Running is an excellent physical activity that can improve your heart health, strengthen your muscles, and more. However, it can be difficult to find the motivation to keep up with a regular running schedule on your own. Many people enjoy running with a companion, but a human companion is not always ideal. That’s where a dog running partner fits in!
After all, other people have their own scheduling issues, health concerns, and even a lack of motivation.
When you choose your dog as your running partner, on the other hand, you may enjoy a wide range of exceptional health benefits as a result.

Need a Running Partner? How Having a Dog Can Make Your Life Healthier
Active Breeds to Keep You Motivated
Exercise is most beneficial for your health when it is done on a regular basis.
There is a wide range of very active dog breeds that crave daily exercise and that will jump at the chance to get outdoors with you.
In fact, on days when you may not feel motivated to go, you may notice your dog looking at your running shoes or his leash.
This can be an excellent source of motivation to help you stick to your running schedule.
Seeing your dog so excited can be contagious and can get you motivated on your low-energy days.
An Improved Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
Many people who decide to start running do so out of a desire to improve their overall health.
Nutrition and hydration are critical when you are running several miles or more each day.
It may be easy to overlook your own nutrition and hydration level initially, but you may take notice of your dog’s increased nutritional needs when he starts running with you.
This can help you to then focus on your own needs.
For example, you can rejuvenate your cells after a great workout by drinking a recovery drink, like the one ASEA discusses in their YouTube video, while your dog stays hydrated with a big bowl of water.
It’s best to keep the water cold for your pup and not at room temperature after a good workout.
The Safety and Security of a Dog as a Running Partner
Safety and security are top concerns for many runners.
While running with a human partner can help to keep you safe, a dog running beside you may be even more beneficial.
Many breeds are instinctively protective of their owners, and they may growl or bark fiercely if a stranger or a wild animal approaches you.
Some breeds are simply intimidating in their own rights, such as a pit bull, Rottweilers, or German shepherds.
Others may think twice about approaching you at if you have one of these breeds running beside you.
Always Ready to Go
Human running partners can easily make excuses about not wanting to run on a certain day.
Perhaps they had a long day at work or the weather is too cold, for example.
Dogs, however, are always ready to go running with you.
More than that, they will be enthusiastic and can help you to get in the right mindset to enjoy a great run.
You never have to worry about your dog bailing out on you at the last minute and leaving you to go on a run alone.
Some people enjoy the solitude of running alone, but many will benefit substantially when they run with a partner.
Human running partners often have many downsides to consider, and it can be tough to find the right individual to count on as a running partner.
Your dog, on the other hand, may be the ideal choice to use as your running partner.
If you are looking for a new dog running partner, focus on active breeds, and find a healthy, young dog that is ready to put in the miles with you.
Otherwise, ensure that your dog is healthy enough to join you on runs by getting a vet check-up before you start running regularly.
Calvin
Tuesday 25th of September 2018
I see people walking the dog all the time around here, definitely a good reason to get active
AMBER DELORME-STUBBS
Saturday 29th of July 2017
I really like this article, so much of what you said (wrote) is totally true..Dog's are not only mans or women's best friend's because their compassionate animal's, their not only "Healthy" to have around, their good for your mental heath and for your physical being..Dog's Rock!!
Mia
Thursday 27th of July 2017
Having a dog helps me get out despite the weather, especially in the cold and rainy season.
Sandra Watts
Wednesday 26th of July 2017
Oh yeah. If it were not for my dog I would never get out. LOL
shannon fowler
Monday 24th of July 2017
My fiancé's dog definitely keeps him more active. Mine teaches me to chill out. He's a smaller dog, but even then he prefers to lay in bed more than play or walk.