The Art & Science of Running With Your Dog
The ultimate guide to building your mechanics, training your Bestie, and loving every mile together
New Book and Training Program Coming Soon
I was keen to write this book because I’ve seen so many people in my life who want to run but truly need more support and guidance to make it a sustainable habit. As a dog behavior consultant, animal trainer, and walking and running coach, I also cross paths with countless people who run with their dogs. However, I’ve often observed a troubling trend: more often than not, the dogs don’t look like they’re having much fun.
The greatest challenge in writing this book was deciding exactly how much to include. I have running partners who view this as a deep hobby and passion; I know they will appreciate the hard science behind the mechanics and endurance. On the other hand, I have friends in the dog training world who simply want to help their clients get moving safely, and they likely don’t need a deep dive into exercise physiology.
Solution: A book pet owners can enjoy while they learn how to run with their dog and a certification program for those interested in diving deeper and then providing lessons and instructions.
Striking the right balance to ensure there is something for everyone was difficult.
Same goes for Part Two, our dog training section. When I taught my own dogs to run, I did much of it “on the fly” because I already had the professional skills and knowledge to adapt in the moment. However, if we attempted to teach it that way here, we would likely end up with some very frustrated dogs and humans! To prevent that, my colleague and friend, Louise Stapleton-Frappell, has fleshed out the majority of that section. She has made the exercises comprehensive so you can learn the foundation correctly first, allowing you to finesse the skills later while you’re out on the trail.
We hope this book offers something valuable for everyone. My wish is that you learn to love running as a process, not just an output. Most importantly, if you choose to run with your “bestie,” I hope you take the time and effort to ensure they enjoy the run just as much as you do.
Meet Your Guides
Throughout the book’s neatly classified chapters, you’ll be joined by three knowledgeable companions who bring expert advice to life on every page: 
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Doogie & Gizmo (Part One): Your ultimate human-mechanics co-pilots. They will walk alongside you through the science of running, serving up actionable chapter takeaways and quick tips to refine your form, boost your endurance, and keep your body running strong.
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Jessam (Part Two): Your expert guide for all things canine. Jessam steps in to walk you through the essential training skills, practical techniques, and welfare-first guidance needed to build seamless teamwork and give your dog true agency on the run.
Together, they bridge the gap between human athletic performance and dog-centric enrichment, ensuring both ends of the leash are supported every step of the way!
Niki Tudge - A Certified Fitness Instructor, Running & Walking Coach
Running With Your Dog
The DogNostics’ “The Art and Science of Running With Your Dog” book and program are the only resources available that are developed and managed by both a Walking and Running Coach and an Accredited Dog Behavior Consultant – Niki Tudge
A complete program that covers the knowledge and skills required for both humans and canines to run together safely.
About The Book
What You’ll Learn Inside the Program
Part One: The Human Engine & Running Mechanics
Part One lays the groundwork by focusing on your preparation, physiology, and form so you can move safely and efficiently alongside your dog. You’ll explore:
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Mindset & Fundamentals: Discovering your “why,” mastering the logistics of shared runs, and managing energy expenditure and metabolic byproducts.
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Fuel & Gear: Science-backed approaches to human nutrition, hydration strategies, and choosing the right apparel and gear.
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Form & Biomechanics: Fine-tuning your running mechanics—from head position, arm swing, and leg movement to cadence, breathing, and shifting gears.
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Long-Term Performance: Gamify your training, master proper strides, and look after your physical engine to keep every run sustainable and injury-free.
Part Two: The Canine Partner & The Shared Experience
Part Two shifts the spotlight entirely to your dog, grounding every stride in welfare, enrichment, and canine-centric communication. You’ll discover how to:
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Philosophy of the Shared Run: Cultivate a true partnership by giving your dog agency and ensuring the experience is genuinely reinforcing for them.
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Essential Skills & Training: Build foundational running skills and cues that keep your dog safe, confident, and engaged.
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Canine Care & Safety: Select the right harnesses and equipment, manage hydration needs, and maximize visibility in any environment or weather condition.
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Connecting It All Together: Seamlessly merge human mechanics with canine enthusiasm to create a harmonious, joyful run where your best friend loves every single mile as much as you do.
Coming soon…
Transform every run into a safe, deeply enriching partnership with The Art and Science of Running With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Mechanics, Training Your Bestie, and Loving Every Mile Together—the core text behind the ground-breaking new certification program coming soon from DogNostics Education.
Designed with a dog-centric, well-being-first ethos, this program bridges the gap between athletic biomechanics and canine behavior to ensure both you and your dog thrive with every stride. Whether you are hitting rugged trails, neighborhood pavement, or the track, you will learn science-based strategies to optimize movement, safeguard physical health, and turn daily runs into meaningful cognitive enrichment. Elevate your practice, enhance your dog’s overall welfare, and cultivate a harmonious, joyful stride together—one mile at a time.
RWYD Blog
Preparing To Run – Finding Your Deep Why!
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