​Running in hotter temperatures means adjustments for all— runners, stroller riders and pets!  Many Stroller Warriors, including myself, run with their dogs.  Recently, a friend of Stroller Warriors shared some great advice about running with your furry friends— all useful advice as we added a dog to our family last fall.  Once we trained our dog to heel, it was an easy and quick adjustment running with the stroller AND the dog— running 4 to 5 miles several times a week and even attending runs with Stroller Warriors.  It seemed like I had settled into a smooth routine with the dog…then the late spring/summer-time heat and humidity arrived.  Our dog struggled with the rising temperatures, so I had to make several modifications— shorter runs, changing the time of day, including several water breaks, or just skipping a run with the dog. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when running with a dog in the summer heat:

1. Touch the ground.  Is the pavement too hot for your bare feet or hands?  If so, then it’s too hot for your dog.  The hot pavement can cause damage to your dog’s paws.  What can you do?  Which times- try running earlier when the pavement isn’t heated by the sun.  Even in the evening, the pavement will still be too hot for a dog to run. 
2. When out on a run, guide your dog towards running in the grass or other cooler surfaces. Dogs will unknowingly burn their paws. 
3. How is your dog’s breathing?  Is your dog panting heavily with his tongue sticking out? If so, your dog needs a break.  Pause (preferably in the shade), give your dog a sip of water, and a few moments to catch his/her breath. 
4. If possible, plan your run around local water fountains or a dog park with a watering station—this a fun break for both dogs and kids! 

Running in the summer is always fun, but we must remember to keep yourself and family members- including pets- safe in the heat!
 
Happy Running,
Rose 

​Many questions have surfaced in the Stroller Warriors® community recently concerning how to run with a stroller and a dog at the same time.  My family does not have a dog (yet), but we just PCS-ed and are on the lookout for the perfect rescue dog.  However, I have been able to run many miles with my team Elsewhere friend, Jess, and her dogs during our last assignment at Shaw AFB.  I often ran with Jess and her dogs around the neighborhood, but she also ran with her dogs during multiple ultra-marathons.  The bond and companionship Jess enjoyed with her dogs, for both short and long distances, was a major reason I decided that we need to add a furry friend to our home.  I realized that I would need a plan to run both the dog and stroller…luckily Jess provided many helpful tips to me, and she and I even did a “test run” with both our stroller and her dog.  Though her kids have outgrown their strollers, she ran with both stroller and dogs in the past, and she has been my go-to person for advice on this!

​Dog Training
Before running with your dog, it is important to teach your furry friend to heel next to you- this helps prevent the dog leash from twisting around the stroller and its wheels, and it can even prevent a collision with your pet.  Jess gave two pieces of advice on teaching your dog how to heel: first, begin taking your dog on walks with your dog walking next to you.  Is your dog tugging you along—if so, stop walking until your dog stands next to you. After a few seconds, continue walking with your dog and repeat this exercise if your dog continues to pull you along.  Second, if your dog pulls to chase, gently pull your dog back to you, reverse your direction, walk about 50 feet, U-turn back to your stopping point, then continue your run.

Gear
Having the proper gear (for you and your dog) will make the run more comfortable.  Running with a dog requires the use of 2 hands. 

Jess suggests running with a dog leash belt system.  The belt system will help a runner free up their hands to use for the stroller as the belt fastens around the runner’s waist.  The leash to her dog is attached to a harness which helps prevent any hard tugging on the dog’s neck.  This makes running more comfortable for your dog.  
https://ruffwear.com/products/trail-runner-system
https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness

When running in the early mornings or in the evenings (or any periods of poor lighting), both runner and dog should wear reflective gear or a light.  Jess’s dog wears a red light, which I love!  I can always see Jess from about a quarter mile away because of her dog’s light!  Reflective strips can also be placed on the stroller.  I usually have the kids carry a lantern in their lap during low-light runs to increase the stroller’s visibility. 
https://ruffwear.com/products/the-beacon-safety-dog-light

Most importantly, be sure to keep your dog hydrated, especially in the heat!  Pack water for yourself, your kids, and share some water with your dog!  Keep a collapsible dog bowl or container for your dog at the bottom of your stroller.  Forgot the dog bowl?  No problem!  Share your water with your dog by slowly streaming water out of a water bottle and into the dog’s mouth.  
https://ruffwear.com/products/quencher-packable-dog-bowl

***Disclaimer: Stroller Warriors® is not promoting this specific brand.  The items mentioned above are used by Jess for her dog.***

Safety
Form should be emphasized when running with your dog and stroller.  Remember to always keep the stroller’s safety strap around your wrist (with or without running with a dog).  The dog leash should never be attached to the handlebar of the stroller or anywhere on the stroller!  You never know if/when a dog will pull.  If the leash is attached to the stroller, the stroller might tip. 

Start slow!  Do not expect your dog to go for a long run with you if your dog has never run- you will over work your dog!  A C25K format would be the perfect type of program to introduce your dog to running with you and the stroller.  Your dog will eventually gain stamina and endurance. 

Be sure the dog is running next to you (as mentioned above) to prevent the leash from becoming tangled on the wheel or stroller, and to avert a collision between the stroller and the dog!

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Thank you Jess for contributing your knowledge and experiences to the Stroller Warrior Community.  Both you and your dog are a fantastic classic duo! 
 
Happy Running!
-Rose