Anybody run with their boxer?

[Claymore]

Koda is about 18 months old now, and I would like to take him along when I run. I normally run about 5 miles maximum, and would work him up to the distance, not expect him to just jump into that distance.

I have taken him on little jogs around the block and he does okay, I'm a bit worried because of the shortened snout that he won't be able to breathe well enough.

Any thoughts?

 

[SuzanneC]

When Cookie was younger, she loved to run with me. The biggest caution I have is regarding hot weather. Running in hot or humid weather is very tough on your dog, and can result in collapse and/or death. Make sure lots of water is available before and after a run, too

 

[gmacleod]

As long as you take a lot of care with temperatures (ie. only run him when it is cool) he should be fine. Obviously, you need to work up the distance slowly, but just as obviously, you've already thought of that

As long as the temperature isn't an issue, a boxer should be quite capable of jogging 5 miles. As a matter of interest, in several western European countries a boxer cannot be awarded a champion title until after it has passed a 30km endurance test (and a few other things besides). The original function of the modern boxer was as a companion (read escort) dog for horse, cycle or carriage. In short, they are bred for endurance

 

[haleyandmark]

We sometimes take Asia with us bike riding. We just have this little doggie water bottle thingie that hangs off the handle bars or off your wrist, or wherever you want to hang it really. It is very handy. We just stop every once in a while and water her up.

When we get back, she usually gets sprayed off with some water to keep her cool after the ride.

As long as you keep lots of water running through him, I'd bet it should be okay!

 

[courtney323]

Claymore -

I run with my Boxer Maddie frequently. As Gwyneth mentioned, just be careful to monitor the temperature.

I know Arkansas is near Texas, and it can get quite hot in Texas. In the summers, we only jog early in the morning or near sunset. Also make sure to have water available and to stop to take a break if you notice any signs of overheating or an overly-tired Boxer.

Good luck

 

[Chele68]

Its best not to run for extended distances until the dog is full grown because it can, I'm not saying it will, cause serious damage to their shoulders and connective tissue. Remember a 18 month old dog is about equal to a 6 year old human. How far would you run a 6 year old?
Remember a male Boxer won't be full grown until he is just about 3 years old.

I would pass on distance and stick with the trips around the block.
JMO

 

[AllisonJ]

I was a former distance runner and would take Abby on runs of up to 10 miles at times. That girl would go and go and go, the only limitation being the heat. After a couple of bad experiences, I decided not to run her if the temp. was above 75 or so, so summer runs were out of the question.

I just paid attention to her and how she was doing during the run. We would always stop at a sprinkler for a drink or I would bring a water bottle with me for breaks. Also, if it was a little warm, I would coat her ears with water before we started. The vet always complimented me on what fantastic shape she was in and how low her heartrate was, reflecting the excellent condition of her cardiovascular system.

 

[delisima]

I got in trouble from a trainer because I ran Sugar Ray before he was 10 months old. She said that they shouldn't be started on any exercise until at least 10 months. I am a jogger and never gave taking him with me a second thought. Mind you at the time we were only running 3k. Sugar Ray ran with me quite frequently and the most we ever ran was 5k...we both had to work up the distance. He would wait eagerly for me to get home from work so that we could go for our run. I was pooped before he was.

Now instead of taking him jogging with me (I find I concentrate more when he is not with me since he gets side tracked a lot) I take him to some trails behind our home where he could roam free.

 

[gmacleod]

I got in trouble from a trainer because I ran Sugar Ray before he was 10 months old.

Very true - but in fact they shouldn't be on any exercise regime until 18 months, because that is the (approximate) age at which the growth plates in boxer's bones fully close and harden. Growth plates are those soft areas of bone that lengthen as the dog grows, and that can be easily damaged by repetitive or prolonged exercise. So no continuous or strenuous exercise (such as long walks, jogging or jumping) until at least that age.

True a dog won't be fully mature until 2 or even 3 years of age. But the main danger period is up until 18 months. From that stage they can be safely worked into some exercise, providing it is done sensibly and gradually.

 

[magoo's_mama]

You may want to acclimate your dog to running at first by starting out with short runs and then gradually extending them. Basically like you would for a first time runner.
Have fun