Running with Dogs

Just wondered if anyone runs with their dogs and if so, how far? Been running mine since he was 12 months, initially a mile or two but he has built up to 13 miles now. Have him checked at the vet regularly and vet reckons he could easily do 15 miles or more- essentially she says if he stops, that's enough! Bit worried about him going too far but he never seems tired.  He does about 20-25 miles a week with me plus 90 mins of walking on non running days- he is a mix of Staffy, lurcher and border terrier so all working breeds with lots of energy. Great company on runs but very annoying when he looks fresh and I am falling apart! Wondered what other people's experiences of their dogs capabilities are?

Ive got a greyhound and I have taken him on 3 mile run in the past.

This is how it went:

Mile 1 He is dragging me

Mile 2 We are running in unison.

Mile 3 I'm dragging him.

Although to be fair my wife did take him for a 3 mile run just before.

Working dogs can run for miles! We have a husky puppy and we have taken him on a 4 mile run but he just doesn't stop! He gets so sleepy when we get back home though and will sleep all through the night. Running with your dog is definitely an excellent way for both dog and owner to get really good exercise.

Laura, how old is your puppy ? You really shouldn't be running dogs for any real distances until they're at least 12 months, and in the case of huskies probably not till about 18 months (I have a similar breed). Whilst they may seem to enjoy it, they need to fully grow otherwise you could be storing up major problems for them later in life (and unfortunately just because they look fully grown they may well be still growing bone density etc, hence the up to 18 months).

I know it can be a real pain waiting (I've only just started taking our second NI out now and hes just turned 16 months) but its worth it for having a healthy dog that can continue to run with you for many years.

It's a dog, it will run forever! I take mine (Staffie) with me on anything up to about 10 miles as long as it's safe for him to be off his lead. He enjoys it, I enjoy it (sometimes but stopping to pick up after him is a pain in the butt) and he is healthy and happy. If he ever slowed me down (which would be nigh on impossible) I would leave him at home but he is only 3 so we have plenty of miles to cover yet.

My chihuahua happily runs a 5k, my pug not so much 

My dog gets bored even in the garden- she comes in before me so there's no chance of me trying to run with her, she's happy plodding along

Hey Bruce, when I say 'puppy', he is actually over 12 months. We've just been calling him a puppy ever since we've had him and we forget that he's all grown up now! He's a big boy! He loves running on the beach. He did still run a lot when he was a puppy though too. If we didn't take him out for a walk then he would just go mental in the house. Huskies need a lot of exercise to keep their mind stimulated.

I agree PhilK. Puppies have a lot of energy and - provided they've had all their jabs - it's good to take them out for exercise. If I ever had any doubt in my mind that my dog didn't want to go for a walk/run, I would most definitely not take him or her. I take them because they love it, not as a chore.

I have four dogs and they all get so excited when it's time for the W.A.L.K. I love seeing their happy little faces when I get the leads out of the cupboard! :)

I agree LauraRTaylor It's cruel to keep them cooped up in the house with loads of energy!  When my dog was a puppy she was bouncing off the walls even after a walk!  Nothing would tyre her out haha

Hi- most dogs have lots energy but the point of leaving it until they are at least 12 months before you run them is because their muscles are not fully developed until then- and for some breeds it can be 18 months before this happens. You should always get advice from your vet because running with a  dog is different to just letting them run about. Running with them regularly too young can cause muscle damage later in life- I would always get appropriate advice for each breed and get them checked annually as well. Long runs are not the same as letting them off the lead as they have to work consistently hard. and no-one wants a poorly pup in later years!

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice evilfred. We certainly would not want a poorly pup! We have sought advice from the vet though and we are providing our husky with the correct amount of exercise for him, so all is good in puppy world. I love your dog in the profile pic - so cute! xx

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice evilfred. We certainly would not want a poorly pup! We have sought advice from the vet though and we are providing our husky with the correct amount of exercise for him, so all is good in puppy world. I love your dog in the profile pic - so cute! xx

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice evilfred. We certainly would not want a poorly pup! We have sought advice from the vet though and we are providing our husky with the correct amount of exercise for him, so all is good in puppy world. I love your dog in the profile pic - so cute! xx

Dogs never seem to realise that you need your legs to remain upright If any of us run around my dog she things it's a game and gives chase, usually ending with us being tripped over and her looking very pleased with herself!

I have to admit we were lucky with ours as he took to running alongside a bike and running really well. He is a terrier and gets bored easily so we have trained him to treat running/biking like working and he is much better at this than he is when just walking, when any animal is an excuse to chase and anything dead or smelly is apparently marvellous to roll in but when 'working' he just gets on with it and doesn't get distracted! My friend's lab on the other hand sounds exactly like yours!

I know what you mean about them smelling stuff. They can seem as well behaved as anything one second, then the next they've bolted off at 100mph with you frantically chasing them doing your best "FENTON!!" impression

Haha fenton! hilarious.  When I call my dog back she doesn't even acknowledge I've called her it looks like I'm pretending she's my dog when she isn't.  It's so embarassing when she bounces around when any human or dog says hi to her she's nearly pulls my arm off, not a good dog trainer :|

My running partner and I both have black Labs; who can both run a comfortable 10miles.  We are very lucky to have such beautiful countryside around us, its safe for them to be off the lead.  They let us know when they've had enough.  There are a few places en route for a drink and a paddle for them.   I stuggle with the 10 more than they do!!!!!  I also notice that because Im concentrating on what they are doing and where they are, it makes those first few hard miles much easier.

Ciderface

"FENTON!" Ross that cracked me up. I love that video. I also love this Fenton picture / postcard. So funny. x