*heather*

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

Cdnjennga

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/mainheadin...n/rundogs.html

http://www.purinaone.com/CoolTools/N...31&species=Dog

PonkiPoodles

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.

Bella's Momma

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!

*heather*

I know I have to wait for quite some time... 18 months sounds about right.. I will check those links! Thanks!

gwtwmum2

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.

*heather*

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

*heather*

That's so cool! I think most dogs would love a good run on a regular basis, it's in their DNA! You'll have to find out what your hubby does to keep him from sniffing and stopping... then let me know! thanks!

maddiek

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.

*heather*

http://www.buddysys.com/

This is supposed to be a good one... I think I'll probably invest in one of these even just for walking... that way if I'm pushing the stroller or whatever, I'm hands free!