How to Rollerblade With a Dog

Rollerblading with your dog allows you to get exercise and bond with your pet at the same time. This activity requires excellent rollerblading skills and an obedient, well-trained dog, as well as coordination and the ability to think fast on your feet. With advance planning, proper equipment and consideration for your own needs, as well as those of your pet, rollerblading with your pooch can be rewarding for both of you.

Things You'll Need

• Retractable leash
• Dog body halter

Instructions

1. Buy proper equipment for your dog. Use a retractable leash to avoid tripping over excess leash rope. A body halter is more comfortable than a traditional collar, which can tug painfully at your dog's neck. If your dog is extremely well-trained, consider rollerblading without a leash and simply having your dog run alongside of you.

2. Practice rollerblading on your own. Inexperienced rollerbladers should wear long sleeves and pants to avoid scrapes when they fall down. Stretch first or warm up with a light jog. Practice in a low-traffic area--preferably in a park where there is plenty of grass alongside the path for a soft landing. You must be comfortable rollerblading, turning and stopping on your own before before involving your dog in this exercise.

3. Prepare to involve your dog in rollerblading by taking your dog on walks and jogs to get him used to staying on one side of you. Don't stop frequently on these training jogs, as this will make your dog think that he is in control or your movements. Keep your dog's nails trimmed so that they don't scrape painfully when he runs.

4. Incorporate your dog into the rollerblading activity. Keep her leash short, with a maximum of 6 feet between both of you. If possible, rollerblade with your dog in a park where your dog can run on grass alongside of you. Start with a short trip of about a mile or two, and gradually work up to as much as four or five miles. Give your dog positive reinforcement with verbal praise, and offer her treats after the exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Rollerblades with brakes are a good idea for less experienced rollerbladers, as are knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. Keep your dog's nails trimmed so that they don't scrape painfully when he runs. Bring enough water for both you and your dog when you rollerblade.

• Avoid rollerblading when the weather is hot, as the asphalt heat is difficult on your dog's paws.