jogging/running with your dog...a bit different but HELP!

Take a look at this post on our running group, might be relevant advice on here.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/940274-4-legged-running-partners

I have tried running with my dads dog (a black lab) and it's fine in a park or somewhere where I can take her off the lead and be OK. But on the lead, I was just tripping over her all the time especially when she would stop and stiff something. I found it generally quite difficult to keep an eye on her and get a good run in so generally I don't go out with her.

I think if I'd taken her out from a younger age she would behave a bit better. But it's definitely best to have her off the lead, but you do have to be able to trust her and the environment your in that they will be safe or you can't run properly and it becomes pointless.

if it's going to be a daily thing, yes get a dog, can you commit to the type of exercise a dog that is able to run will need? minimum of twice daily walks with lots of off lead work too. you don't say what your lifestyle is but please remember a dog can only be left for a maximum of 4 hours - they are a social pack animal.

if you're considering a working breed please remember the clue is in the word working I love these programmes where people are amazed that their dog is destroying the house "how often do you walk him/her" - "oh maybe twice a week" :sick: doh!!

please please as above consider a rescue dog, an adult dog will be ready to run and you'll bypass all the nightmare puppy stage :laugh:

or, if you want to 'try before you buy' try dog walking for a local charity that way you'll see if you like it before you take on a ten or 15 year commitment of a sentient being with feelings, heart and soul

http://imageshack.us/a/img109/3121/img5251o.jpg

She is a Shepard husky cross and loves to run. The wife takes her on marathon training on runs up to 30km now. She loves it. While running, nothing else matters. Other dogs will bark at her and she just keeps running straight ahead. When she goes out on longer runs, we feed her a lot of wet food to make sure she is getting the calories she needs. As well, long runs are planned around water sources for her.

There are any number of breeds and mixes that make good running partners. You don't really need a specific breed to run with. Generally a medium to large breed, although there are smaller dogs that would be suitable. I would be careful with brachycephlic breeds (the flatter faces) as they may have issues with breathing or keeping cool while running .
You also don't necessarily need to look for a particularly high energy breed. Keep in mind if you do go with one that they still need exercise on the days you don't run them. A bored dog can be a problem. A high energy bored dog can be a nightmare.

And even if you do go with a breed that is known to run - doesn't mean they will. Many people claim their labs love to run. One of the reasons I got a lab was because it would be a suitable breed. My lab hates running. After about 2.5 miles he acts like I am dragging him. He's not tired, he'll get home and run laps around the yard. I've tried all kinds of things. So now I just take him on my shorter ones.

Make sure the breed or mix (expect any trait from either breed to possibly show) suits your whole lifestyle, not just the ability to run. Many people get a dog based on looks, without consideration for their nature. For example, beagles are meant to bark, it's part of what they are bred to do - might not be the best apartment dog even if they are small.

Also, if you plan on getting a puppy, consult with the breeder and/or vet on when the best time to start running them. For larger breeds that can be 1-2 years. Running beside you is very different than running on heir own and can be too hard on developing joints. Once you do start running, you need to work up the miles.


As for mine - I already told you about my lab's running. They are a pretty well known breed. They can be very high energy but generally a sweet dog and trainable. They shed. The breed is prone to hip dyplaysia. Look for a breed who does health testing on their breeding stock including hip and eye clearances. They can also screen for EIC (exercise induced collapse), CNM (centronuclear myopathy) and heart problems.

My Older German Shepherd lives to run with me. He will go as fast and as far as I ask, any day, any time any where. He is alert, and a great deterrent. He is 10 now so we don't do more than 5k. Pros - smart breed, great dogs, trainable, visual deterrent. Cons - can be challenging for a first time owner, they need a strong owner who is in charge, there is a lot of bad breeding out there producing some bad examples of the breed. They can be territorial. They shed! a lot! They are smart breed, high energy (remember what I said about bored and high energy). Everyone wants a smart dog, until you get one. He is far too smart - he can open doors , is an escape artist (he escapes to get to us not away) and is very adept at reading us. He knows when I have decided to take him for a run before I do or say anything. I will always have a GSD but certainly don't recommend the breed for everyone.
Health concerns - same as the lab without the EIC. Any breeder should be doing testing on their stock (not "vet checks" these are specific tests where the dogs are screened for these diseases prior to breeding)


I covered the puppy from a breeder stage just in case. Rescues and shelters are a good idea but if one chooses to go to a breeder there is a huge difference between a good breeder and a bad one. These are some good articles about selecting a dog, particularly what to look for in a breeder. It is from a lab breeder but it applies to anyone.
http://woodhavenlabs.com/breeding.html

My three


My lab is cut out there so here he is (that's my older GSD in my avatar)

I usually run with Max, my 6 year old Weimaraner. He can run all day (well, I'm running flat out, he's just trotting along steadily)

He's always on a lead, and he's used to being on one.

He's out of action at the minute as he cut his paw 10 days ago and had to have stitches.

I tried him once at a Park Run (a weekly timed 5k run held in various parks aroudn the UK and other countries), and he was a NIGHTMARE! got really freaked out by all these other excited runners in high-viz vests). So we stick to quiet contry roads or the tow path by the river.

If you are getting a puppy, dont be tempted to exercise them too much until their bones have formed properly. It is unlikely that a dog of less than 1 year old will be able to go for a run with you.

Weims - nice short coat, easy to groom, but daft as a brush and inclined to be skittish.

I also have a cocker spaniel, who is just a year and a half, so I'll be starting to train her in running soon. She's very smart, and loves any kind of agility activity, but has a coat that needs brushed daily.

@ cmeirun - thanks!

I have a year and a half yellow lab, Gunner, who runs with me. I run with him at least 3 times a week and he goes on my long runs with me. He loves it! I grab the leash and he is sitting by the door wanting to go go go! I feel safer running with him. One thing I don't like about him is he sheds a lot. Even with his shedding food and brushing him everyday, but I would not trade him for the world! He is a great companion and we are running up to 6 miles. We are doing a K9 9K in May. I also have a toy Aussie (I do think a standard Aussie would be a good running mate), but she can't go on long runs. So my husband takes her for walks:) or else she gets pretty jealous! Here is a link for 10 Best Dog Breeds for outside activites:) Good luck!!

http://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/10-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-Adventure-Junkies.htm

I have a yellow lab (4 years old) who is NOT into running with me. She is very fit and trim but she just isn't a runner. She loves to walk and would walk all day every day if we'd go with her. She just likes to go at HER pace, and stop and sniff everything, and doesn't like to have to keep up with me while running. She ends up lagging SO far behind, unless I leave the leash on and then I feel like I'm dragging her. She would play with other dogs for hours but, just not into jogging with me.

As others have mentioned, a dog of less than 1 year should NOT run with you, it's extremely bad for their muscle and bone development. ESPECIALLY a lab, as it can make them more prone to hip dysplasia.

My English bull terrier can keep up with rollerblades, but he tires out easily, and he can't be out if it's too hot or too cold. My 14 year old mutt (Shar-pei, hound mix) can run all day long. I'm guessing it's the hound part, but she is FAST, and has crazy endurance. My corgi can barely make it around the block (he's epileptic and on pills that make him teh fattz0rs).

Look at Rescues definitely..

we have a foster dog in our program who has so much energy he can run 10k no problem.
But then you have to realize high energy dogs need constant outlets for energy.. not just when you feel like a run...
Its a commitment you need to seriously consider..and think about what happens when you are too busy to run but the dog still needs exercise..


Foster programs are also not meant to be a "trial adoption" Speaking as a foster coordinator for a rescue..
Foster parents still have to go through the application process, and there is no guarantee you can keep the dog you foster..

This is probably obvious, but just keep in mind that even if you get a breed of dog that usually likes to run you could wind up with a dog that just doesn't want to do it. I have a miniature schnauzer, and other dogs of this breed that I've known love to play fetch. Mine couldn't be less interested. Dogs do have their own personality on top of the general characteristics of the breed.

All that said, my little schnauzer hates to run (besides short bursts at the park) but my sister runs with her labradoodle all the time. I would imagine lots of bigger, retriever type dogs would make a good running partner.

I think one of the most important things for running with your dog is getting them trained right. Make sure they aren't going to try pulling you along when they see another dog, or stop dead in their tracks to smell that tree you're passing. While not entirely related to your question, getting them into one of the 'doggy sports' would be a good idea, too. It would give you something else to do if you felt like changing it up a bit while keeping them mentally engaged. My dog -loved- agility things before we had to have his back legs fixed.

E: Also please keep your climate in mind when you're thinking about getting a dog! A heavy coated dog will probably not do real well running in the heat, but shorter haired dogs may have issues in too much sun. (That can also be a problem with a dog you shave - just be careful!)

Weims - nice short coat, easy to groom, but daft as a brush and inclined to be skittish.

My grandparents bred Weimaraners and I grew up with 2. I truly believe this to be the reason that I never want to own a dog. They are dumb, hard to train and hyper! I swear, the one my parents still have eats like a billy goat. Metal, candy, chocolate, drywall, paper, plastic, cotton. She will eat anything and everything. Scarred me for life.