Teach Your Dog To Run Alongside You
Friday, December 20, 2019 12:09:00 PM America/Los_Angeles
If you're a runner and you have a dog with a lot of energy, you probably would love for him to become your running buddy. But that's easier said than done, right? Dogs typically want to run ahead of their owners or not run with their owners at all. But if you've got the patience and your dog has the stamina, it can work! So when you've got your dog's leash on him and you're both ready to go, try these five easy steps to teach your dog to run with you.
Want to teach your dog to run with you? Here are 5 easy steps
- Conquer walking together first. Be sure that your dog is good at walking next to you on a leash at a leisurely pace. He should always be on one side of you (choose the left side or the right side and stay consistent), and he shouldn't pull. Ensure that his front feet are either even with yours or a little bit behind yours. His leash should always be loose, meaning that it doesn't tighten against his neck when you pull it.
- Have your dog sit next to you. When he sits next to you on command, give him a treat so he knows he should obey your commands as you embark on this new adventure. Now you're ready to go!
- Start power walking. Make sure your dog knows that you're in charge as you begin walking at a brisk pace. If he does well, give him more treats as you go. If he starts to pull ahead of you, stop him and have him sit again. Once he sits and looks at you, give him a treat again and resume your power walk.
- Introduce a few turns as you power walk. You can turn at a 90-degree angle and/or a 180-degree angle, but your dog should always follow your lead.
- Begin running! Once you've mastered power walking and turning with your dog at your side, it's time to start running. Once he's got his leash on, pick up the pace! Use the same tactics as before. (If he does well, reward him periodically with a treat. If he doesn't do well and starts to pull, stop running and have him sit next to you for a few seconds so he can re-focus.) Also, be sure not to overdo it. Make sure his first run alongside you isn't very long. You can even start with a walk around the neighborhood and then run for a little bit just to get him used to it. As your dog gets better, you can start running for longer periods of time.
As your dog learns to run alongside you, it's a good idea to consistently offer him water. It'll be tough on him at first to do such vigorous exercise in such a disciplined way, so be sure to always take great care of him.
Would your dog appreciate an indoor dog potty?
After your dog masters the art of running alongside you, reward him with his own indoor dog potty! In case you won't be home for a few hours, it's a good idea to give him a great place to do his business inside. Bark Potty is a convenient, clean, natural and disposable dog potty solution. It's made of real bark, and, like real grass, it contains the natural smells that compel dogs to go potty. Dogs can easily use Bark Potty any time they like. It's perfect for indoor or outdoor use -- so you can use it in your living room, on the balcony or any place in between. As your dog urinates, the liquids drain into -- and are absorbed by -- the bark chips and other organic materials, just like with grass. The inside of each tray is lined with a special wax to contain the liquid. When you dog goes "number two," simply remove it as you would if you were walking your dog. Each Bark Potty only needs to be replaced once or twice a month, which is much easier than puppy pee pads or fake grass. To order your own Bark Potty today, simply visit BarkPotty.com. Your dog will thank you!