When is it safe to run with dog?

[BauersMom]

I run at least 5 days a week, and would love to take Bauer with me. He is now 20 months old, and I was wondering if it is safe? I'm sure he would have to work into it, but how far would be safe for him to could go? I typically run between 2.5 and 5 miles at a stretch. Currently we are walking 2.5 miles 2 times per day. The 2 walks and my solo run take a lot of time, and I would like to combine to only one run and one walk and take Bauer with me. Any advice for running with a dog?

[justine]

Well as you said, you'll definitely have to condition him to it.. but it sounds like he's used to a good amount of exercise as it is.

I would wait a couple more months until he's at least 2 yrs old and he has stopped growing.. I think that's the golden rule with "forced exercise."

Abbey LOVES running, but I don't think she could go run 2 miles right now. If you properly worked Bauer up from short spurts of walking/jogging, I think it would be possible. Of course you'll have to be more careful in the summer when the temps are too high and he could get heat stroke, but you can always run in the early morning!

[Labradorable]

Talk to your vet to see what they say. If you are jogging (as opposed to a full out run) in all likelyhood he's just going to be doing a fast walk to keep up and it won't affect him as a hard out run would. THAT being said I'm sure he does a hard out run off lead all on his own when he's doing what labs do best ... being goofy!!

Dozer and I are going to take a running course in the Spring with our obedience instructor. It's not how to teach us to run, it's how to get him to keep MY pace rather than faster or slower. The course also teaches a post-run massage for dogs. Too bad they couldn't teach him to massage me too. LOL

[wiscpayton]

I have read here that the dog should be at least 2 years old so as not to cause injury, but of course, check with your vet. I just got back from running 8.8 miles with Payton. That being said, my pace is very slow for that distance (10:45) and she is merely trotting along beside me, not loping. Also I try to let her run on the roadside where it is off-pavement, but she tends to drift back on the road anyway alongside of me. We ran 11.5 miles one day last week and she doesn't break a sweat. Also Payton is 3 1/2 years old. And we have worked up to this distance all summer; mostly because I had to work up to it