running dogs

Have you ever watched a dog run wide open? Grace and agility come to mind. A running dog is a beautiful sight.

The connection to the earth through their paw pads may just be the thing that brings so much joy and yet allows a grounded calm state when the run for dogs is done.

Connection to the Earth

Humans are just catching on to the fact that they have lost connection with the earth. Research reveals that re-connecting with the electrons and natural frequencies on the surface of the earth can:

Restore Normal
Improve Energy
Enhance Recovery
Improve Sleep
Relieve Muscle Tension
Reduce Stress
Biological Rhythms

A recent study found that the bacteria Mycobacterium accae, commonly found in soil, increased serotonin levels in the brains of mice. A lack of serotonin is thought to cause depression in humans. Researchers became interested in the bacteria after cancer patients being treated with it began unexpectedly reporting lifted moods and better quality of life. *Thats Fit

We’ve lost connection with the earth because we always wear shoes. Years of confining our feet to shoes have also affected the ability to balance, to use our toes, and in a growing number of cases caused injury from the constant flattened state of the shoes holding our feet in positions that not only are not part of our natural gait, but leave muscles unused and unable to help maintain fluid movement and strength.

Get your Feet Connected to the Earth

Barefoot running may seem a bit extreme, but getting your feet connected to the earth for even small amounts of time can change an attitude from stagnant and stuck to alive and flexible.

If you are in the habit of taking your dog out to run, or to a park or beach (or need to get in one) for exercise make a point to take your shoes off and connect with the earth while you are out. Even if you don’t have a dog, it will work for you too! You may find it gives you so much new found connection, energy and focus you’ll be barefoot running as your new favorite habit.

If you’d like to start barefoot running start slow. 3 days a week. Walk and run. Start with 10 minutes and do it for a week or even two weeks before you add time. Barefoot running with your dog more than doubles your connection with the earth since they’ve got those 4 legs!

At the very least, take some time for yourself, clear your mind and put your bare feet on the ground for even a minute to start some time this week. It will never be a habit if your don’t start somewhere.

If you need help, encouragement, and a plan, I am here.

Mahalo for reading. If you liked it please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter, & G+ and please leave a few of your thoughts in the comments.

Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

The age your puppy should start structured running does matter.

Puppies are not fully developed and should not be run at all unless it is in the form of natural play. You should wait to fully run your dog until the growth plates have closed, usually at 18 months.

As a general rule light activity is recommended to start a 9-12 month old puppy, building towards full activity from 12-18 months. Dog breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rotweillers and others that are susceptible to hip dysplasia should be a full 18 months old before full structured runs should take place.

For a list of good running dog breeds check this Runner’s World article: A Breed Apart.

Once your puppy reaches 18 months you should start light activity, do short runs and try to run on softer surfaces such as trails or grassy areas as opposed to pavement.

Exercise for Your Puppy in the Meantime

In the meantime it is still important that your puppy get appropriate exercise. Walking on soft surfaces is highly recommended to begin building ligaments and muscle tissue around bones that are still growing. The foundation can be instrumental in avoiding physical problems in the future.

Does this mean never walk or run your puppy on sidewalks or harder surfaces?

No. You can certainly take your dog out on these surfaces as a segway to get somewhere or on a limited bases. After all, these surfaces are part of life and your puppy does need to begin acclimating to them.

You can also begin incorporating tricks that actually are building core strength along with ligaments and muscle tissue. Sit pretty is one of those tricks that uses a dog’s front legs and feet to push off, core strength to hold themselves up and builds muscle in the hind legs as a foundation.

Watch the steps to teaching sit pretty in this video. The video shows sit pretty as a warm up for dogs older than 18 months who need an alternative exercise plan using a treadmill to meet their physical and behavior needs.

Older Dogs

Age matters in older dogs as well. The fact of the matter is older dogs are going to feel a workout more than a younger dog. Just like the aging process in humans it is a fact, things in our bodies get stiff and sore in a different way then when we were younger.

That being said it is important to keep an older dog moving. Watch for signs of fatigue, limping or soreness and base your running sessions on these factors. There are many dogs that keep going strong into old age. It has been my experience that these dogs are those who have been active their entire life.

Hmmmm, same with people! Another lesson from our dogs.

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and actions steps to move toward a life well played your best friend whether puppy, dog or person!

Jt Clough has worked with dogs in many capacities for the past 16 years. She has helped dogs and their people from training to healthy living and her latest inspiration is with Wonder Dog Fund, created to help pay veterinary bills for dogs that are in need of health care. When her own dog was riddled with a neck injury that came with a $12,000 fee, she realized how many people are faced with difficult decisions when a sudden injury or illness strikes their dog. A portion of every purchase from WonderDogGear.org goes to Wonder Dog Fund, providing financial relief for dog veterinary costs.

Paw to Earth Connection