Category Pets

I don’t run without a leash in my hands, a pet dog at my side. lots of runners do not own dogs. other runners have dogs and they don’t bring them along on runs. Either their dogs are “too small” (although I’m sure they could still keep up) or their dogs are too crazy and pull too much (hmmm, wouldn’t that be a reason to run more?). Others say it’s too hot or too cold for a dog.

I chose a pet dog based on its running potential. I wanted a pet dog at least 40 pounds or so, an athletic dog, a young dog, a pet dog with long legs. I couldn’t have found a better running buddy. My mutt Ace’s only problem is his sleek, black coat and lean body. He can overheat in the summer and has very little insulation in the winter.

Ace and I went on a 10-mile run yesterday morning, early enough so the mutt and I would not get too hot. It got up to 80 degrees! but today it’s back in the 30s …

Running 10 miles is a lot more mentally challenging than physically challenging. When I’m at mile 9 with stiff knees, a bum ankle, the wind against me and a worn out dog, my mental strength is what figures out whether I run or walk the last mile.

I’ve done enough long runs to know that I can’t make it through unless I’m mentally having a good day. That’s why I plan my long runs very carefully. I pick sunny days, very carefully pre-planning routes with new paths and some grassy areas where the mutt can be off leash. I also tell myself I can go as slow as I want, as long as I complete the run. That seems to do the trick.

How do you motivate yourself for longer runs and walks?

April miles: 80.85

Pet sitters see a great deal of odd things.

If you’re a pet sitter, you understand what I’m speaking about!

Sooner or later, you’re bound to walk in on something awkward. You’ll also deal with clients who have some odd requests for their animals.

Plus, you just never know what the dogs as well as cats themselves will do!

I’d truly like to hear your funny, odd or uncomfortable pet sitting stories in the comments. I understand you have them!

The complying with are a couple examples some pet sitters showed me.

When an additional pet just shows up in the house

Crystal Stemberger of Crystal’s relaxing care was hired to inspect on two cats after their normal home sitter fell through.

“I didn’t get to satisfy the cats in advance,” she said. “It was a last-minute hire.”

On her very first visit, she stated she saw a “streak of black as well as white” run past her with the feline door as well as a “fat, happy, gray feline waiting to be fed.”

She filled up their bowls, cleaned their litter boxes as well as went on her way. The next day, she didn’t even see the black-and-white cat, just the gray one.

Then, on the third day, there was the gray feline together with an orange feline waiting by the food dishes.

“At this point, I was extremely confused as well as texted the owners,” Stemberger said.

She asked, “You have two cats, right?”

The owners stated yes, they had a gray feline as well as a black as well as white cat.

“So who is this small, orange tabby?” Stemberger asked.

The owners responded, “We don’t understand that one! Please get it out of our house!”

Stemberger eliminated the orange feline a lot more than once, however he kept coming back.

Eventually, the household ended up adopting the orange tabby.

“His persistence as well as wonderful temperament won them over,” she said. “His new name is Crasher as in ‘party crasher’ considering that ‘free meal’ didn’t roll off the tongue.”

You’ve seen everything if you’re a pet sitter

Katie is the co-owner of a pet sitting service as well as stated she as well as her service partners have seen sufficient to compose a book. (She asked me not to utilize her genuine name).

For example, one of her clients insists the pet sitters speak to her plants to make sure they are “happy as well as content,” Katie said. “And we requirement to step them to a new place if we sense they are depressed.”

This client has a nanny cam to make sure whatever occurs precisely as she wants it, according to Katie.

But that may be nothing compared to a specific longtime, midday client.

This client was going with a divorce from his wife, Katie said. A pet dog walker would go to his home everyday at the exact same time, Monday with Friday.

“One day she walks in, as well as he is in his boxers as well as nothing else as well as he is enjoying porn on his laptop,” she said. “And he acts totally shocked to see her. Really?”

‘Special’ diets

Many of you understand I am a pet sitter with my service Run That Mutt.

A couple of years back I shown up at a new client’s apartment. I observed a strong odor before I even got to her door. She was the owner of two Yorkie mixes.

The dogs just keep getting sick, she explained.

Then she went over their schedule, describing that they were not housebroken yet as well as that I must expect them to poop in the apartment. (She’d had them a year.)

For their meals, she instructed me to provide them Kentucky Fried poultry twice a day as well as showed me the red, family-sized bucket. I likewise observed a plate of dried up Kraft mac as well as cheese on the floor, untouched.

Please provide them bottled water, she said. The tap water is just “too difficult on their bit systems.”

Getting locked out of the house

Jess Harris was pet sitting one of her regulars, a shiba inu named Teddy.

Teddy might be a bit destructive if enabled to roam in the home alone, Harris said. One morning, Harris inadvertently locked herself out of the home (a pet sitter’s worst nightmare, right?!).

As she sat at the front door waiting on somebody from the business to find with the spare key, she realized Teddy was alone doing who understands what to the house.

“Frantically trying to figure out a method to distract him, I let out a bark with the front door,” she said. “He ran to the front door, barking at the ‘dog’ on the other side.”

She stated she kept barking at him to keep him distracted from destroying the house!

“It worked like a charm, however people walking by most likely believed it rather odd to see some random woman at their neighbor’s front door, barking at her dog!”

Unwanted gifts

Brooke increased was pet dog sitting a friend’s pet dog named Huck, as well as she stated Huck showed up on the back deck with a “detached” deer leg in his mouth.

“I have no concept if the golden retriever ripped the leg off a carcass himself or just discovered the leg, however I was at a overall loss of what to do,” she said.

In Tahoe, it’s not strange to discover a deer carcass right here as well as there, according to Rose.

I have to say, I’ve never had that experience with Run That Mutt!

OK pet sitters as well as pet dog walkers, I want to hear your crazy stories now. I understand you have them!

expert pet dog fitness instructors tell me it’s a lot more crucial to tire out my pet dog mentally vs. physically.

More than one told me my weimaraner Remy should only need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day (Ha! great one!), as well as that I must focus on technique training, impulse manage as well as puzzle toys.

These are all excellent suggestions, but I put physical exercise very first for a lot of dogs. particularly a high-drive, working pet dog like Remy.

Remy is a pet, however he comes from a line of dogs bred for serious hunting as well as endurance.

So as soon as we get up in the morning, we walk.

And a number of times per week we either run, head to the pet dog park or hike. We work on obedience training regularly, however we walk every single day no matter what.

Training as well as policies as well as impulse manage as well as socialization are important, however exercise makes the most difference for the largest portion of dogs.

When I utilized to volunteer to take shelter dogs to adoption events, I took pleasure in handling the a lot of “challenging” dogs with poor reputations. They were always well behaved for me, not since I’m an remarkable trainer however since I took them running ideal before the event!

These dogs showed no indication of obedience skills, however they might behave in public just since they’d had a possibility to shed off some anxiety as well as energy. I don’t indicate running them to exhaustion, I indicate just running with them for 30 minutes.

When we lived in San Diego, I took Remy to the country for the 4th of July. I got to see my exercise approach in action.

We spent a week with household on their ranch as well as camping in the mountains. Remy got to be off leash the majority of the time. We hiked for 10 miles, as well as he got to run as well as play with other dogs. Simply, he got to be a pet dog without the limitations of our normal (at the time) city life.

Once you eliminate all the additional energy from my dog, he’s a different guy. Calm. Easygoing. Doesn’t nip, jump or run off.

As a country dog, Remy did not obsessively eat dirt or pieces of trash or try to pick up rocks like he performs in San Diego. He voluntarily took naps outside and even put himself to bed by retreating to his open kennel.

The difference was unbelievable. My dog’s true character lastly got to emerge.

“Yes, I’m a great dog,” he told me. “I want to be with you. I’m not as brave as I pretend. I’m not very assertive. I just don’t understand exactly how to manage my energy.”

Of course, Remy was likewise worn out from satisfying new people as well as dogs plus all of the new sights, smells as well as experiences. He had a great mental workout.

But you might nearly see the energy kick back around him after just one afternoon off leash—freedom to run as he wished, make options as well as just be a weimaraner.

And then we returned to the city with all the limitations of metropolitan life, as well as I looked for methods to continue that flexibility for my dog—more exercise, fewer boundaries.

I even chilled out my rules.

Does it truly matter if my pet dog walks at a tight heel? Not really. Does it matter if he sits completely in front of me when called? Nope.

But will he stick near me as well as not run off? will he pay interest when I state his name? Does he prevent conflict with other dogs? Can he manage himself in new situations?

Perhaps these are the training ideas that matter a lot of no matter where we live.

And believe me, I’m all about training. This entire web site is mainly about pet dog training!

I’m just trying to state that often the option to a issue is a great deal easier than we make it.

Remove the anxiety as well as energy as well as you’ll eliminate the behavioral issues too.

Sometimes it’s a lot more complicated, of course. Often, it’s not.

A tired pet dog may or may not be a great dog, however he’ll have an much easier time being himself.

That’s all I’m ever truly looking for. just letting my dogs be dogs.

Do you have a similar technique to exercise as well as training?

Or do you see it differently?

Let me understand in the comments.

-Lindsay

Update: Since this publish was written, my pet dog Remy has been training for long-distance running. He’s a much happier pet dog now that he’s discovered his true work. He is a great deal like the “country-dog” version of him I described in this post.

2nd update: We’ve transferred to a a lot more rural area as well as it’s much much better for Remy as well as I!

Also, say thanks to you for supporting That Mutt on Patreon.

Related posts:

How to online with a hyper pet dog in an apartment

Putting in the work: any type of pet dog can be a great dog

UPDATE: The winner has been selected, and the successful Kickstarter campaign is over.

One of my readers has volunteered to have 20 pounds of balanced blends raw dog food shipped to someone interested in feeding raw.

The reason this person decided to do this is because one of the common barriers to feeding raw dog food is cost. we all know commercial raw dog food costs more than dry dog food.

You may remember I featured balanced blends on my blog last month.

Balanced blends is a new raw dog food company that delivers frozen raw diets, and the company ran a Kickstarter campaign through may 27 with promotional discounts on its food.

The Kickstarter campaign is designed to give pet owners a chance to order the food at an “early bird” rate. (Balanced blends is a fully funded company.)

The Kickstarter campaign is a promotion where pet owners can:

1. Pre-order raw dog food and raw cat food at a discounted price + free shipping.

2. receive an extended special rate for up to six months.

Would your dog like to try raw food?

The reader I referred to above already donated $90 for the pre-order Kickstarter campaign which ended up equaling 20 pounds of raw chicken. This also includes a six-month special offer to receive 25 pounds of food for the price of 20.

Both the 20 pounds of raw food and the six-month special offer will be transferred to one lucky reader of That Mutt.

[quote_center]Any time I can really introduce someone to the benefits of raw, I like to jump on it, and this seems like a good way to me.[/quote_center]

 

“Any time I can really introduce someone to the benefits of raw, I like to jump on it, and this seems like a good way to me.”

I thought this was very generous.

How to enter the giveaway

This giveaway is designed to help someone get started with raw food if cost has been a barrier.

*The winner has been notified.

If you would like to be considered in this giveaway, you can do one of two things:

1. Leave a comment below that indicates your dog would like to be considered. No need to explain why.

2. Or, you can email me privately at Lindsay@ThatMutt.com and I’ll enter you in the drawing.

I’ll choose one winner at random on may 28, which is the day after the Kickstarter campaign ends. must have a mailing address in the contiguous united states to win.

Would your dog benefit from raw food?

Let me know in the comments.

*Thank you to the reader who volunteered to donate this offer. This person chose to remain anonymous. Balanced blends sponsored my original review post last month.

There are all sorts of scenarios where dogs really lose it and bark like crazy, so it’s hard to write about barking in general.

For this post I’m focusing on when you’re home with your canine or in the yard with your canine and he barks because he sees, smells or hears something.

If you’re searching for suggestions on how to stop a canine from barking when home alone, see this post.

And as always, I’d love to hear your ideas because it’s not like my suggestions are going to work for every single dog.

This post is sponsored by green Bark Gummies.

Tips to stop a canine from barking at home

1. keep your canine on a leash.

I don’t imply all the time, just when you know he’s likely to bark.

You ought to know what his “triggers” are by now. If not, make a list.

Keeping your canine on a leash when you know he’ll be tempted to bark will limit his freedom, making it simpler for you to avoid him from barking or to re-gain control if he does start barking.

If your canine is on a leash, he’s less likely to charge the window or the fence or the door.

For example, even if you have a fenced yard, you can still take your canine out on a leash. Really, it’s OK. ?

2. block your dog.

If you know your canine is about to bark, step between your canine and the set off and gently claim the space or get your dog’s attention so he looks at you.

3. use treats and ask for a easy command.

While holding treats best to your dog’s face, ask him to do something easy like “sit” or “down” and reward that behavior.

Keep gratifying the calm behavior for a few seconds or minutes.

If needed, you could put your canine in a down/stay on his canine bed or at your feet for a few minutes. just don’t use it as a punishment; praise him for being calm.

Keep in mind, the treats ought to be good enough to interest your dog.

Green Bark Gummies is a sponsor of That Mutt, and I’ve been using the company’s treats lately for training Ace.

He is nuts over them, and that’s essential with training. You have to find something your canine really loves, whether it’s cheese, ham, hot dogs or whatever.

I think all dogs will love green Bark Gummies, plus they’re made with healthy ingredients, including chia. You can read much more about the company in my review post here.

Did that sound too simple?

Good. It ought to be. just having a clear plan and remaining consistent can really make a difference no matter what you’re teaching. If you repeat the above every day over several weeks and months, I think you’ll make some major progress.

A few much more ideas

Won’t the treats just ‘reward’ the barking?

No. You’re gratifying the “sit” or the “down.” Then, as your canine remains quiet and calm, you would continue to reward that with treats or praise. You’re gratifying good behavior.

Sure, some dogs will learn they can bark once and then run over for a treat. You would just want to learn to time it better so you’re getting your dog’s attention best before he actually barks. Then, slowly increase your expectations.

What about scolding the dog?

I’m not against telling a canine no, believe me. but what I’ve discovered is that it doesn’t work so well when the canine is either in a fearful state of mind, very thrilled or possibly protective.

Telling him “no” just doesn’t do a whole lot. let me know if you agree with me on that.

Plus, I don’t recommend scolding a canine who’s reacting out of fear. Instead, calmly show the canine a much more suitable behavior.

What about anti-bark collars?

Sometimes barking is a major issue, and you have to get it under control for various reasons. avoiding eviction, for example.

Anti-bark collars do work, assuming you purchase a high-quality product that’s triggered by the vibration of the dog’s vocal chords and not just sound. how terrible would it be if your canine were corrected whenever your other canine barked? This shouldn’t happen if you have a high-quality collar.

Like all tools, they’re an option for the best situation, and you ought to know why your canine is barking in the first place. I wouldn’t put an anti-bark collar on a canine who’s nervous or scared.

Final thoughts – all dogs learn at their own pace

If you have any ideas or questions about barking or anything else, let me know in the comments. If I don’t have an answer, hopefully someone else will.

What suggestions do you have for stopping a dog’s barking?

Xander the pitbull and Neco the husky love their sugar cookie shampoo. They also love their between Baths Spritz.

“I’ve also never heard them complain about their Maverick collars or Ombre beds,” said their owner Jammie White.

Pet boutiques are not just for small dogs.

Jammie’s fancy Paws boutique carries collars, leashes, pet dog coats, pet dog shampoo and dozens of other products.

“A lot of people are under the impression that pet boutiques are only for small breed dogs and that boutique owners own smaller breeds,” Jammie said. “But that is not the case at all.”

Jammie said she loves all dogs but tends to favor the larger breeds.

“No infraction to all the charming shih tzus out there,” she said.

But shih tzus have little reason to feel offended.

If you browse through fancy Paws Boutique’s web site, you will see dozens of small pet dog products such as raincoats, sundresses, harnesses and bejeweled collars.

Fancy Paws boutique is a place where dogs of any size (and their owners) can shop.

Not all products fit larger dogs, but Jammie said this trend is starting to change as makers realize big pet dog owners also like to spoil their pets.

To make shopping easier, big pet dog owners can browse through the special big pet dog clothes section. Some products do slip through the cracks so it’s always good to check the other categories as well, Jammie said.

Dog products online

Fancy Paws boutique is special because its customers are not just customers, Jammie said.

For example, one customer’s daughter wanted a new carrier for her Yorkie puppy that was not provided on fancy Paws, Jammie said.

“He sent me a picture of what she wanted and I tracked it down for them and added it to my selection so he could get her exactly what she wanted. How’s that for customer service?”

Jammie gets to interact with her customers often, as she does everything from creating the site to selecting what products to sell to answering questions.

Her passion for animals, combined with her desire to start her own service gave her the idea for fancy Paws. losing her office job last year was all the encouragement she needed to dedicate a lot more time to her online business.

Dog clothes and accessories

One of the best sellers at fancy Paws boutique includes the between Baths Spritz, Jammie said. The Charleston Quilted snuggle Bed, the army green Fleece Hoodie and the Hex Martingale Collars are also popular.

“Other products such as our carriers and feeders, along with some of the designer pet dog beds are not ones you will see on just any boutique site,” Jammie said.

For dogs that live in places like Fargo, she suggested the Doggyback jacket pack which comes with a part that can be warmed in the microwave to keep dogs extra cozy. For larger dogs, Jammie recommends the Polar Fleece coat or the brown Plaid Fleece Coat.

And for gift ideas, check out the day spa travel and gift sets and of course gift certificates.

Save on pet dog products

Anyone interested in shopping at fancy Paws boutique can receive 10% off through October by using voucher code B2S10 during checkout as part of the back to school special.

For a lot more savings, check out the photo contest where one winner per month receives a $10 gift certificate. Or, sign up for the fancy Paws boutique newsletter to view highlighted products, upcoming sales and even pet dog training tips.

Free pet dog day spa set

Jammie was great enough to offer a complimentary pet dog day spa Take Out set to one lucky That Mutt reader.

For your chance at winning, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post about which fancy Paws boutique product is your favorite.

I will pick a winner at random Oct. 6. good luck!

This was a paid web-site review.

When your pet dog is reaching 10 years old, you start to think of all you’ve been through together.

With Ace, I have so lots of memories.

Like the time Josh and I took him on his first camping trip. In April. In Minnesota.

It was 2 degrees Fahrenheit that night in Itasca state Park, something close to a record low for that date. I’d only had my pet dog for three weeks and already he was sleeping in my sleeping bag. This wasn’t to spoil him but to keep him alive!

Or, not too long after, when Ace ran with me in a 5-mile race in Fargo. He was figured out we were going to win that race!

And how he checked out my grandma in the nursing home, sat near her bed one night while (I realize now) I was really telling her goodbye.

He was with us on the shores of Lake remarkable when Josh asked me to marry him. Later, he was at our wedding ceremony.

I’m not sure I can count all our camping, boating and hiking adventures in Minnesota, North Dakota and California. Or how lots of times he dove head first into any body of water.

We brought him into Canada, to Thunder Bay, and back.

He went tubing with me in Detroit Lakes and we lost his tennis ball. another weekend, he swam for nearly two hours as my pals and I played frisbee in the lake. We could touch the bottom; he could not.

And not only these things, but my pet dog led me to start a business, a blog, to follow my passion for writing, pet dog training and pet dog rescue. He introduced me to pet dog agility. He’s helped me make and maintain pals I would never have even met otherwise (you know who you are).

He forces this introvert to leave her apartment! OK, the couch, even.

Thank you, Ace.

I’m so thankful for this dog.

There’s a substantial range of intelligence from dog to dog just as there is from human to human.

We can’t do much to increase the actual intelligence of our dogs, but we can increase their awareness of themselves and how they fit into their surroundings.

All dogs can learn.

Introducing a dog to as many different environments, scenarios and obstacles as possible affects how he thinks and behaves in certain situations. A dog that has experienced more will make better choices. He will act smarter than other dogs.

A person who has traveled more or studied more than others is not necessarily smarter, but she can use her experiences to make smarter decisions. It’s the same for dogs.

For example, about a third of the dogs I walk will untangle themselves if they get their legs caught in their leashes. They menouver their bodies by stepping over their leashes, backing up and twisting around, all in the correct order. The other two-thirds of the dogs I walk will just stand there waiting for my help. Some dogs do not even seem to understand why they are stuck.

The dogs that know how to untangle themselves are not necessarily the breeds usually credited for being smarter (German shepherds, border collies, Australian shepherds, etc.). Instead, they are the dogs who have experienced more with their owners. Their owners consistently reward them for thinking!

The dogs that “get out more” are very aware of themselves and their relation to their environments and to me. They are able to avoid getting tangled in their leashes in the first place. They also avoid bumping into my legs or cutting me off. They make eye contact. They do not react aggressively or excitedly to passing runners or dogs. They might show a lot of interest, but they do not freak out. Basically, they’ve seen it all before.

If a dog rarely gets out of his house and yard, he won’t have much of an understanding on how to act or what to expect beyond those boundaries. He’ll be full of energy and excitement, for one thing, and he’ll probably pull on the leash, knock things over and react to something as unexciting as a person pushing a stroller.

The dog might need help figuring out how to step over a fallen log, jump down from a ledge or walk through an automatic door.

If this sounds like your dog, don’t worry. It’s never too late to increase his awareness.

How can I increase my dog’s awareness?

The easiest way to do this is to bring him out and about in the “real world” as typically as you can.

Bring your dog to new places

I’ve taken Ace to countless places, and it’s paid off. Mostly, he doesn’t act like a freak if we check out somewhere new.

Ace has gone for walks in many different neighborhoods and parks around town. He’s visited all the pet friendly stores in our area. He’s gone on camping and backpacking adventures, carried his own doggy backpack and slept in a tent. He’s attended fairs, garage sales and fundraisers. He’s gone to softball tournaments, marathons and rugby games (along with rugby parties).

Ace goes to picnics and trips to the lake and bike rides. He goes for boat rides, jumps off the dock and swims. He participated in a 5-mile race complete with live bands, a gunshot at the start of the race and people screaming. He’s taken several agility and obedience classes. He’s been around guns and fireworks. He climbs on playground equipment. He’s visited nursing homes, churches and schools. I’ve left him at different boarding kennels and dog daycares and with various pals and family members.

All of the above are everyday scenarios your dog could also take part in. It’s not too hard to come up with places to bring your dog, even if it’s as simple as walking him in a new neighborhood every day. You are guaranteed to come across something new.

Train your dog for agility or create your own obstacles

Dogs love agility! They love the challenges of climbing, crawling and jumping at fast speeds. Ace loves agility, but he also loves playing on playground equipment, walking across beams and logs and jumping over random obstacles I put together at home.

Some dogs will be hesitant to climb on different obstacles because they’ve been told “no” every time they try to get on the furniture. So teach your dog that it’s ok to climb when he gets permission. use commands like “up” or “chair” or “climb.” Reward your dog for making small attempts. If he puts one paw up, tell him how good he is and give him a treat. Do that a few times and then keep challenging him to go a bit further. two paws, three paws.

Make sure to also teach the word “off” to use when you do not want your dog jumping on you or climbing on the furniture. For Ace, “off” means “keep all four paws on the ground.”

Pretty soon you’ll have a dog that can climb onto a bar stool or sit at the piano!

Set upmental challenges for your dog

Have you ever heard of those exercises to test your dog’s intelligence? One trick is to put a blanket over your dog’s head and see if he can figure out how to get out. Some dogs will get out instantly. Others will take a few seconds. Some dogs will just stand there waiting for help because they’ve been conditioned not to think for themselves.

Don’t use exercises like this to judge your dog’s intelligence. Instead, use them to test your dog’s awareness. If he can’t figure out how to get a blanket off his head, then encourage him to figure it out himself and reward him when he does. treat it like he’s won an Olympic gold medal! The next time you throw a blanket over his head, he won’t be so confused.

There are all kinds of mental challenges you can set up for your dog. I put treats under cups and hide them around the house for Ace to find. He has to use his nose to find the treats and then knock over the cups with his paws or nose. sometimes I hide the treats under rugs or above his head, like on a bookshelf or on top of a scratching post. You’d be surprised how many dogs don’t seem to understand the concept of looking up.

Teach your dog commands for directions like “back up” or “turn”

Ace loves to “back up”! and it’s really increased his awareness. He has to be aware of what’s around him so he doesn’t back right into a table or a wall. He will now “back up” while turning corners, and we are working on backing up the stairs (see video below). This is good exercise for him because he uses his muscles differently. It also encourages him to think about himself in a different way.

To teach your dog to back up, start by rewarding him for very small successes. say “back up” and then walk directly into him so he automatically takes a step back. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. build your distance slowly over time.

The “turn” command comes in handy when we are out biking. I haven’t taken the time to teach Ace “right” or “left,” but when I say “turn,” he knows we will be switching directions so he pays very close attention to where he is in relation to my bike.

Dogs make associations based on past experiences

Just because a dog knows how to lie down on command at home doesn’t mean he will lie down on command at the dog park. But, if a dog’s owner practices commands with him in many areas and situations, the dog will soon catch on.

For example, I taught Ace commands such as “climb it,” “crawl” and “jump” during agility practice. but now they come in handy when I want to tell my dog the safest way to get from point A to point B – from the dock to a boat, for example. My dog is an awkward klutz, but he has learned how to control his body and how to balance himself when needed.

As another example, last weekend we were visiting some friends, and Ace was in their kitchen showing off his begging skills. Josh gave him the command “out!” which means “Get your butt out of the kitchen!” Ace understood this and walked out of the kitchen to the place where the linoleum met the carpet and lied down. He knew what to do even though he’s never been in our friends’ apartment before.

The point is, our dogs are capable of much more than we give them credit for. It’s our job to take the time to teach them and to lead them. A smart dog can do really stupid things if he’s not aware of how he fits into an environment. A border collie might be “smart enough” to break out of his gated yard, but he might also be “dumb enough” to run right into a automobile if he’s unaware of how he fits into his environment beyond the backyard.

My mutt is by no means a genius when it comes to dogs. After all, he might be part dane! but he still has a vocabulary of at least 70 words, and he knows how to “behave” in a variety of situations. He knows how to pay attention and how to re-group. and yes, he knows how to maneuver his body in order to untangle himself from his leash.

In what ways do you increase your dog’s awareness?

winter running tips for dogs (and their humans)

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Winter running tips for dogs (and their humans)

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When is it too cold to run with a dog? winter running with dogs

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Can my dog run if it’s below 10 degrees?

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How to know if it’s too cold to run with your dog

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Dog running gear – winter running with dogs

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Dog coats – Does my dog need a coat in the winter?

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how to get my dog used to wearing a coat

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What kind of coat is best for my dog?

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Does my dog need boots in the winter?

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Does a dog’s feet get cold in the snow?

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How to prevent snow and ice buildup between a dog’s toes

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Pawz dog boots for winter running with dogs

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Protect a dog’s paws from chemical de-icing material

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Musher’s secret – winter running with dogs

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Noxgear LED harness

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LED collars for dogs

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How far should I run with a dog in the cold?

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How long can dogs run in the snow?

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Other tips for winter running with dogs in the cold:

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When should professional dog walkers cancel their appointments due to the cold?

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How do you decide when it’s too cold for your dog?

This post includes all of my tips for winter running with dogs. I grew up in Minnesota, and I spent 12 years in North Dakota where I owned a dog walking business. Let’s just say I’m used to cold weather!

I took dogs on running sessions in all weather through my business. sometimes it was -20 degrees Fahrenheit, and we still ran. No big deal. just another day! Over the years, I covered more than 5,000 miles with dogs at my side.

And so, this post includes my tips for running with a dog in the winter. I’ll start by listing some of the most common questions I receive about winter running with dogs.

This post may contain affiliate links. That Mutt may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post.

When is it too cold to run with a dog? winter running with dogs

For the most part, runners are a tough bunch. They aren’t scared off by the cold. Some runners are up before dawn, running 8 or 10 miles before work. but I still get this question – When is it too cold for a dog?

That is a tough question. What do you mean by “too cold”?

(Here I am in my creeper face mask before we all had to wear masks.)

If you mean the current temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit and you’re wondering if your dog might get a little chilly, he’ll probably be fine as long as you’re going out for an hour or less.

I didn’t even bother to put coats on the dogs in Fargo unless it was below 10 degrees F or so. Anything above that in January was a heatwave! 

Can my dog run if it’s below 10 degrees?

This depends on the dog (and the human). obviously Midwestern dogs have adapted to the cold just like their owners have adapted. When it doesn’t get above zero for 10 days at at a time, you just kind of deal with it.

On the other hand, 10 degrees is going to feel very cold for dogs in other parts of the country, just as it will feel cold to their humans.

What I learned from years of running in the cold is that as long as you keep running (vs. walking), nearly all dogs are fine for a 30-minute run even when it gets down to 10 degrees or so.

I definitely ran with dogs when it was colder than that, but once it dips below 10 degrees I start looking at the individual dog in front of me. You also don’t want to be out for more than 20 or 30 minutes in the extreme cold, but a quick run around the block is fine.

In Montana, we even have a winter half marathon for dogs and many dogs still race if it’s one of those brutally cold days. check out the Snow Joke half Marathon!

How to know if it’s too cold to run with your dog

Ask yourself these questions about winter running with your dog:

How old is the dog? Puppies and seniors tend to get colder quicker, plus they may not be the best candidates for running anyway.
How long are you going to be running? A half-hour should be fine in most temps unless it’s below 0.
How much fur does this dog have? obviously a Boston terrier is going to have a harder time than an American Eskimo dog or a husky bred for actual sled dog racing!
How much body fat does the dog have? Lean, muscular dogs tend to start shivering sooner than dogs with more “width.”
How much energy does the dog have? usually when a dog is a bundle of energy, she’s going to do ok in the cold for at least short periods. Her heart rate will be up from the excitement of getting out, and her body will warm up from the workout.
Is this dog used to the cold? obviously a Minnesota dog will be used to the cold compared to a dog that recently moved to a cold climate.
Does the dog need a coat? (more on that below)
Does the dog have sensitive paws? Does he need booties?
When in doubt, skip the run or leave the dog home.

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Dog running gear – winter running with dogs

One thing that also helps is to use a hands-free dog leash because it’s harder to hold a leash (and poop bags) when you’re wearing gloves or mittens!

I’m going to go over:

Dog coats
Dog boots
“Musher’s Secret”
Reflective & LED collars

Dog coats – Does my dog need a coat in the winter?

Your dog probably doesn’t need a coat while running as long as it’s 20 degrees or warmer. Of course, if you notice your dog frequently shivering or if you frequently plan to be out for more than 45 minutes, a coat might be a good idea. EVERY dog IS DIFFERENT.

I usually did not put a coat on my black lab mix Ace, but I do put a vest on my weimaraner these days.

We live in Montana, and my weim has such short hair and very little body fat. Plus, we frequently go on training runs that are several hours in the mountains as we train for ultra marathons. So yes, a coat is very valuable for our current dog!

Just know that most dog sweaters and fleeces are cute as far as a fashion statement, but they don’t do a whole lot as far as warmth. I recommend Ruff Wear’s dog coats or a hunting vest. More on both options below.

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How to get my dog used to wearing a coat

Remember that it’s unnatural and uncomfortable for most dogs to wear a coat. A coat makes some dogs feel very submissive since the material is placed over them.

This was definitely the case with my lab mix Ace (RIP). I knew he would much rather be cold than wear his coat. When I put his vest on him, his whole body posture changed. He cowered and held himself lower to the ground.

If you buy a coat for your dog, don’t make fun of him when he wears it. Instead, give him treats and praise and head out for a walk or something fun! tell him what a good boy he is in his stylish jacket! All the other dogs will be jealous!

In the book inside of a Dog, Alexandra Horowitz wrote how dogs generally don’t need to wear coats (they have their own!).

“Both dogs and wolves have, clearly, their own coats permanently affixed,” she wrote. “One coat is enough: when it rains, wolves may seek shelter, but they do not cover themselves with natural materials.”

She went on to describe how a coat presses against the back, chest and even the head of a dog, an uncomfortable feeling to them.

“There are occasions when wolves get pressed upon the back or head: it is when they are being dominated by another wolf, or scolded by an older wolf or relative.”

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some dogs love the coats we put on them. They may associate the coat with a walk or with affection from us. Others just learn to put up with it, as they put up with so many other obnoxious things from us – hugs, for example.

What kind of coat is best for my dog?

If you do invest in a dog coat for warmth (vs. a fashion statement), I recommend you go to a sporting goods store that carries winter gear for hunting breeds.

I bought an Avery camouflage hunting vest for my dog Ace in 2008 and now Remy wears it so it’s lasted over 12 years!!

Dog hunting vests may not be the style you’re looking for, but ours does keep Remy’s core warm when necessary. It’s made for Labs to wear while duck hunting, so it’s no joke. Remy wears it while we run in the mountains, and Ace used to wear it on our cold-weather camping trips when we were not moving around as much.

If you want something more stylish, we love the dog coats from RuffWear, and they come in different colors.

Below is a picture of Remy wearing Ruffwear’s “Powder Hound” jacket. It’s adorable and fits him well.

Does my dog need boots in the winter?

For winter running with dogs, your dog most likely will not need boots unless it’s below 15 degrees or if you’re going to be out for a few hours. Dogs’ feet are actually very tough and as long as you’re moving,  your dog’s feet will probably be OK.

Does a dog’s feet get cold in the snow?

So much depends on the dog. My weimaraner’s paws get cold when it’s below 15 degrees or so. I bought some Muttluks dog boots for my dog and they are terrific quality and stay on well if you get the right size (measure!). There are a few varieties and I prefer the fleece lined Muttluks.

If your dog is holding up his paws when out in the cold, then that is an obvious sign that his feet are cold and he might also benefit from dog booties.

See my Muttluks dog boots review.

Remy wearing his Muttluks dog boots

How to prevent snow and ice buildup between a dog’s toes

It’s much more common for dogs to need boots to prevent snow and ice buildup between the toes than protection from the cold. For winter running with dogs, this is very common with medium-haired and long-haired breeds. The snow sticks to their fur and can easily freeze.

The longer the dog is out, the more snow builds between their toes and this can be very painful! The snow keeps getting packed tightly until it becomes a frozen ice chunk stuck to the poor dog’s foot.

A thin pair of dog boots is enough protection to keep the snow and ice from gathering between your dog’s toes. The lighter the boots, the better. Remember, they’re not necessarily for warmth. and dogs really don’t like to have anything on their feet. See the Pawz boots below!

Pawz dog boots for winter running with dogs

I’m linking to a brand called Pawz dog boots because this is a product I’ve found very effective for some of my dog running clients.

These boots are not designed to keep a dog’s paws warm. They are designed to protect paws from chemicals and rough surfaces, and they’re pretty durable.

The boots are very thin, like a sock, but they’re made of natural rubber and are therefore waterproof. They are meant to be disposable, so the dog wears each pair maybe 5 or 6 times and then you throw them away.

You get 12 boots in a pack, so they last awhile, and each can be worn several times. They’re 100 percent biodegradable, according to the company. and they’re also terrific for dogs that tend to shuffle their feet and wear down their paw pads.

Protect a dog’s paws from chemical de-icing material

I also recommend a light pair of boots for your dog if your running route has unavoidable portions of streets or sidewalks with chemical de-icing materials or salt.

This can obviously irritate a dog’s paws, and it’s not all that terrific for him to be licking off his feet afterwards, either.

Again, go with the lightest pair possible. You could use the Pawz dog boots above or if you need something for warmth, too, then go with the Muttluks.

Most dogs won’t need protection against jagged or potentially sharp ice on the road, but if this is a concern for you, that might be another reason to consider a thin pair of dog boots.

Musher’s secret – winter running with dogs

Musher’s secret is a natural wax you can rub onto your dog’s paws to protect the paws from the elements. This is a unique product because you can use it in the summer too, to protect against hot sand or sharp rocks.

I have not used Musher’s secret for my own dogs but others have recommended it to me. It creates a barrier that also keeps snow and ice from building up on the fur between your dog’s toes.

If you’ve used Musher’s Secret, let me know if it worked for you in the comments.

Noxgear LED harness

You may want to consider using a reflective or LED harness for your dog while running in the darker winter months.

There are many options to choose from su

Alright men … huge statement on our end! We are moving from San Diego to Montana! open spaces, right here we come!

I am thrilled for much more chances for the outside adventures I online for – path running, camping as well as hiking! however with much more outside activities comes … much more ticks. ideally fewer fleas, however no question there will be much more ticks as well as much more mosquitoes.

Since we are relocating, it’s a great time to reevaluate what my canine as well as my feline requirement for security against fleas, ticks as well as heartworm.

It’s never a “one size fits all” situation, as well as I believed this may be a great time to remind you to reevaluate what your pets requirement for security as well as to ask your vet any type of concerns you have.

This publish is sponsored by Ceva animal Health, the maker of Vectra® 3D for Dogs, a monthly, topical flea as well as tick preventive.

Does my canine requirement flea, tick as well as heartworm prevention?

We ought to all think about what our dogs as well as cats requirement for flea as well as tick security as we go with different modifications in life.

Here’s a short video (1 min) we made about why we’re reevaluating what Remy as well as Scout requirement for flea & tick prevention:

Moving

Obviously moving to a new region is a huge reason to believe about what type of parasite security your pet may requirement because of different kinds of weather condition as well as what type of “pests” flourish as a result.

For example, heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. While this is something to be conscious of in many of the United States, it’s far much more typical for dogs to get heartworms in the South vs. the Pacific Northwest. You can view the map of documented situations of heartworm in dogs for the U.S. in 2016 here.

Vectra® 3D is not a heartworm preventive however in addition to protecting dogs from fleas as well as ticks, it likewise protects dogs from mosquitoes before they bite your dog. discover much more about Vectra® 3D here.

Moving, locally

Even if you relocation within your own county, there may be much more fleas in some areas within the exact same region than others. San Diego region in California covers a big area, as well as fleas are much much more of a nuisance in some parts of the region vs. others. So even if you’re not moving extremely far, your animals may end up needing extra protection.

Or, if you relocation from a house with hardwood floors to a house with mainly carpets, sadly there might be a higher possibility for fleas to multiply by laying their eggs in the carpet! Yuck. discovered that the difficult way.

Hardwood floors are the method to go when you have pets, if you ask me!

If you’re having an problem with fleas in your home, one choice for protecting your canine is Vectra® 3D for Dogs. This product kill fleas of all life stages before they bite your dog.

Weather changes, even if you don’t move

When we resided in North Dakota, I generally did not requirement to concern about fleas as well as ticks for my canine Ace. I just never saw them because, well…

Ace in Fargo, N.D.

Then … we had a extremely moderate winter season around 2012 where it was unusually warm for that area without any snow.

Well, that summertime I saw rather a few ticks on my canine (and on me! ahh!) even though our activities did not change. The winter season just hadn’t been as brutal.

Another note on weather, if you relocation from a chillier region to a warmer region you may requirement to think about year-round security for your pets. I know, not fun. discovered that the difficult method too.

Changes in activities

Obviously, if you pick up a new activity with your canine like path running, hiking, hunting or camping, you’re going to likely see a few much more “pests.”

I never saw a tick in San Diego up until I just recently started doing a sport called canicross with my young dog, Remy. This is a running sport where your canine is tethered to you as well as pulls you while running. It’s awesome! It’s the ideal sport for Remy.

However, when we started checking out much more as well as much more tracks with canicross, sure enough, the ticks discovered us! I didn’t even believe there were ticks in San Diego! Wrong!

And like I stated earlier, I generally did not requirement to concern about ticks when we resided in North Dakota. Yet, a few ofmy buddies in my own community would discover ticks on their dogs since they did a great deal much more hiking than we did.

It just goes to show that each canine is different depending upon your lifestyle.

If you are searching for a flea as well as tick preventive, Vectra® 3D for Dogs is one choice that is efficient as well as simple to apply. discover much more here.

Travel and/or boarding

If you travel with your dog, you’ll want to make sure he’s secured based on where you’re headed. Heartworm is a much higher danger in the South, Midwest as well as east than it is the Pacific Northwest. Fleas are much much more typical in the South, too. Oh, the joys!

And even if you board your canine or cat, you may requirement to think about flea security just since he’s going to be in a area with a great deal of other dogs around. My pup Remy has come house from the boarding kennel with fleas. Oh, lucky us!

Adding new animals or fostering

If you add a new pet to your family, you’ll requirement to think about what type of security they will need. That goes for temporarily fostering an animal, too. You don’t want your foster canine or feline to transfer fleas to your existing pets.

My foster canine Lana as well as my senior canine Ace, 2015

We foster dogs as well as cats directly from the shelter or “pound” on occasion, as well as I always request that the animal is treated with flea prevention before I pick them up. I just don’t want to offer with the added hassle of fleas. Fostering a canine is sufficient work on its own.

You can purchase Vectra® 3D for Dogs with your veterinarian.

In summary, there is no “one size fits all” plan

Each pet is going to have distinct needs depending upon where you online as well as the activities you do.

Even in the exact same household, one of your dogs may go hunting while the other is a pampered, indoor pup. as well as even then, they may both requirement protection. Heck, fleas can even go into your house on YOU.

The exact same is true for cats. perhaps you have one feline that stays inside your home as well as one that lives in the barn. perhaps they both requirement flea prevention or perhaps not. It just depends!

If you’re not sure about your area or the area you’re headed, it’s finest to talk with a regional vet. people who work at regional animal shelters or canine training or boarding facilities would likewise be quite knowledgeable.

More information on Vectra® 3D for Dogs

As I stated earlier, one choice for topical flea as well as tick prevention is a product called Vectra® 3D for Dogs. This product kills as well as repels fleas, ticks as well as mosquitoes before they bite your dog. It likewise kills as well as repels biting flies as well as mites (excluding Mange Mites).

Benefits of Vectra® 3D for Dogs

Kills fleas as well as ticks beforethey bite the dog
Kills as well as repels mosquitoes before they bite
Can act as a “double defense” against heartworm (carried by mosquitoes)
Prevents all flea stages from developing
Repels biting flies, sand flies as well as mites (excluding Mange Mites)
Easy to apply with its patented application tip
Waterproof as well as quick drying
Protects for 1 month

NOTE: Vectra® 3D is NOT risk-free for cats.

Are you thinking about trying Vectra® 3D for your dog?

Let me understand in the comments!

Here is a video we made with much more information about Vectra 3D:

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Review of Vectra® 3D for dogs