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Running with your dog...

6K views 20 replies 11 participants last post by  crazy curls 
#1 ·
I love to run and I am hoping that my new poodle pup (arriving Aug21) will eventually become my new running partner. I'm not into marathon's or anything like that (yet) I just like to run for about 1/2 hour a day for fitness and to clear my head.
I just wondered if there are any runners in the crowd and if you run with your poodles? What age does the puppy have to be before I can run with him? I know it's not good to start too soon. How long are your runs with your dogs? What training is involved? Do you use one of the hands free leashes? How do you stop the dog from sniffing every tree and hydrant and slowing you down? Any advice would be great!
thanks :)
Heather
 
#2 ·
I'm not a runner, that's for sure! But as you mentioned, the most important thing is that you not start too early, until they have grown and their hips/ knees are more stable. Your vet should be able to give you an idea of when it's ok for a Spoo to start running with you.

I used to bike and rollerblade with my first dog. I found as long as I let him pee etc right away, I had no problem once we actually got going. It helped that our dog LOVED running alongside. The most important thing is to just guage how your dog is doing, and vary your speed depending on it. They do better running at a trot than at a gallop, although you can speed up for a bit, then slow down. And if you can, try to have him running on a soft surface rather than cement. I used to be on a bike path by the lake and my dog would run on the grass.

Here's a couple of links with tips!

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/coachcorn/rundogs.html

http://www.purinaone.com/CoolTools/...E273C-F4DA-4943-8819-0B446235D131&species=Dog
 
#3 ·
Also, remember that when you do go running or biking with your dog it's advisable to check their paws for wear ever day and consider the temp of the the surface you are running on... especially if you are running on a black top or sidewalk. Dogs paws do wear off and can get burned if it's too hot or if they run for long distances.
 
#4 ·
I believe our breeder said 18 months until we can run with her (or she can jump, though apparently the dog didn't read that memo). And then just a little bit, I think "end of the block" type stuff.

Admittedly, with her leash (lack of) behaviors right now it's hard to even envision running with her without ending up a heap on the sidewalk!
 
#6 ·
My hubby runs with Wrigley three times a week for about twenty minutes. He just uses the leash and Wrigley LOVES it. He is one year old and hubby started this in late May early June. Wriggs has no problem running (doesn't try to stop and sniff). Now, when I take him for a walk - that is a totally different story but it seems like he just knows what to do on a run - he keeps great pace with my husband.
 
#7 ·
thanks for the links... I've read so many similar ones already and I find most of it is simply common sense! Lol
either way, it's good review! I have some great trails near my house that I love to run on... I agree pavement is not such a good option, for dogs or people!

I hate it that I have to wait SO long til I can get out there with him, but it's for his own good! I'll talk to my vet about specific ages and distances etc... I'm short and I don't run very fast, I'm pretty sure Rogan will have no trouble keeping up with me! haha

I heard somewhere that you can exercise your dog 5 minutes for every 4weeks of age, twice a day! ... so at 5 months, I can run him 25 minutes and then maybe walk again for the same time at night? Sounds good to me, but I'm going to confirm with my vet since that seems like alot for a 5 mnth old pup. Has anyone else heard this? I think it's what the Kennel Club recommends :curl-lip:
 
#9 ·
Rufus loves to run with me. I hold his leash and he stays by my side. I would like to get something that I can attach to me so that I don't have to hold it. We run early in the morning before the sidewalks are hot.

I don't run very far - 3 miles. I seem to get tired before Rufus does, but I keep an eye on him.
 
#19 ·
I just purchased from my trainer a "multi-purpose leash". It would be ideal for running without having to hold the leash. It is about 8 feet and has a snap on each end with several places to snap the leash to change the length and purpose. You can snap the leash so that you can place it across your body from shoulder to waist. I found a couple site that have simular leashes on it...

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-pets-acc...se-Leash-black-leather-NEW-W0QQAdIdZ144207638

http://www.bestleash.com/

I use mine to attach Roxy to me in the house, so that she is with me, but she doesn't have free roaming in the house. Then I know when she is trying to eat the kittens.
 
#13 ·
My husband takes Eli along bike side so Eli is doing a fast trot but not running. Eli will be two next month and they started that about 1 month ago. With a large breed like a Poodle, when we run, they are usually trotting along rather then running. So I think you may be able to jog with a large breed dog earlier then some other medium breeds. I would go with about 15-18 months being okay. Something to ask your vet about.
 
#14 ·
First I have to tell you that I love the name ELI!! That was always on the top of our name list! So cool for a Standard!
I will talk to my vet about running, I don't run fast and I don't go that far, and in Canada, things are never very hot and I would never run in the hottest part of the day anyway. I can't wait to have a running buddy, or even do the biking thing like your hubby, we bike ride a lot too! This dog will have no choice, we're a pretty active family, he'll get lots of exercise!
 
#15 ·
I started jogging with Schumann when he was about 11 months (very short distance). Now he is 18 months and we jog about 5km a few times per week. He loves it! I waited until the vet gave us the green light. I don't have any special hands free leash. I just loop a regular leash around my waist. Actually, I even do that for any walks as I find that a large adult male Standard poodle is pretty strong! Schumann is usually excellent on a run and will just troot happily beside me-no need to sniff.
 
#18 ·
hmmmmm.....i didn't know you had to wait that long. :curl-lip: Taffy went out with me on a horseback ride a couple of weeks ago and she is six months old. I feel bad now. She was so excited to come with me and the other adult dogs and she did really well so I didn't think there was a problem. The ride was about 25 minutes with walks and trots. Guess she will have to stay in the house from now on. She will be sad but if it is the right thing to do, we'll have to get through it.
 
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