I took my dog for a walk through the woods yesterday. Rusty, the 13-year old papillon I inherited from my mom, isn’t much of a runner — never has been. In fact, I ended up carrying Rusty a good portion of the two mile route.

While I didn’t mind carrying my six pound companion, it brought back memories of little Peanut, the only dog I’ve had that enjoyed running with me. Peanut was chasing balls across the yard when she was hardly old enough to walk and won the K-9 division of a two mile race when she was barely out of puppyhood.

As much as Peanut loved to run, she never really learned how to pace herself. Starting out, she would strain against the leash and made every first mile a race. By the end of a five mile run, I would coax a lagging Peanut to keep her pace to at least a jog. In between, there was a sweet mile or two when her pace and mine synced and it felt as if we were born to run together.

Little Peanut was gone too soon and when I see people in the neighborhood or on trails running with their dogs, I can’t help the sense of loss and longing. Dogs like Peanut can be great companions or, like Rusty, totally incompatible with the activity. Here are a few things to consider in a canine running buddy:

Just as human runners, some dogs are more naturally suited in physiology and temperament to endurance activity. The American Kennel Club says that dogs with short muzzles like pugs and bulldogs are able to sprint but not run long distances since it requires more effort to breathe. Some breeds are natural runners, but don’t assume your particular greyhound or husky can run. Large breeds are prone to hip and knee problems while shorter dogs like beagles and cocker spaniels with short legs may have a hard time keeping up the pace.

Be sure to visit the veterinarian for a checkup before beginning an exercise program, especially if your dog is older or one of the 52 percent of American pooches who are overweight. The AKC also recommends that most breeds wait until they are approximately 18 months old and their bones are fully grown to begin distance running.

Much as I enjoyed my Peanut’s exuberance, her running style could be frustrating. I had no problem holding back a 25 pound cocker spaniel but a large dog pulling on its leash could be dangerous. Train your dog in loose-leash walking before you attempt running together.

Choose a leash length so that your dog may walk at your side with the leash hanging in a J when your hands are in a comfortable running position. Reward your dog with treats and praise for good behavior.

Once your dog can reliably walk at your side, introduce short periods of running to your routine. Use a cue like, “Let’s run,” to indicate it’s time to pick up the pace and “Time to walk,” to tell it to slow down.

Gradually increase the running portion and in a few weeks, your dog should adapt to the new level of exertion.

AKC recommends several safety tips for running with your dog. First, you and your dog should include a warmup and cooldown walk before and after your run. If the temperature is higher than 60 degrees, run in the shade, preferably on soft surfaces. If you are hot, your dog is hotter since they can’t handle heat and humidity as well. Carry water for your dog to drink and for cooling.

Take frequent breaks so that your dog can sniff around and enjoy the scenery and look for signs like excessive panting or lagging behind that indicate your dog has had enough. Dogs may run to please you long after they experience discomfort.

Your dog should be leashed unless you are sure that off-leash is safe and legal. Always leash your dog on or near roads. Abide by your park’s leash rules on trails, especially in local parks. Your dog may be friendly but people and animals you encounter don’t know that.

There are a number of products that enhance your and your dog’s running experience. A chest harness is a gentler restraint than a collar, especially if your dog has a tendency to occasionally charge after squirrels. Some harnesses include a pouch for snacks or poop bags. A hands-free leash allows you to run with a normal and more comfortable form. And a collapsible dog bowl makes it easy to keep your canine hydrated on the run.

Remember to respect your dog. Whether you have a Rusty or a Peanut, you’re in this together.

Upcoming events

Through July 31: Run Across PA. Choice of virtual North to South or East to West run/walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AcrossPennsylvania/CrossingPennsylvaniaVirtualChallenge

Through August 31: Conquer Everest Elevation Challenge. Virtual event based on total elevation climb. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Anywhere/ConquerEverestChallenge

Through August 31: Rocksylvania Remix, Pennsylvania. Rocksylvania Trail Series is virtual this year. Run 175 or 350 total miles on any Pennsylvania trails between June 1 and August 31. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Rocksylvania/RocksylvaniaVirtualChallenge

Sunday, 8 A.M.: Ohio River Trail Council River Run 5k and 10k Road Race, Rochester. Flat USATF Certified course. Also Family Fun Run/Walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Rochester/OhioRiverTrailCouncilRiverRunRoadRaceSeriesSummer2019

July 25, 7 A.M.: Kinzua 10k, Mount Jewett. Out and back on scenic Knox Kane Rail Trail near Kinzua Skywalk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/MountJewett/KinzuaHalfMarathon

July 25, 8:30 A.M.: 19th Annual Rube’s Run 5k, Prospect. New course and location or virtual option. No day-of-event registration. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Prospect/RUBESRUN

July 25, 9 A.M.: Harvest Community Church 5k and 5 Mile, Dayton. Starts at Dayton Fairgrounds. harvestpa.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/444788

July 25, 9 A.M.: John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k, Freeport. Run through downtown Freeport held in conjunction with Freeport International Baseball Invitational. Second event in Freeport Triple Crown. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/JohnCossyConstantinoMemorial5K

July 25, 9 A.M.: 3rd Annual Killian 5k, North Park. Out and back course starting at North Park Boathouse. Post-race party with DJ, beer, games. This event is sold out. Virtual option still available. www.killian5k.com

July 25, 10 A.M.: Semper Gratus Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, Leechburg. Starts at West Leechburg Fire Department. www.athlinks.com/event/semper-gratus-shamrock-shuffle-5k-1mile-family-fun-walk-193153

July 26, 8 A.M.: Kinzua Half Marathon, Mount Jewett. Out and back on scenic Knox Kane Rail Trail near Kinzua Skywalk. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/MountJewett/KinzuaHalfMarathon

July 26, 9 A.M.: Dahoga Dash 5k, Wilcox. 814-512-1374 or randylindberg@hotmail.com

August 1, 9 A.M.: St. Barnabas Free Care 5k, Gibsonia. Now a virtual event. 724-625-3770 or stbarnabashealthsystem.com/stbarnabas5k

August 1, 9 A.M.: Clarion Bobcat 5k Trail Run, Shippenville. Run at Clarion County Park. Also virtual option. kmurtha@clarion-schools.com or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Shippenville/Bobcat5kTrailRunWalk

August 1, 8 A.M.: Canoe Creek Triathlon, Duathlon, 5k Run or 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. www.blairregionalymca.org/raceseries/canoe-creek-races/

August 2, 7 A.M.: Drake Well Marathon and Half Marathon, Titusville. This race has been cancelled. 814-827-2799 or rd_dwm@yahoo.com

August 8, 7:30 A.M.: Two Faced 10k, Allison Park. Run 10k on road, trail or both in North Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Wexford/TwoFace10K

August 8, 8:30 A.M.: Clearfield YMCA Fair Fun 5k Run/Walk and 100 Meter Kids Dash, Clearfield. Held at Clearfield Fairgrounds. 814-765-5521 or vj182006@hotmail.com

August 10 through August 31 8th Annual Passavant Hospital Foundation 4k/8k Virtual Race. Complete the loop course in person at North Park Pool area on August 14 or virtually anytime. 412-748-6641 or online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/8thAnnualPassavantHospitalFoundationRunWalk

August 15, 9 A.M.: Curwensville Susquehanna Classic 5k and 10k Race and 5k Walk, Curwensville. 814-236-3455 or sharonike@verizon.net

August 19, 7 P.M.: Ice Cream Race 5k and Half Mile Kids Run, Grove City. Entries may be limited. Applications are not yet available. 724-866-1374 or runhigh.com

August 22: Run Around the Square, Regent Square, Pittsburgh. This race has been cancelled.

August 23, 8:30 A.M.: Hellbender Half Marathon and 5k, Bear Gap. Scenic flat, out-and-back course near Weiser State Forest. Limited to 250 participants, no spectators. runsignup.com/Race/PA/BearGap/Hellbender5kHalfMarathon

August 23, 8:30 A.M.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5k, Portersville. Starts at McDanel’s Boat Launch in Moraine State Park. Also virtual option. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com. Online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunToBreatheHalfMarathon5K

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle