waste after yourself are just some of the things you want to be mindful of.
- Beware trail hazards: watch out for heat warnings, creatures, plants & pathogens.
Visiting The Vet
Some of the questions you might be looking to do your vet prior to your run:
- Is your dog physically mature enough for trail running?
- What's a reasonable training schedule to build endurance?
- Does your dog need any specific vaccinations or preventative medicines?
Gearing Up
While your usual gear for a regular walk around the park might work for your pup we have included here some of our favorites:
- Leash: while all leashes are great we recommend those that are waist attach as they provide more stability and are more secure than a handheld model.
- Harness: A harness are generally more comfortable than the day-to-day collar. They also provide a more securely and effective way to control your dog
- Poop bags: picking up after your dog is the rule so take plenty of waste bags.
- Water container: Just like you your pawl needs to get hydrated to and ensure to carry fresh water for both you and them. A lightweight collapsible dish will make the trick.
- Booties: While dogs paws can walk outside without a problem in the city they might not be used to walking around sharp rocks, thorns or snow so including some footwear will keep them safe
- Safety light: Unless your runs are going to be 100% away from traffic, then having a safety light to give your companion added visibility is a wise move.
Trails Etiquette
Generally, dog's are not allowed even on a leash, on national parks. National forest and local parks do allow them but rules vary park to park. In the rare circumstance that leashes are not required we still recommend having one .
Some rules to follow while in a park:
- Always use a leash
- Yield for hikers, horses, and bikes
- Skip the earbuds
- Pack out filled poop bags
Trail Hazards For Your Dog You Need To Be Aware off
Believe it or not your pooch is susceptible to the same dangers you are if not more. Which is why we must be extra vigilant when take our furry friends out for a trail run. Some of this dangers are:
- Over breathing or high heart rate levels, take some breaks and ensure that your pooch is getting the hydration that they need.
- Wildlife can be extremally dangerous towards our pups which is why is important to keep our friends on the leash to avoid them from playing with animals they might encounter in the trail.
- Wild plants there are several plants that can cause digestive issues among other problems in our dogs health. Which is why is important to stop them from chewing any plant or stick they might encounter.
- Heat stokes are no joke which is why is important to go on this trails runs when the heat is not exhousting for them. Ensure you are taking breaks and provide them with shade and breaks as you go alongside the trail.
