Running with Dogs

I have a hard time finding articles in the Wall Street Journal to use both the adjectives "interesting" and "fun." However, today's story by Kevin Helliker about the benefits of running with your dog really was actually both. Just in case you (like me) don't have a subscription to the WSJ online version, I'll summarize:

There may be little better for dogs than exercise, especially a good long run. And, as long as you, the owner, is in decent shape to begin with, a good long run for you a couple times of week is great as well. When owner and dog get out on the pavement or trails together, here is what happens:

1.  You both get some good exercise (and, odds are, your dog will LOVE IT a lot more than you).

2.  You will most likely be able to run longer due to the fun of watching FIDO go and not having to listen about last night's American Idol recap from chatty Kathy running mate.

3.  Both you and your dog will be better off from an emotional and behavioral standpoint.

Kevin also brings up a couple of really good safety points:

1.  Running with your dog may actually keep you safe from other animals out there. Just both of y'all be careful of those big ones made of metal and plexiglass.

2.  Both you and your dog need to start slow and build up distance and time rather than gunning it right out of the gate. Yes, I know the workout in Rocky III is inspiring. While your dog can go for miles on the beach, you, my friend, need to start slow.

3.  Be careful of heat. We have this wonderful cooling system called perspiration. Fido's got a mouth. If you live someplace warm, take care because heat stroke is serious thing for you and worse for your dog.

Finally, did you know there are services that actually run your dog for you? I could only dig up three on a quick search in Chicago, New York, California and New York. I imagine more of these services will pop up in the future as more and more of us humans lead sedentary lives. While I'm all for entrepreneurship, I SERIOUSLY hope more people will get off their expanding bee-hinds, grab the leash, and get everyone’s' legs and tails moving.

One piece of advice: We and our four legged friends were designed without pavement and asphalt in mind. While New Balance will keep us going on those surfaces, it may be a little damaging to Fido's healthy paws. Here is a link to some good runners for Fido. Remember, start slow and get out there!