The Dog Running and Exercise Company in
Washington, DC
About Dog Running
Established in 2010, Pant & Wag was the first dog running company in the DC metro area and among the very first in the nation. In that time our experienced dog runners have run and hiked over 12,000 miles (conservative estimate) with dogs—that's like running from Washington, DC to China and back!
There are not many exercises that can match the positive aspects of dog running for vigorous physical activity and overall health benefits. Pant & Wag's fun and spirited runs help dogs strengthen their body, burn calories, lose weight, and increase stamina. A consistent exercise program can help keep your four-legged family member healthy, fit, and happy.
Our dog runners always 'keep one eye on the dog' and may interval the pace between walking, jogging, and sprinting along with many water breaks to avert overexertion and injury. To avoid heat stroke we will never run your dog on hot days and instead go for a leisurely hike in the shade of the woods.
Trail Runs are Fun Runs!
Pant & Wag is the only dog runner in the U.S. the specializes exclusively in trail runs. This means we never run on sidewalks, roads, cement, asphalt, or treadmills. By only running on soft natural trails we avoid cars, frequent stops for traffic signals, and exhaust fumes. The result is a safer, healthier, and much more enjoyable run for your dog.
The Washington, DC metro area is home to many of the top rated trails in the nation for your dog to explore. We take full advantage of this and lead your dog on exciting excursions at different parks each day. One day we might go on a brisk run on the flat terrain of the C & O Canal. On another day we could hit the hills of Potomac Overlook Park. We may jog along the riverside on the Potomac Heritage Trail or run through the deep woods of Rock Creek Park. Each run is a different escapade and works different body parts to provide a true cross-training workout. We don't just jog around your neighborhood or go to the park nearest your house... what fun would that be? Our runs are designed keep your dog physically challenged and mentally enriched. Your furry friend will also be allowed extra time to play, explore, and socialize with his/her playgroup in addition to getting the exercise he/she needs.
Health Benefits of Running for Dogs
Dogs are natural runners (they have four legs and come fully equipped with built-in running shoes!) and Pant & Wag's running program provides numerous health benefits for them. We generally run between 3.5 and 5.5 miles (5k - 9k) per outing. Running this distance can help dogs:
- Control weight
- Improve cardiovascular health and endurance
- Strengthen muscles and bones
- Reduce anxiety and stress.
The soft surface of the natural paths is also vastly healthier for a dog's joints and paws than hard unnatural surfaces like cement, asphalt, or treadmills; Trail running may mitigate arthritis and dysplasia while the unevenness of the paths will help improve your dog's balance and coordination. Our runs are recommended by veterinarians to help get and keep dogs in the best shape of their lives!
Six Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise
Dogs require physical activity to maintain their health and mental wellbeing. Here are six indicators that your dog may need more exercise:
Joint Issues
When a dog does not engage in enough physical activity their joints may become weak, leading to stiffness, reduced flexibility, and an increased risk of joint-related issues. Exercise helps to keep a dog's joints lubricated, improves blood flow, and strengthens the surrounding muscles that support the joints. It also helps to maintain a healthy size, which is crucial for reducing stress on the joints. Without exercise, a dog may experience muscle atrophy and weight gain, which can further strain their joints.
Poor Sleep Patterns
Dogs that aren't sufficiently exercised may struggle to settle down and have restful sleep. They may toss and turn, have difficulty falling asleep, or wake up frequently during the night. The lack of exercise may also create the opposite problem—a dog who sleeps too much, has trouble waking up, and lethargic during the day.
Reduced Appetite or Overeating
Lack of exercise can affect a dog's appetite. Some dogs may lose their appetite, while others may turn to overeating out of boredom or frustration.
Restlessness / Hyperactivity
If your dog is displaying excessive energy such as jumping on people, racing around the house, pawing at you, nudging you, constantly demanding your attention, being overly excited even after minimal stimulation, seems restless, is pacing, or wandering aimlessly around the house, it could be a sign that they have pent-up energy and need to burn it off through exercise.
Unwanted Behavior
Dogs that don't get enough exercise may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture, digging holes in the yard, or tearing up household items. They may resort to excessive barking or whining as a way to release their pent-up frustrations. Exercise can help channel their zest into more appropriate outlets.
Weight Gain
Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain in dogs, just like in humans. If you notice your dog becoming overweight, it may be a sign that they need more physical activity.
Get Your Dog Exercising!
Traditional dog services like dog daycare, dog runners, and dog walkers don't provide the vigor or mental stimulation your dog wants and needs. Pant & Wag's Fitness Adventures are exclusively for dogs who deserve the best! Register for a free consultation today to get your dog exercising in a playgroup that will run, hike, and explore the most dog-friendly trails in the Washington, DC area.
FAQs About our Dog Running Service
A Customized Daily Report for your Dog
You will receive a personalized report for your beloved canine every day. This report will provide you with a detailed account of your dog's activities including the park they visited, the paths they explored, a trail map generated by GPS, the distance covered, a bathroom report, and delightful pictures and videos of your furry companion enjoying their time with their playmates, running, posing, and having fun.
Dog Running Video and Picture Gallery
(all pictures and videos are from real Pant & Wag excursions; stock photos and videos are never used!)
A brisk run in Rock Creek Park with the best DC Dog Runner! Dog gyms and dog walkers can't provide this level of exercise and enjoyment.
A fun jog through wildflowers! Each day we use different paths to ensure your dog physically and mentally engaged.
Our dog running groups are matched on athleticism, temperament, and age. This helps make sure that no dog gets overexerted or is underwhelmed.
Besides our awesome DC dog runner program, we always allow the playgroups extra time to frolic, play, explore, and socialize.
Trail running with a group of dogs through the woods. Your pup can't do anything like this in dog daycare!
A trot along the riverside. We go to different parks each day so your dog can explore real nature.
A robust 5k run in the mud! Don't worry, we wipe their paws off before bringing them back home!
Exercising your dog can help him/her achieve his/her ideal size and keep them healthy and happy.
Our goal is to provide dogs with an exercise plan that will keep their bodies and minds active, healthy, and fulfilled.
Regular exercise can help mitigate undesirable conduct such as excessive barking, restlessness, and destructiveness.
We always have plenty of planned breaks during our runs. This gives city-dwelling canines time to roll around in the dirt and enjoy being outside in fresh air.
Different terrains yield different workouts. This helps your dog avoid overuse injuries that may occur from doing the same routine over and over again.
Safety Protocols
Like any physical activity, dog running can pose some risks if not done by experienced professionals. At Pant & Wag, the safety and enjoyment of your furry family member is always our top priority. Here are some of the safety protocols that we follow:
100% Focus on Your Dog: Our undivided attention and care is given to your dog and their playgroup during exercise time. We refrain from talking on cell phones, texting, or using AirPods while watching out for signs of fatigue, aggression, injury, or other potential hazards.
In Person Vetting of Dogs: Before allowing any dog to join our exercise groups, we vet them in person to ensure they are a good match for the playgroup.
Leash Policy: Regardless of their etiquette off-leash, we always keep dogs on a leash during our runs. This not only ensures the safety of your pet but also protects other people, wildlife, and the environment.
Doggy First Aid Kit: We keep a canine first aid kit on-site at all times.
Fresh Water and Portable Bowls: We provide fresh water and mobile bowls to keep your dog hydrated and cool.
Veterinary Emergencies: We are always prepared for emergencies and know the nearest veterinary clinic to our location. Additionally, we will cover the initial costs of emergency treatment and approve the veterinarian's recommended course of action if the client is unavailable to do so. A signature is required to advance the cost and approve the recommended treatment. Please refer to Addendum B: Emergency Information of the Client Agreement form for further details.
Sign Your Dog Up Today!
The first step in enrolling in our canine exercise service is to sign-up for an in-home consultation. During the consultation we will review what we do and why we do it, how we are different than other dog service companies, and review your dog's temperament and history so we can ensure we get him/her in the best possible playgroup. Sign your dog up for our Fitness Adventure program today!
Interested in Becoming a Professional Dog Runner?
Yes, you can get paid to run! If you like dogs, running, and being out in nature, we have a GREAT job for you! Some of our staff are stay-at-home, some are students, some are retired, and many have other full or part-time jobs. The common thread is they all love dogs, nature, and exercise. So if you have a few hours to spare in the afternoon and would like to earn some money while exercising with a group of dogs out in the woods, please visit our Job Opportunities page to learn more.
