I know of runners who don’t train with their dogs. Their reasons surprise me – too hot, too cold, the dog can’t keep up, the dog pulls. To me there is something terribly wrong with these excuses. Dogs are meant to run.
As for me, I refuse to leave my mutt Ace behind, even if that means walking.
Ace is a tall, shorthaired lab mix. He’s mostly retriever but has a lean frame with visible muscles like a Vizsla or Weimaraner. He slows and does his best not to pull during my slower days. On his slow days (they are rare) or if he gets too hot, I decrease my running speed as well. After all, if it weren’t for Ace, I might’ve quit running a long time ago.
Since I own a dog running and dog walking business in Fargo, I run so often that it’s easy to forget why I started dog running in the first place.
Running is something I can call my own. It’s something for just my dogs and me. My boyfriend does not run. My family members do not run. My friends in town do not run. But the dogs? They’re always eager for a run.
I got the idea to train for a full marathon in January 2007. This was before I had a dog of my own. I went out for my first 14-mile training run. Then a 15-miler. Then 16 miles.
Thoughts about what dog I would adopt filled my mind during these runs and motivated me to keep going. I’d been reading humane society and rescue profiles online and had my mind set on a few dogs – Ace being one of them.
I adopted my mutt in March, just two months before the 2007 Fargo Marathon. Ace immediately took on his role as my running buddy and accompanied me on my typical 6-mile runs as well as longer 10- to 20-mile runs once a week. His frame and energy made him an ideal training partner.
When it’s –20 degrees in Fargo, Ace is still willing to run. Sometimes it’s so cold that my eyelashes freeze together and Ace’s drool crystallizes. We don’t care. I throw on an extra layer and Ace wears his boots and vest and out we go.
I know what times of day to run and on which routes during what seasons in order to maximize my time alone – time with my dog or whatever dog I happen to be running at that particular hour.
Running is exciting because I know that the older I get, the stronger I will become. At 26, I am not yet in my running prime. I realize this is all a matter of attitude, but I refuse to believe I should be slowing down already. My faster times, fewer injuries and increased mileage prove my point.
Still, after just two and a half years of running together, I’ve noticed my dog’s pace has slowed. Already, Ace is older than me (about 34 or so) in dog years.
Good thing I don’t care much about speed. If I leave my watch at home or refuse to look at it until I get home, Ace keeps me at a steady 10-minute mile pace. It seems to be where we have melded after so many workouts together.
My mutt Ace, as well as the canine runners across the country offer more support to runners than they will ever know.
If I can offer a dog one thing, it’s to go for a run. Whether it’s a paid client, a rescue dog, a friend or family member’s dog or my mutt Ace, you won’t find me running without a buddy at my side.
Recent Search Terms:
- pictures running with dogs
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- dog running picture
- www.thatmutt.com
- vizsla lab mix dogs
- running a dog store
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I’m surprised that you haven’t infected friends or family members with your great enthusiasm for running.
Nope. Not really.
I’ve always wished I could be a “runner”. Although I did participate in track competitively I was always a sprinter.
Good for me that my dog isn’t a runner either. Heck, he isn’t even a brisk walker.
HAHA!
I’m hoping to adopt a dog this fall, and one of the things I’m most excited about is running with this hypothetical pooch. I love when I see people running with their dogs–it’s good for everyone involved, and it’s also adorable. I can’t wait to be one of those people!
That’s great! I can’t wait for you to get a dog. Will it be a pitbull?
I have tried to run with my dog numerous times, but she keeps getting too excited and starts jumping up and grabbing the leash with her mouth. When that gets corrected, she starts sitting down and trying to stop constantly. I know I just need to train her more, but it gets really frustrating.
It helps if you find a good training collar so you have control over the dog. When she sits down, just keep right on running.
I tried running some years back with my German Shepherd.
I didn’t care for it but my dog loved it.
Yeah the dogs tend to love it a bit more than the humans, right?
One thing to consider is that not all dogs are built to run, especially on paved surfaces. If a dog is young, very large or very small, or may have issues with body temperature regulation, you will want to start slowly and carefully. For example, Biggie’s breed gets overheated very easily, and he’s so big that we need to make sure his joints stay in good shape. He’s also so stoic about pain that he will work/play through the pain. One time he played in the asphalt dog run so hard he rubbed a paw pad raw, and we only noticed it because there was blood all over his white coat.
On the other hand, he can hike or walk for hours on end, especially on a cool fall/winter day.
Good reminder. Also remember that when most humans run with their dogs, the dog is often just trotting or walking fast. The dog rarely has to break into a run.
“Dogs are meant to run.” Amen. And I’d to that… Dogs are meant to jump, leap, dive, roll, chase, and – of course – frolic. (And then sleep for about a dozen hours after a good workout.) We firmly believe that a tired dog is a happy dog. Happy owners have happy dogs, and somewhere in there logic dictates that an owner really needs to put forth the effort to exercise his or her pet — be it running, jogging, dog agility, or any of the other excellent dog sports.
If you have ANY worries at all – simply check with your vet to make sure your dog is up to the challenge. Once your vet gives you the thumbs up — you’ll have effectively removed ALL excuses from your vocabulary… other than good old fashioned inertia.
I’m so glad you agree with me. My dog loves agility and being active. And then he comes home and crashes for hours!
Lindsay,
You have been quite an inspiration for me. I’ve been running my Boxer, Pearl, regularly. She is now conditioned to run up to 4 miles comfortably. BUT, NOW the weather has become so cold!
As Pearl is a Boxer with very short hair, how cold is too cold to run? I STILL haven’t purchased the Muttluks (but, use Musher’s Secret regularly on her paws) or the winter coat yet (can’t find what I’m looking for–any advice?).
What are your limits for running dogs outside? particularly, the shorter haired breeds like the Boxer?
Cindy Weisert
P.S. Bear, my older Boxer, now walk/runs with me. Mostly walks, but, he too is getting in condition. Eddie, the Shih-Tzu, can easily fly through a mile run, no problem! Now that I’m running with my dogs, I cannot understand why a runner would leave their dog at home!
Well, you might think I’m crazy, but I run dogs in pretty much all weather. I worry about the heat more than the cold. Today it was a -22 windchill and I still took my usual dogs running. One was a pitbull and he was completely fine with no coat or dog booties.
Really, it depends on the dog. I would say most dogs are fine as long as they are moving at a fast speed. So, just watch your dogs and make sure they seem comfortable and aren’t lifting their paws up or shaking. The older dog will probably get cold because he doesn’t run and he’s just older.
My dog has hair as short as a boxer, and he can handle cold weather. He does have a vest that he sometimes wears, but usually I don’t bother. If you do get something for the dogs to wear, I suggest shopping at a sporting goods store where they make coats and vests for hunting dogs. These products will actually keep the dog warm, as they are designed for dogs working in cold temperatures. Most of the dog coats you find at places like Petco and pet boutiques are more for fashion and looking cute than for doing any good.
Thanks for the response, Lindsay. Yes, I do think you are a little crazy to run in a -22°F windchill! Brrrr! How far did you run in temps like that?!? You have my respect!!! I’m going to try to get out tomorrow morning for a 2-3 mile run. We’ll see if I’m brave enough to face it! ~Cindy
Well since running dogs is my job, I run in all weather. Two dogs ran with me for an hour and the rest were all half-hour runs.
I just found this blog and I see that this topic was posted on 9/2009. However, there are great articles in 9/2010 issue of Runner’s World on running with dogs and a list of the best dogs as running partners. I recommend the reading.
I love that magazine and will have to check it out. Thanks!
I have been running for about a year and an half and I take my dog – Collie with me. I have just found a website where you can enter running events with your dogs but sadly they are quite far away from me and I have requested to see if anyone runs within my area, which is the South East – between Brighton and Eastbourne but I haven’t heard from anyone. Do you have any ideas to where I might find keen people like yourself and me? Thanks
Check with local running clubs that meet from running stores, gyms, YMCAs, etc. Attend some of these casual group runs and see if you can find other people who like to run with their dogs.
You could also try putting an ad out over Craigslist to find other people interested in running together with their dogs. Be safe, of course, and bring a friend with you the first time you go and meet someone. Meet in a busy, public area in daylight hours.
Great! Thanks ever so much for this Lindsay.
No problem!