running with dogs.. im getting a puppy :)

Coon hounds were bred into sled dogs I believe to give them the longer leg running ability.  At least, at the kennel I worked at, their dogs had some coon hound in them.  I have a german sheppard, and she is 13 now, but when she was 2-7 my whole family could run with her.  She generally only liked to run about 3 miles, which was fine with me when I was younger.  But she went for a couple 5 milers, and even a seven I believe.  She liked hiking much better, and would hike for 20 or more miles.

Congrats on getting the dog!  I love dogs, and it is very exciting to have a new one in the family.  There is just nothing like a little puppy- o' der so tute!

Remember to ease them into it just like you eased yourself into running.  Just because they have 4 legs doesn't mean they can do 7  min miles right off the bat.

That being said, I was at a K-9 5K where the winning dog was a beagle that went sub 17!!  And that was because the owner couldn't go any faster.  And I got whipped by another dog on a 12 miler where they dropped it down to 6:30's on mile 10+ and the dog had the leash pulled straight out.

so in short, dogs are great for running, but remember they have to work up to it and they have a fur coat on.  Summer is brutal for them.

Good Advice given above.

- Don't Rush him into running until an adult.  You would not make a 4 year child run with you.....  Even if it seems OK, you could be doing alot of damage to his joints.
- Ease him into it.
- The pavement could get really hot for his pads, as he is not wearing shoes.
- Carry some water for him, and get a colasping dog bowl for the water, or store a little on the course.
- Watch him, when he starts to lag behind, he is getting tired, time to go home.
- Always talk to your vet AND check with his breed's association, they are more breed specific.
- If your dog gets tired after (x) miles then create a running loop that goes by your house at (x) miles, drop him off and continue. 

Enjoy the new member of your family!