Has it gotten colder where you are? Can I run with my dog?

This question has been quite common at the start of winter, and the answer is yes. In general, dogs tend to perform better in mild temperatures. What we should focus on is proper warm-up and cool-down—not just for ourselves, but for our dogs as well.

Warming up before the run aims to increase heart rate, body temperature, and blood circulation to the muscles and joints. It also provides neural stimulation, enhancing the sensitivity of nerve receptors. As a result, complex movements are performed more effectively and correctly, minimizing the risk of injury.

Cooling down helps transition the body into a resting state, rather than ending the activity abruptly. This is the moment for active recovery, which helps reduce lactate levels, improves circulating oxygen, controls inflammation, muscle contractures, and tendon-muscle overloads, all of which support better recovery.

Nose up once.

Spin twice to each side.

Nose to chest once (ventral spine flexion).

Walk backward for two meters, twice.

Sit and stand up three times.

Stand on hind legs three times.

Give a paw three times with each limb.

After the workout, begin the cool-down, preferably without the equipment, so the dog associates it with the end of the activity. This is the moment to slow down. A light walk for 5-10 minutes. Incorporate this into your training and competition routine!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Technical consultation: M.V. Joyce Bueno Florêncio
CRMV-SP 36.111

Suggested warm-up routine for Canicross:

Duration: 10–15 minutes on cold days and 5–10 minutes on warm days.

Walk or jog for 5–10 minutes at a light and comfortable pace, without the equipment (harness), so your dog can relax and relieve itself. At the end, include a short sprint at a faster pace.

With the help of treats: Active stretching

Bring the nose toward the side of the hip once on each side (lateral spine flexion and thoracic stretch).