Do you run with your dog?

sandrajune72

No, but my cat will sit on the treadmill with me when I walk.

Awwww! Sooo cute!

calalily77

I took my dog on a walk/run this past week. I never trained her for that but she did alright. When I first begin to run she takes off much faster than Id like but she slowed down to stay at a reasonable pace. I have her on a fairly short leash though. She can't go to fast without dragging me. She has been known to run under my feet though which is scary. Shes just over a year and she is a terrible walker so I think the running actually keeps her busy and she doesn't want to run and play with everyone she passes.

pastryari

Nope, I've got a long haired dachsund. She has trouble keeping up for long periods of time with those short little legs of hers.

cloveraz

I still can not get my 9 month old lab to stop pulling...I've tried the stop and stand on leash method, nothing...We got him a harness, he chewed thru that....There really is something very special about our dog, I think he would be a great recovery dog for missing people, but those classes are very expensive...So, we take him and my grandma's dog to the dog park to run like the wind. My cat she enjoys the peace and quiet!

What I did with my Sheperd when she started to pull is: walk with them on the leash...then they start to pull, turn them around and walk back the way you came (about 4-5 steps) then suddenly turn around again and walk back the opposite way until they pull again, then you repeat. Granted, I looked like a fool for about 20 minutes walking no more then about 10 steps with my dog at a time but she caught on very quickly that we were going to walk where I wanted to go...not where she wanted to go.

Another option is the Halti Head Collar, these are VERY popular in the UK. My neighbor just started using one with her 90-pound lab and he is a different dog when he is on this. He no longer pulls at all!!! I am sure you can also find these in the states. http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/products/dog-training-and-accessories/stop-pulling/halti-headcollar

oh, I'm going to have to try that method....and i'll take a look at the collar, also..THANK YOU!

tappae

I've heard better things about the "gentle leader" versus the "halti," and it works great for my pit bull.

HauteP1nk

I would definitely run with my dog Moe. However, I have two dogs (brother and sister from the same litter) and even though they are the same age the female is aging a lot faster and can't keep up (also doesn't help that she is fatter than him).

....they give me the evil eye if I take one and not the other...makes me feel guilty...lmao

stepharega

No I got a bad scare recently when I did run with him (11 lb chihuahua)
his heart was SKYROCKETED and i was in tears that he couldnt stop panting so fast
so i took a break...short walks here and there but not running yet no.
i also got him on this no grain high protein dog food by "wellness" its awesome but i dont think hes crazy about it x

nill4me

LOL @ cat on treadmill.

acstansell

I run intervals with my Lab/boxer mix (we've been on hiatus because mommy has sciatica again).

At first, I would suggest that you get a harness - either a walking harness or a gentle leader. A walking harness places the D ring at the back between the shoulders and a Gentle leader is a collar designed to stop the dog from pulling. It's not a muzzle, but it does go around the face. I had a walking harness and my dog would still pull and I've come close to face planting a few times. The Gentle leader corrects the pulling a very calm way and keeps the dog at your side or slightly in front of you w/out restricting their breathing.

Then - I would suggest training. When you walk the dog, train the dog to stop, sit, turn corners, and check back. This last one is very important, because as you run, you want your dog to check in with you for feedback about picking up pace or continuing for a longer interval. *train your dog to walk one side of you at all times. I like to have my dog walk on my left side because I'm left handed*

Finally, learn your dog's heat tolerance. If your dog likes the sun or the heat, you may have more luck running with them in the summer (still, bring water). If your dog does not like the heat, summer running w/your pooch may be difficult and require more water than you may want to carry.

Build up slowly - some dogs are not used to running other than in a sprinting fashion. My dog thought it was a race the first time. Also, like others have said, don't run with a pup under about 1 to 1.5 years of age. Their joints and plates aren't fused and it can lead to problems.

If you get a dog or have a dog with a squished face (pug, papillon, boxer, bulldog) be careful in the heat. These dogs have very restricted airways due to being bred to have cute squishy faces. They overheat quicker which is very dangers.


And my REAL last point - if you haven't gotten the dog yet, rescue. There are too many dogs that need loving home just sitting in shelters waiting for an active companion to go running with. Treat them to a dog's true life.

luv_lea

My dog is a pit, about 4 years old and she LoVeS to run with me. If we bike she even loves to run along, we just have to stop every now and then.

I didn't really do anything to get her there, she just loves to go.

asasser2002

I sure do! I'm only up to running about half a mile right now though so he and I are training together. He is a 4 year old Shepherd mix (good ole mutt!) He has long legs and tends to want to go faster than I do so I have him wearing a doggie back pack which is very convenient too because he totes my cell phone, a poncho and water for us! It makes him feel like he has a "job". I've trained several to run on a treadmill also... that's probably a good start for a dog if you are already used to running long distances. :happy:

morganhccstudent724

Does anyone run with their dog? How did you train them? How far do you run? What kind of dog? How old were they when you started training them? I am getting a puppy this weekend and while I know it will be a while before he can run with me I was wondering if anyone had some advice on how to get there.
Thanks!

Yes I run with Jada.

Training is a work in progess....so is my running.

We run about 2.5 miles and walk some as well.

She is a beagle/cavalier mix and she has a ton of energy. She is a year.

***Harness was the way to go for me since she is such a puller. Especially with all the bunnies lol***

asasser2002

And my REAL last point - if you haven't gotten the dog yet, rescue. There are too many dogs that need loving home just sitting in shelters waiting for an active companion to go running with. Treat them to a dog's true life.

^^^ Wholeheartedly AGREE!! I have 6 rescued dogs!

stratusofkiser

I walk with my dog, I slowly up my pace (she is already top speed!lol) my dog keeps me on my toes, I am starting to walk my 3 month old pup of course not far small walks and work it up slowly. Have fun! My dog helps keep me motivated to keep going. She is a cattle dog?australian shepherd mix so she is full of energy.

ItsMeRebekah

used to. hes getting old now tho.
started when i got him at the normal pup weeks.
hes a pit
we used to do abt 5M a day. i would just bring him a water bottle too!
trained him in the front yard to get used to the leash.. then took him on the beach. he loved the beach and never had issues.. perhaps bc he was so young.

melissa_leah

I can't.... I mean my dog loves to run and WILL run with me but he likes to stop at every bush and pee on it so it gets annoying haha

cmbrysonussery

I have 2 huskies who run/walk with me. They can go way longer than I can. I also foster huskies for a rescue (Adopt don't Shop!) and train them to walk/run with me too.
They catch on pretty easy. I run two at a time one on each side.

soccermom004

Picked up my pup on Sunday. He is a rescue. Super sweet.

sarah44254

It is recommended that I do not run with my dog, because of the breed.

He is a Corgi, so he is too tiny to keep up with my run pace. He will keep up, though, if I try it. And it will wear him out dangerously. The dog doesn't know when to stop running, so he just keeps going.

So sadly, I can only go on short, brisk walks with my Corgi. Which, at that point, he is practically running anyhow.

mrschappet

I wish... my dog is too lazy!

JeepBaja

I don't run but I walk daily with my dog at least 3 miles. We also hike upwards of 10 miles on weekend days. I have a almost six year old Black & Tan Coonhound. Only on the hottest days will he "zombie" walk after about 7 miles

vade43113

I would love to, but my dog doesn't run at all... infact she gets tired on our hour long walks

FluttershySweetie

My dog is 2, shes a Bernese Mountain Dog and I have just started running. Basic obedience is a must and your dog needs to be a breed that enjoys running.... I suggest to start slowly after 6 months of age to start running and then once he or she is full grown then can really start training.... if you start too much exercise too young your dog can have severe bone and muscle issues later on... i work at a vet clinic and I`ve seen some pretty sad cases... good luck and have fun!

TrailRunner61

I was doing C25K until I tripped over my chocolate lab, Hazel, when she stepped in front of me. I ended up with both knees bruised, shoulder severely bruised and bruised cartilage in my foot. It's been 3-4 weeks and I'm still sore.

I'd say consider running with your dog very carefully! Also, don't run your dog when it's hot out, as they overheat quicker than we do.

I do have her walk with me up to 10 miles a day with no problem, but I take a backpack cooler with water for both of us in it.

Good luck and stay safe!

debussyschild

My husband and I just adopted an 11-month old German Shepherd mix from the shelter 2 weekends ago and all I can say is how BLESSED we are with this wonderful boy! He must have already been leash trained, because he doesn't pull at all and rarely stops to sniff. I've taken him on one short jog with me and he did great. I made sure to jog when it wasn't super hot out, though, since his coat is dark and very thick. I also bring water along in case either of us needs it.

Running with your dog really depends on the breed. Boxers aren't much for running or walking without yanking your arm out for that matter. Huskies and Malamutes are great running dogs, however, Malamutes are hardcore runners. They'll do daily marathons. Look into dogs that have high activity level requirements and can be easily leash trained.

brandiemhgc

We have a 3 yo black lab/pit mix. She is gorgeous! We started training her with my oldest daughter started her training for cross county. One step at a time. She now can run half marathons with her. Keep in mind, dogs can get sore and over do it too. They can also get over heated. So just watch for signs of exhaustion and hydrate her/him as well as yourself. One step at a time. It also depends on the breed. Good luck!

La_Amazona

I run with my boyfriend's dog. She's a lab. She runs fast! Sometimes she runs me.
She's trained but since she's not been taken running before, she weaves a lot and sometimes I have to stop to get her on the side I want her to be on.
But so far, I enjoy it!

Debbe2

Smart to start your dog running with you as a puppy. My two dogs aren't in to a healthy lifestyle. They'd much rather lie around all day and sleep.

Duck_Puddle

I have two dogs: an 8 year old husky mix and a 6 month old yellow lab puppy. They both suck as running partners. The husky is all business until he spots a squirrel/duck/goose/cat/bird-then we are off in a full sprint after said game. Then we have to stop and double-back every ten seconds because there's at least one bush/light post/stop sign he hasn't peed on and/or to sniff who knows what.

The puppy-not sure where to begin. She's like a 65-lb jack Russell terrier who drank a red bull. Walking her is a nightmare. She doesn't go more than 2 feet without picking up something to chew on (sticks, coffee cups, McChicken wrappers)-1/2 the stuff she chews on isn't visible to the human eye! She gets herself wrapped around every pole or tree we pass (and keeps going around while we try to get her unwrapped). She's also lured by the ducks & geese and in the blink of an eye-she will take a hard left off the path and go at a full sprint off into the pond or river after the ducks & geese. She's also recently discovered birds in general-so we due some rather ambulatory bird "watching" too. We have been to 2 obedience classes with her-and continue to work with her at home-but progress is well-non existent. Maybe when she's actually old enough to run (vet says 18 months for her) we will have at least figured out how to walk.

So 2 dogs-and no likely running partner in either.

UpEarly

I have three pugs... so, no! LOL

But my youngest pug can hike all day long and never get tired. He can do lots of moderate exercise, but nothing intense. :-)