Running with a dog

Hardest part was teaching my dog "left" and "right". I take him on 5 mile runs and he could definitely keep going.

AJ_G wrote: »

Dogs are more efficient at running than humans are. Most likely, even a dog that is not in the best cardiovascular shape can run faster and longer than you can, so it's really about pushing yourself, the dog will be fine. If it's not fine, it will stop running.

This is probably true cardiovascular-wise, but much like a person a dog should never go from 0 to a ton of miles in a short amount of time. We humans will usually complain and slow down or stop but dogs will just push past pain without complaining. So build up slowly, the same way you would a human, would be my advice.

LOL! My dog knows left from right! I taught him when we started biking together - I'd just say the same things (pretty much standard biking language) every time we turned, or approached a stop sign, and he figured it out and started responding. I just thought he was a genius. Eh, who are we kidding? He's a genius.

My dog can probably run more than me and I don't worry about him anymore, but one thing I did when we were first starting out is do a route that was a loop - so we'd go back past our house every mile. As we passed the house, I watched his reaction. Mostly, he'd start toward the house, but if I tugged him back to the street, he'd seem cool with it, no loss of pace, even a brief increase in pace, as if he were THRILLED to keep going. If he was DONE, it showed - if I tugged him back toward the street, I swear he'd sigh, and kind of hang his head, and he'd keep going, but he'd turn back and look longingly at the house. That's how I knew he was ready to stop. I know it's silly, but it worked for us. I know some dogs will just stop when they're done (my other dog does, and jeez, whiplash) but my boy would keep going until he collapses, probably. I worried about pushing him so I liked giving him the chance to let me know when he was tired.

Also, I have one of those waist leash thingies - and it's a godsend. Probably a dumb thing, but it makes it much easier for me.

My dog is a german shepherd/husky mix - he's pretty danged strong! The leash has a bungee or something in it to keep him from being able to hurt me.

i used to run cross country with mine so they were off the lead - i didn't like it when they ran on the lead as I couldn't use my arms the way i liked to when running! Most useful command i taught them was 'back' so they kept behind me in situations where I needed them close but not close enough to put on the lead! Regularly walked 4-5 miles so running that was no problem for them until a few months ago when they just couldnt keep up. (both dogs are now 12)

You say he's an adult, but exactly how old? Very large dogs like Danes don't mature physically until they're around two years old. Until that time you need to be careful of their joints. It's easy to overwork a still-physically-maturing dog and cause permanent joint damage. If he's over two then I think you're fine taking your cues from him. I'd avoid a lot of running on hard surfaces (bad for dog joints as well as human joints). Natural surfaces are better. And keep watch on his paw pads as you build up distance.

We have a siberian husky- KNOWN for being long distance runners, but she's older. She definitely lets us know when she's hitting her limit. After about 3 miles she starts slowing down more and more. When the leash constantly has tension that tells me the run is over, time to walk the rest of the way home. Then she'll lay on top of the air conditioning vent for a while.

I run 5-7k with my dog, mostly off the leash. Mentally I find it easier than running on my own. She's built for sprinting but trots beside me when she wants to take a breather from running on ahead of me, stopping to smell something and then sprinting to catch up with me.
One run involves 2k on a road so she stays on a light lead I can carry in my pocket.
We then run on a canal path so she can only go forwards or back and if I cant see her, she's at my heels. If we meet other dogs off the lead, I keep her free and vica versa.

I dont think a fit young lab/dane cross should have any problems doing three miles at a slow pace, except in hot weather. Some larger breeds including the great dane are prone to heart issues, cardiomyopathy being one, but since he's a cross that might be less likely in your case. A quick listen to his heart at the next vet visit should detect any heart issues.

I run with my german shorthaired pointer. I actually got him for the purpose of running with me. You need to be careful with certain breeds. Especially, larger breeds. They most definitely can increase faster than we do. I follow the 10 percent increase rule per week for myself, so my dog is doing the same. I plan to continue to run with my dog up into marathon training. We will be running 12 together this Saturday. His line is built for distance running. Some good resources for running with dogs are canicross websites. Hydration is key when running with dogs, and ALWAYS limit food two hours before and after a run to prevent bloat. Especially if you have a deep chested breed like a great dane.

keep an eye on your dogs joints. If they start to look swollen there is a problem and you need to give him a break and maybe see a vet. If you notice him licking his paws it might be because they hurt too. You can give your buddy fish oil and it will help him keep healthy joints. Dogs really really like fish oil. Also, give him some baby asprin if he looks like he's hurting...i think its 5mg/lb. for dog dosage.

I have a 2-3 year old dog I adopted last year that had heartworm, and we're still given him meds. But the minute the vet says he's clear, he'll start going out with me. He is all muscle and strength, and NEEDS to exercise to stay engaged and non-destructive in the house. Having him be sedentary while he is still testing positive for heartworms is sad. We're hoping when we take him to the vet in June he'll be given the all clear!

I used to run with my golden retriever. We live by a school so the track field is open during the warmer months. And since it's fenced in he was allowed to be off leash... He actually got tired of running with me and went to lay in the field *shrug* i guess my dog is out of shape.

my rough coated/border collie mix has done a full 13.1 with me.
she's 6.5 and i've started tapering her back. she seems happiest at 6 miles.
bf wants a small dog but i'm hoping for another running dog in a year or two. by then i think the collie will be a full snuggly cuddly couch dog