The Incredible Benefits of Running With Dogs
More than just a walk in the park or a stroll around the block, a dog is a great help if you’re looking to start running as a sport. In this article, we will talk about all the benefits of running with dogs. Give it a try!
What are the benefits of running with dogs
Running is an extremely beneficial activity for your body. You may already know this if you’re into this sport. But it may also be a somewhat solitary activity if your friends and family don’t share the same interest. In these cases, a dog is your best ally.
Here are some of the benefits of running with your dogs:
1. Reducing stress
Running reduces stress, for you and your pet. Dogs become stressed if they spend too much time alone or if they experience constant loud noises. This is true for both, people and pets.
When running with dogs, both of you can reduce stress levels, along with anxiety and depression. Exercise helps us sleep better and, in general, feel more relaxed throughout the day.
2. Motivation
It’s hard to think of a better motivational factor that the feeling of being close to a pet who can help you through tough emotional times. Additionally, running with your dogs may actually help you run more since dogs have more energy.
We tend to perform better and longer in exercise when we have a partner to do it with, whether it’s a friend, girlfriend, boyfriend or your pet. Thus, running with your dogs is a great option when you have no motivation to exercise.
3. Staying in shape
Lack of physical activity leads to certain negative effects on your health, as well as your pet’s health. Some of these are obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, among others.
If you feel like you and your dog are living a sedentary lifestyle, and every day it becomes harder to get out of bed, then it’s time to exercise, for both of you. We recommend you start out slow, perhaps enjoy some gentle walks, then gradually increase the difficulty, and start running.
4. Security
Aside from being your best friend, your dog also becomes your bodyguard on the street. Running with dogs ensures that they will bark for help, defend you or maybe just their presence will intimidate potential robbers. This is especially true for large dogs.
5. Entertainment
If you’re like most people, you dedicate a lot of time to your work or finances, lacking entertainment and free time. When you start running with your dogs, you’ll experience a different activity that will definitely give you a big smile.
Our bodies release certain hormones when we exercise, and even more so if we are with a loved one. Your dog will also benefit from this exercise, probably being happier and more playful.
6. More concentration
Nowadays, in the age of information technology, it’s common to see runners on their phones while running. Consequently, this practice causes accidents and injuries. However, we tend to use our phones less when we are running with dogs since we must pay attention to their wellbeing as well.
Running with dogs is a great way of staying more alert and taking full advantae of the time to think of new ideas. It helps us live the present more mindfully.
Try running with dogs whenever you have the chance, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy exercise. Don’t worry if neither of you has any previous experience of exercise. You’ve got to start somewhere, right? Start slowly and gradually increase the difficulty.
