Kids Running - Running with Dogs

RUNNING WITH DOGS
Dogs are natural runners and need more exercise than they can get in a pen in your yard. One way or another, they will let you know this very important fact. So if you or anyone in your family suffers from couch-potato-itis, then being a responsible dog owner will help you find a cure. Article by Carol Goodrow

All photos on this page by Mary Anne Williams/Red Tack Photos

DOG PARKS
If you already have a dog, then search out dog-friendly parks in your area. Read the rules. They may be detailed, even down to the type of a leash you must use. Others just welcome dogs, but all expect you to pick up after your dog. Some parks have dispensers with bio-degradeable poop bags to be put in the park's rubbish containers.

Parks often have leash or no-leash rules. In any event, your dog should be under control, non-violent, and friendly. If not, then head to obedience school first.
- Pet Friendly Travel
- Hike with your Dog

AGILITY
Play with your dog. Dogs love to play ball and many breeds are good at agility courses. You and your dog have more in common than you think.
- Dog Agility
- USDAA Dog Agility

EVENTS
You can find races to run with your dog. But don't take your dog to just any 5-K. Some have "no dogs allowed" rules and your dog won't be happy in the car while you run.
- Doggy Dash in Peachtree City, Georgia
- Doggy Dash, May 2008, Sacramento, CA
- Dog-n-Jog, Kansas City, June 2008

FROM THE POUND
Here's a favorite program from Indiana. It's called "Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound". Its purpose is 2-fold:
1. To help people lose weight.
2. To help address the needs of the great number of unwanted adoptable dogs.
This program makes adoptable dogs available on Saturday mornings for walks throughout the White River State Park.
-Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound
- Schedule of Events
It's a program worth checking out. Maybe you could start a similar program in your area.

DOG TIPS
Don't run with your dog in very hot weather. They will overheat. They don't have sweat glands like humans. You will hear them panting. That's their way to cool down.

If you're going to be out for a long time, carry water for your dog, too. They make collapsible bowls for your dog to drink from and you can even buy water bottles with an attachment that acts a as a water bowl for your dog.

FOR YOUR LITTLE COUCH POTATO
Get your child a dog!

. . . But lately Hannah couldn't watch any TV because as soon as she would sit down, Toby would appear. He's nudge her with a toy or he'd whine and point (with his nose) to a basket of balls that Hannah kept up high on a shelf.
Even though Toby couldn't talk, he could communicate very clearly. His message always was, Get up, Hannah. Play with me and HURRY! Toby never said "Please".
From Chapter Four The Treasure of Health and Happiness Carol Goodrow, 2004.

Did you take your dog for a walk or run today? There's still time.

rwedit@rodale.com