Dog Community

Jogging?

Posted : 7/13/2006 11:07:53 PM

I am about to purchase my puppy, but when is the right time for me to put on a collar and a leash and go jogging with him / her outside?

spartanpele

Posted : 7/14/2006 6:32:07 AM

I wouldn't give a specific number of months/years although some people will likely say 1-2 years, when their bones have stopped growing, etc. I would suggest when you know that your dog can safely run in front of you or alongside side without interferring with your stride, without getting tangled in your feet, or stopping to sniff every tree or other dog. Your dog s/b mature enough to realize, this is jog time, not sniffing/socializing time. Plus you want your dog to be able to maintain your pace without getting dehydrated or hurting the muscular/bones of the body. You may need to start out walking first, then a faster walking pace, till finally its a light jog.

glenmar

Posted : 7/14/2006 7:59:13 AM

I do hope you realize that you don't just get to put a leash on and start jogging! Dogs have to be conditioned just like people do.

I sent two fosters to someone here on the board. Trinity was 13 months and full grown....Solo just about 6 or 7 months. She started slowly with Trinity, never letting her run on pavement, which she STILL doesn't do....Trin runs on the outlaws...the area between the street and sidewalk and Lori runs on the street. Solo has just been allowed to start running with her...same rules. He just turned one last week so now he gets to run "a little" with mom, but again, only on grass. You can't let them run full out on concrete until the growth plates have closed, and that's going to vary depending on the breed.

ewin0210

Posted : 7/14/2006 9:10:01 AM

In my opinion off-leash trail running is about the best for them. The dirt ground or grass is more forgiving to joints. And they are able to pace themselves. If you watch dogs run on their own, they change pace alot. And as an added bonus they tend to run more than you when they're off leash. At least mine does. He runs out and back to me every 25 feet or so. I'm not saying they can't safely run on pavement just that dirt paths are the best. Depending on the breed of your dog will determine when the right time is to go jogging. Larger breed does tend to take longer for the growth plates to close. I have a weim and they suggested waiting until 18 months before jogging on pavement on a leash. I started running with him off leash on trails at about a year old.

mudpuppy

Posted : 7/14/2006 11:40:11 AM

I second the off-leash trail running as one of the best exercises for dogs. But puppies, no. Off-leash trail WALKING while your pup runs around is terrific for pups, but trying to keep up with a running human is bit much for them. Any kind of "forced" repetitive motion like jogging at your pace on leash, or even walking at your pace on leash for a long period of time, particularly over hard ground, will damage your pup's joints and bones. So wait until he's fully grown.