Running with Your Dog in Cold Weather

Running is one of the fastest, easiest ways to attain fitness or weight loss.  For most that means going outside.  The excuse, “its too cold”, can be tempting but here are some tips to help you and your dog run in the cold weather.

First, your dog is definitely not going to heed to the excuse “its too cold”.  Doesn’t matter what the temperature most dogs are up for an outing.  So, use that wag of excitement as inspiration to go out out and get a run in anyway.

When is it too cold for your dog to run with you?  The simple answer to that question is if its too cold for you, its too cold for the dog.  Its easy to get confused on that question though so be aware when you are making the choice “its too cold” versus “I don’t feel like it and the temperature is colder than I’d like it to be.”  Thats called an excuse.

Take note that wind is an element to consider.  Wind chill factors can dip fast so if you are looking for a legitimate excuse “its too cold”, the wind will work to hold that statement up.  Look for a day when you don’t have to brave your way through gale wind storm.

One way to making cold weather running fun for you is to get some gear that not only makes you look really cool but these days the fabrics are made to keep heat in, shed perspiration and are lightweight.  This is true for the dog as well and depending on your dog’s natural fur coat there are options for winter time gear for your dog as well. Upscale Dog Supplies has great dog cold weather running apparel.

Dogs with undercoats like collies, labs, huskies and shepherds tend to stay warmer and aren’t as affected by the elements.  Dogs with single coats like Weimarners, Vizslas, Papillons and Pit Bulls could certainly use a dog coat to help keep the heat in during cold weather conditions.

If you are running with your dog in temperatures below freezing as we have been here in Taos, NM where we are spending a couple months training this winter, its best to keep moving.  That’s good advice for you and the dog.  Movement creates heat and running while its 20 degrees out with the right clothes on for you and the dog makes all the difference.  In fact you could find yourself actually feeling warm in these conditions.

Its when you stop that you’ll find the chill factor setting in.  Keep moving and plan your run so that you can go inside when you and the dog complete the route or you are able to get in a car you can heat up quickly right after the run.

Even though it’s cold you will still lose hydration during a winter time run so make sure to hydrate, and of course this is true for your dog too.

Finding motivation to run in the winter may take a bit more inspiration.  A 5k or 10K race, even one that is dog friendly, may be the answer to keep you motivated.  A training program written for you and your dog to follow has proven to be a factor of successfully staying fit during the winter.

Most dogs are in need of an active lifestyle.  Amazingly enough that is true for humans as well.  Go outside.  Have some fun.  Take the dog.  Drink water.  Wag more.

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©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010   www.SitK9Sit.com  www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Dog Training Encinitas

From Blogger Pictures

Saturday morning in Encinitas, CA. Even though it was a bit rainy for the likes of San Diego people and their dogs, this morning seemed to be very lively with people out and about on the 101 in North County San Diego.

We headed out for the beach with our own dogs to get some exercise early on and on the way stopped at Starbucks for coffee in Encinitas on the 101. So many people were out running their dogs, walking their dogs, or just going for coffee and taking the family dog on an outing.

As we sat outside and sipped our coffee and read the paper, a gentleman came along with the cutest little dog in the picture... and tied him off to the table next to the door of Starbucks so he could go in and order his much desired coffee drink of choice. As he was going, his small puppy was jumping at the door to go after him. I watched him diligently keep going back outside and putting his dog in a very nice sit. As he did it he looked over at us and said "he's in training".

Of course as a professional dog trainer I had such huge appreciation for this that I couldn't stop myself from offering to help him... so I told him no worries... you go in and I'll assist in keeping your dog in the position you left him in.

It was so cool. This little dog only needed a little assistance as was doing so well as people walked by, commented on him, had food and coffee in hand, and his owner was inside all the while.

A little advice on how to keep his dog in position when the owner came out and the explanation of how his dog learns and thinks in pictures and everyone was really happy.

Sometimes the feeling of just helping someone and their dog is the greatest! Get out and have some fun, enjoy your dog, get some exercise. We live in one of the greatest places in the world!