Movement
Run Together Foundations
For dogs who already run comfortably with you: keep that routine steady and change it carefully, if at all.
What it is
For dogs who already run comfortably with you: keep that routine steady and change it carefully, if at all.
Why we created it
Running adds load quickly. Starting from what’s already comfortable keeps changes small and readable.
Goal
A comfortable running routine you can repeat.
Before you begin
You’ll need
- Your dog’s current comfortable run.
- A familiar route and surface.
- Water, and a check of the conditions.
What you’ll do
Your first session
- Write down your current comfortable run: route, surface, amount and conditions.
- Repeat that known run rather than extending it.
- Note your dog’s gait and willingness, and how they seem the next day.
- If you increase anything later, change one thing only — pace, distance or frequency, never all together.
Things to notice
- Gait and willingness.
- Next-day recovery.
- Other activity in the same week.
When to stop or get help
- Pain, limping or a change in gait, unusual intolerance or heat stress.
- Growing dogs, or dogs with known health limits, need appropriate advice before running is started or increased.
- Any feeding or activity instructions from your veterinarian still apply.
About this guide
Not a couch-to-running plan, and there is no universal run–walk interval. It doesn’t assume running can keep increasing.
Progress gradually and pause if your dog shows discomfort or reluctance.
Adapted into plain language from Nara’s prepared protocol material. It is general information, not a diagnosis or veterinary prescription, and it doesn’t report trial results.