My Dog's Faster Than Your Dog: Races and Walks for You and Your Dog

As you spend time running with your dog gaining stamina and confidence you may find yourself wanting to take things to a new level. Maybe you want a motivating goal to work towards. Or maybe you just want to show off all the hard work you and your dog have put in. A dog human partnered race could be a great option. Below is a list of races I have found (currently all in Colorado because that's where I live) that allow and encourage you to bring your dog along. I know there are many more races out there than I have listed. If you have any you would like to share, I'd be happy to post them here.

April
Fast and the Furriest 5k, Ft. Collins, CO
Canine Classic 5k, Boulder, CO

May
Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue 5k, Louisville, CO
Wyoming Marathon Races, 10 miles east of Laramie, WY (Not specifically a dog race, but insured dogs are allowed if you want to try something longer than a 5k)

June
Rocky Dog Trail Run 5k, Vail, CO
Fire Hydrant 5k, Ft. Collins, CO

July
Canine 4k Feline No Way, Frisco, CO

August
None Found Yet!

September
Cause For Paws Doggie Dash 4k, Boulder, CO

October
Phantom 4 Miler, Loveland, CO

An added bonus to participating in these races is that they are all for a good cause. You can go out and run with a nice warm fuzzy feeling. Before attempting any of these events, its important to consider the current temperament of your dog. If they do not do well around new dogs and people or if they get scared in loud busy places, it would be best to leave your dog at home or to do some training to desensitize your dog. I've experienced first hand how embarrassing it can be to have the dog screaming at every stroller that passes by.

 I'm currently reading When Pigs Fly!: Training Success with Impossible Dogs! by Jane Killion. This book does a great job at teaching you positive reinforcement methods and clicker training to work with all sorts of dogs whether they live to please or could care less. She has done a great job molding independent dogs into successful agility competitors.

When you are comfortable, come try a race or two. Maybe you'll see me and Nix (hopefully with quiet intensity) waiting at the starting line for you.




Catch us if you can!