Training for a 5K can be a daunting task. It’s always easier to train for a race when you have a loyal running partner at your side. You and your dog can train for the race together if you follow the steps below.

Step 1: Look online or consult a local running club in order to create a reasonable training schedule for you and your pup.  Depending on your (and your dog’s!) current level of fitness, you should give yourself anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months to prepare for the 3.1 mile race.

Step 2: Keep it interesting. Vary the routes that you and your dog run while training so that neither one of you get bored. Also vary the running surfaces, which will help keep his paws and joints healthier too.

Step 3: Fight the urge to lose the leash. It’s important for him to remain leashed during his training runs because he will need to be leashed during the race.  Once the two of you have found a steady pace, you might be able to tie the leash around your waist.

Step 4: Keep your dog hydrated. You should carry a water bottle for him in order to avoid overheating.

Step 5: Feed your dog a well-balanced healthy diet. The first ingredient in his food should be meat, not corn or some other byproduct. Talk to your vet about whether or not you should increase his calorie intake during the training period.

Step 6: Beware of the health issues that are associated with exercising your dog too much. If you notice him limping or slowing down, he might be experiencing pain in his joints. You might want to consider giving your dog a supplement to support his joint health.

Step 7: Run the course with your pup beforehand. This will enable you both to see the ups and downs (literally!) of the course. It will also give you a chance to see where you can take it easy and where the course might provide some real challenges for you both.

 Step 8: If possible, take your dog to a 5K that you are not participating in.  He needs to be exposed to all of the hustle and bustle of race day before the big event.

If the 5K is a big success, you might find yourself entering more events with your pup at your side!

This article is sponsored by pet super store. An online pet store that features dog training collars and dog tracking collars.

One of the way humans celebrate an exciting event is to high five each other. If your dog is your best friend then you have definitely shared high five worthy moments together.  Follow the steps below and you and your dog will be high fiving by game time. 

Step 1: If your dog doesn’t yet know the “sit” command, you’ll need to start there. The high five will be taught to your dog from the sitting position. Once he can sit on command, have him sit and stay while you kneel in front of him.

Step 2: Don’t confuse “shake” for “high five”. If your dog already knows how to shake, be prepared that you might have a hard time teaching him the difference between shake and high five.

Step 3: Raise your right hand to the height of your dog’s shoulder. Your palm should be completely open and your fingertips should be pointed towards the sky. With your left hand, lift your dog’s left paw towards your open palm.

Step 4: At the time your dog’s left paw makes contact with your right hand, say “high five”. Repeat this several times.

Step 5: After repeating the paw to hand contact several times, reward your pet for participating. You may choose to either give him a treat or lots of praise and affection.

Step 6: Hold your right hand in the air again and say the command “high five” but do not reach for your dog’s paw. Hopefully he will place his paw against your hand. Allow him the opportunity to do it on his own before you reach for his paw. If he does it on his own, reward him immediately with treats or praise.

Step 7: If your dog does not respond to the command, or lifts his paw lower for the “shake” command, continue to repeat steps 3 and 4 until your dog can complete step 6 on his own.

Step 8: Like with all training commands, you will need to practice “high fiving” several times a day for a few days in a row.  Soon enough, your dog should respond to the command.

A high five shouldn’t take too long to master and it will definitely be worth the effort. Your friends will be so impressed when they see you and your dog exchanging high fives in response to thrilling moments. 

This article was sponsored by pet super store. An online resource for dog crates and orthopedic dog beds.