Run Run Away

Question:

I have a 4 year old Doberman, and her energy level is unbelievable!  I   used to take her with me when I’d go horse-back riding, and she’d   literally run for 2 hours back and forth, non-stop.  As I’ve just started   running, she’s a great motivator, and I have no fears of being mugged or   otherwised attacked, due to her breed’s reputation!

Response:

I have a 2-1/2 year old Siberian Husky female who can see through our sliding glass door when I am putting on my running shoes.  She will bark in rage if she doesn’t get to go running with me.  She has a nice steady pace–puts her tail up and trots right along.  Of course, with it being so hot here recently (and her furriness), we only run early am or at dusk. She was born to run. Lynn Field-Karsh Univ. of California, San Diego Biology Department

Response:

Try to keep your dog on the grass  if that does not work I do not know.

Response:

I run with my German Shorthaired Pointer and found a great book that gives some guidelines.  The book is called "Running with Man’s Best Friend" by Davia Anne Gallup.  For a German Shephard, she suggests not running until the dog is 1 year old with a max weekly mileage of 35 miles.   Basically she suggests that you build up your dog’s mileage as you do your own– for building endurance, getting her muscles used to the effort, and for building her footpads.  You can also buy some stuff for your dog’s footpads that help toughen them, but I’m not sure what it’s called. As for me, the max I would run with my dog in a single session would be 12 miles and only in the winter (or when very cool outside) and when we can stop for dog water breaks.  Generally I only run with her when it’s 9 miles or less. Good luck and have fun running with your dog!

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I am running with my dog, a young German Shepherd bitch. The furthest I have done with her has been 10km.  Does anyone know how far a dog should be able to run without injury? I imagine sore pads would be a problem after a while. If anyone can advise, I’d be grateful! Jonathan Bands Johannesburg, South Africa

Response:

I would have a couple of concerns with running with a GSD.  The age right now would be a major factor.  You would want to wait until the dog’s bones are fully developed before putting the stress of running on them.  Also "too much too soon" can hurt the dog’s pads.  Gradually work up to long distances so the pads can toughen with wear. Running with a GSD also may create an early onset of hip displasia.   Lastly always watch your dog’s behavior during a run.  If it looks like she isn’t having fun any more then she isn’t and it’s time to quit.  Good luck and enjoy your dog, they’re wonderful. J.Service (2 German Shepards) Harrison Twp., MI

Response:

when running with your dog, run on trails or position yourself on the sidewalk and if your dog runs beside you like he is supposed to he will be in the grass. this saves thier pads. start slow like the other message said. my german shorthair can run all day in the cool weather. when he sees the running shoes come out he gets the leash for me!!! good luck

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