Running your Dog

I have two Golden Retrievers who love to run.  The recommendations I have gotten from the Vet and the trainer is to run them on soft surfaces and bring water for them.  Since the dog is 2 1/2 you don't need to worry much about growth plate development or any of the other problems associated with running younger dogs.  I have a good sized yard and my dogs already run a lot so I don't tend to worry about time running as much as I do temperature and availability of water.  I also give doggie massages after a long run.  People may think this stupid or unnecessary, but my vet said it would have the same benefits of humans getting a message.  Good luck with the lab!

Edit: Unless inside or on a track I always have a dog with me when I run. 

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I plan on bringing water for her when I run.  I have seen some doggie water bottles/cups that people use when they run their dogs.  I'll probably get one of those.  Or I can oder a larger fuel belt and strap it on her when I run since I hate wearing mine.  Then we could split the bottles   She's going to be the best running partner ever!

While it has been some years since I have done it, running with a dog is awesome!  It's nice to run with someone who does nothing but smile the whole time

Be careful in that it is pretty easy for a dog to overheat - even out in the cold - and there are no real 'warning signs' that I came across prior to my old roommate's dog lying down and twitching.  The vet said she was okay - just dehydrated/overheated - but boy was that a scary instance!

You're a good friend to take in the 2 1/2 yr old dog.

And later that same morning...

It looks like Janelle has a dog.

My dog will go 2-3 miles pretty well with me.  After that, she's a little pokey. Try a mile or 2 first and see how she does.  If she hasn't been run regularly, she will experience muscle soreness just like people do.

 As far as the sniffing and pottying problems, we you can create "rules" for runs/walks. For example, when I first got my dog, we did not leave for walk until she eliminiated in our yard. Then, off we went!  No need to carry poop then (which is gross). We also have sniffing rules.  You can sniff on certain streets (at beginning and end of workout), otherwise, I keep moving. If she get's yanked/jerked, her own fault. She learned that fast. The first few runs could involve lots of sniffing, but dogs are smart, she'll learn your rules quickly.

I never knew how much I would love having a dog. 

watergirl - 2005-12-16 1:46 PM I love running with my dog! She's a lab/golden mix and loves to run. Plus, she helps me up the hills. Make sure to "listen" to her when you run. Rylie (that's her at left) kept pulling to the side once when we both first started running, and I thought she just wanted to sniff stuff. But she had to go to the bathroom. She usually doesn't try to pick up scents when we're running, unless I'm having a really slow day

What's the farthest distance you've run her?  Just curious.

Remember the dog may let some rip during your run so be prepared.