Running w/ your dog

[KOPP]

I've just recently started jogging (again) and this time I'm bring along my 3 year old dog, during the winter “we” put on some pounds, .
I run for one minute and walk for one minute so I know that I’m not tiring the dog out, my concern is that before we go for our run I stretch but the dog doesn’t, is this bad if so what should I do?

Alicia & Nikki

 

[DogNamed_Boo]

Do you start running 1st ...then walk..? or walk 1st then run.? It might help him stretch if you start walking 1st....Just an idea.!

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Boo & Vickie

 

[KOPP]

Hi Boo & Vickie,
when i first get out of the house, we usually start it by the 1 minute walk than once the minute is over we jog, its nothing fast, but I'm just concerned..

 

[blurble33]

i wouldn't be worried about it, i think as long as u just don't go jumping into a full out sprint your baby will do great!

 

[coveyjt]

He's mine and Powder's routine.

We start by warming up our muscles by walking for a 1/4 mile (You shouldn't stretch cold muscles). I stretch my muscles then I massage hers. I do a deep finger massage starting with the front chest and work my way back. I think she likes that more than the run. We start jogging, slowly at first maybe 4.5-5 mph, and gradually increase our speed. We cool down by walking a 1/4 mile and finish by stretching and massaging again.

Key points to remember:
Only run when it's cool out. In the summer time we run before the sun comes up.

Make sure you start out for short distances and don't go to fast at first. Increase your time and speed gradually. Remember you are making a conscience decision to work out. They just want to have fun and be with you.

If you see him/her panting heavily or really struggling, you know it's time to slow down.

Watch for things in the road or path which might hurt their pads. If you notice any limping stop and check their pads for cuts or abrasions.

Water-If you are jogging away from your house make sure you bring cool, but not cold, water and a bowl. I use a collapsible one we bought at petsmart.

 

[prosas]

i agree w/everyone here...starting slow is the way to go. then you just pick the pace up a little...the only problem is, because zeus has been cooped up all day at home by the time we go out for a jog, he's ready to RUN!!! only one time has he gotten away from me and made me fall (busted my face open and everything)...and of course it was my fault, because i pointed out a bird that happened to be just up ahead of us. :o

does anyone's baby makes 100 stops w/in a mile stretch?? he stops to check every bush, potted plant, light post and car during our jog.

 

[KeliK]

I start out slow with Riley.
I will let him get all his peeing and pooping out of the way... and I let him do some sniffing around...
then I start about 5-10 min later and jog. Riley can go for about 45 min. Actually probably longer, cause when we get back, he is READY TO PLAY! I always stop everynow and then, during the run, and pet him, talk to him for a minute, to see how he is feeling. I try and let him drink from my hand, but he wont.
In the very beginning I started walking him for 30-45 min. Then I gradually started jogging a bit. I always paid attention to any clues he tries to give me. He really enjoys it. And its good exercise for both of us.

 

[KOPP]

I want to thank you all for all our advice.
Yes we have started off really slow, probably b/c of me, i'm the slow one not her, .
I've only gone jogging for 30 minutes each time and its really slow b/c my legs are killing me.
I find that after I take her for a run or a good play in the park w/ her fav. toy (a freezebee or ball) she comes home and still wants to play... I wonder if its b/c she's built so much energy having fun that it hasn't slowed down yet.

Prosas, you said that your dog takes many "breaks", I think it has a lot to do with the fact that your dog is a male and male dogs tend to mark their territory more than females do.

Thank you everyone, you've all been so helpful!

Alicia & Nikki

 

[coveyjt]

Powder will sniff, pee or poop any chance she gets. A lot more than my male cocker.
I just taught her when we walk, it's her time to do her business. And when we run, it's time to run.
Now I just have to teach her to leave the cats in our neighborhood alone. :rolleyes: