Trail Running with your Dog.

Trail running is fun, but it can be more fun if you are running with your dog!

Rocky and I run with our dog Badger all the time, so I am sharing some of the gear we use for getting out and about with him! I also have some bonus tips and tricks from two trail-running doggy professionals (a dog groomer and a vet) so you can help your best mate have the best time on the trail!

What gear to use trail running with your dog. 

With our dog Badger we use a harness because I find you get better control with it as he is a big dog and has some pull on him. We use the Ruffwear Front Range Harness which is nice and light and easy to put on but, if we might have to carry Badger over a cattle stop or something similar when hiking we use the Ruffwear Flagline Harness, which has a built in handle and an extra clip around the belly for more support. If you are running longer distances and need to bring water and extra gear for your dog, I recommend the Ruffwear Trail Running Vest - which has zip pockets and a mesh body to help keep your pup cool!

The connection between you both is super important! You can use a hand leash but I prefer running with a leash that is hands-free and is attached around my waist. We use the Ruffwear Roamer Leash which comes in 2 different lengths and has Wavelength™ stretch webbing, which extends keeping you both connected but gives the doggy a bit more room for roaming and exploration if they want it.

If you are out in bad weather and want to keep your dog clean or dry - the best coat that works for us is the Ruffwear Cloud Chaser. This is a soft-shell jacket that repels rain and keeps the mud off (as much as possible). If you are looking for a straight rain jacket, then the Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Jacket looks good! It's a longer length and can be fitted over the harness and attached via a portal to the leash! How good!

Now, the gear is only one part of getting your dog out on the trail. What about some tips and tricks and things you should know before you start?

Well, here is what your dog groomer wants you to know when you take your dog running - Vicky's a trail runner herself!

Since dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as humans, their fur must be kept in good condition so there is good airflow and they don’t overheat when they run. This is super easy if you have a smooth-coated dog but if you have a double-coated or long-haired breed then keeping their fur well-maintained and trimmed is essential.

Knots and extra fur that hasn’t been removed from brushing/cutting will not only prevent airflow through the coat but will also soak up water like a sponge and could end up making the dog cold once you finish your run since they won’t dry as quickly.

In summer, matted, unmaintained fur can cause them to overheat. It also becomes a trap for seeds and trail debris which can irritate their skin and create wounds or sores. 

In winter, don’t be tempted to let their fur grow long. Instead, keep them trimmed and buy them a coat for the times they might get cold. I also love toweling jackets to put on straight after cold, wet runs; it not only keeps the car cleaner on the ride home but also helps your canine buddy dry quicker and stay warm. And, let’s face it, the less time you have to smell ‘wet dog’, the better! 

Remember to always check under their paws, in between their toes and inside their ears after running, especially when grasses are shedding seeds so you can catch them before they get lodged in their skin. Catch them early and you save yourself a vet bill! Some dogs seem to be more susceptible to grass seeds than others due to either your preferred running locations and/or their foot structure and fur. Consider boots during grass seed season to protect their feet if it’s a recurring problem. 

And speaking of that vet bill, Thea Taylor from Estuary Vets, who is also a trail runner, gives us her top 7 things to think about when running with your pups!

1. Wait until they’re fully grown (anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on the breed, check with your vet!) or risk future joint problems that have them sidelined from the trails (work on things like your recall and introducing them to new terrain when you're waiting for them to come of age!)
2. Getting your dog in a harness (Like Julz and Rocky do with Badger) is preferable over a collar as a pull on the neck isn’t good for the windpipe, or the neck itself!
3. If it’s a safe place to let them off leash make sure you’ve nailed your recall!
4. Build up their fitness just like you do yourself – this is the best protection against the dreaded ACL rupture! So, make sure you both warm up to keep those ACLs intact!
5. Consider pet insurance, as sometimes the good times are dampened by a penetrating grass seed, a cut paw, or that darned ACL rupture...
6. Avoid overheating. Dogs can't regulate their body temperature as well as we can, so train early in the morning or in the shade of the forest if it’s getting warm and carry water for your dog too – a collapsible bowl is like your dog's own fast-cup! See Vicky's grooming tips for helping your dog stay cool too!
7. Make sure you pack a post-run treat for them, as well as you! 😊

How's that for a comprehensive guide on things to think about when taking your dog running? From gear to grooming and keeping your dog out of the vet, there is a bit of information on everything!

What are your top tips on trail running with your dog?

The Top 5 things you need to know when trail running with your dog:

1. Get a Harness not a collar, for running. You have more control and it's better for your dog's windpipe/neck!
2. Warm up and build up your dog's fitness to keep them from getting a really bad injury.
3. Make sure you brush/get your dog groomed regularly, a build-up of fur and knots can reduce airflow, soak up water like a sponge and become a trap for seeds and debris.
4. Always check your dog's paws after a run for bits that shouldn't be there - grass seed etc.
5. Make sure they have access to water during the run and bring a post run treat - that goes for you and your dog!