Running with Your Dog: Training Tips from a Pro

My dog and I had a nice routine. Every morning we stretched and yawned our way through an early morning walk. Research shows that dog walkers are healthier right? At one point I figured I would follow the herd and purchased an iPod. This was quickly ditched when I realized an onslaught of Aretha and Lady Gaga was far too much for my sleepy brain to handle at 5 a.m. I like to quietly plot my day to the relaxing backdrop of birds, barking dogs and traffic.

When I finally decided to "turn myself into a bona fide runner," Junie was ushered in as a partner. I knew deep down that this forty year old freelancer had the makings of a runner and I knew that my flat-backed black retriever had it in her to be an excellent running partner.

What I discovered was my dog was not only a partner, but she had the makings of a star trainer. Below, Junie shares her top training tips, along with my own thoughts on the matter.

A dog's guide to getting your owner fit: Training tips from a pro

Squirrel!

• The all important interval training is only code for, "Squirrel!" Take your owner through the paces; stop short and sniff the ground, race after a bird and then assume a safe pace again.
  
  
• Walking in the morning did not engage my dog's brain as much as attempting to run did. She was wide awake, and so was I by the end of our early trips. Gradually, running became more evenly paced, but the starts and stops do add a bit of fun to our runs. Even if the squirrels no longer entice, I make it a point of racing to the corner just to mix things up.
  
  Flatten the pooch.
• Not talking about a canine here; owners often refer to their lower abdominal area as a pooch. Dogs can help make this area flat just by running next to them on a leash. Let the running human feel in control, but only to a point. The more they engage their abs as the run they better, so tug if you feel the urge.
  
  
• Making it a point to pull my tummy muscles in to help control the leash created a new mid-section, and helped me train a sometimes unruly running partner to boot. Although I am unsure which one of us that would be.
  
  Retrieve results.
• Entice your owner to play fetch. Look excited when they toss a ball by running to retrieve it. Remember Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, make it look like fun and they just might race you to the ball.
  
  Hydrate
• This is key for both animals and adults. Tote extra water or at the very least, make your route revolve around a fresh water source. My neighborhood park has a concrete water fountain midway on the route. It has a handy spout on one side that can be used to fill up a water dish before we head back home.