Run With Your Dog: How Soon Can A Puppy Become A Jogging Partner?

By Dr. Marty Becker for Vetstreet

Q. I've been running with my dogs for years, but both of my previous running mates were pets I adopted as adults. This time, I fell in love with a puppy. How soon can I start running with her? I miss having a dog run with me.

A. You need to wait a while before putting the miles on that pup, or risk permanent damage to her developing body. Assuming she's in good overall health (your vet can help determine that), eight months of age is about the earliest you should start letting her run with you, and even then, you should figure on only a mile or two, at a relatively slow pace, at first. Keep in mind that the bones and joints of large or giant breed puppies mature more slowly than those of smaller dogs, so eight months is probably too early for them. Ask your veterinarian about the best time to get started if you have a large or giant breed puppy.

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Even if running has to wait a bit, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing anything with your puppy now. Use the next few months to make sure your pet is well socialized. Introduce her to any situation that's likely to pop up when you're running; make sure she's comfortable around people of all ages, bicycles, strollers, cars and noisy motorcycles. Free exercise on soft surfaces -- such as play with another dog on grass -- is also great for youngsters. Get your pup into a training class now so she'll learn how to walk -- and later run -- on lead without dislocating your shoulder or pulling you off-stride.

Before starting any exercise program, talk to your veterinarian to get a more accurate assessment of your pet's development and suitability as a running companion. When you get the go-ahead to start training together, take your time building up your pet's mileage and speed. And keep your dog lean -- even a little extra weight is harder on the joints. (And speaking of joints, make a note to talk to your veterinarian when your dog is mature about joint-care supplements. They really help!)

Honestly, I can't tell you how happy I am to get a question like yours. Every day we veterinarians see so many overweight or obese animals with a long list of associated health problems. Even for those pets who are not overweight, inactivity can be linked to behavior problems. It's so great to see people who are making sure both they and their pets stay on-the-go and healthy!

For more on pet health, click here.

Flickr photo by Smabs Sputzer

Source of original article: When to Start Running With Your Dog

Comments

[FEsrigoHL]

11:25 AM on 03/23/2012

Dogs do NOT have sweat glands. Most breeds come from a working background where movement was necessary. Dogs that could not or would not move were not kept or bred. So well bred dogs WANT to move. IE Sibes, Mals are bred to pull & run & they have a built in desire to do that. Some people cant run & must use a bicycle. There are devises that can be attatched to the bike & connected to the dog that is safe. Correctly bred dogs have tight feet & thick strong pads. There are meds that will help toughen the pads. Consider the AGE, CONDITION ( XRAY THE HIPS & DO not RUN A BADLY DYSPLASTIC DOG ) & weather. Dont run on ground or snow that has been salted. There are dog sports that contain running & jumping. Yes, swimming is great. Do not be influenced by people giving emotional advise. PRO dog people that train, hunt & show dog in breed & obedience competition can give the best advise. Their lives revolve around the dogs & NOT for profit motives. Go to www.AKC.org & that will put you on the road to real dog knowledge.

[vetxcl]

03:54 AM on 03/04/2012

Excellent advice. Thanks doc.

[MizzJan]

05:57 PM on 03/03/2012

Yeah, jogging isn't good for them. Just ask Mitt Romney. Apparently his liked to ride in a carrier on top of the car.

[vetxcl]

03:55 AM on 03/04/2012

Nope. Too funny, but jogging is OK depending on the breed and age. Just ask an adult Malamute.

[patco444]

02:57 PM on 03/04/2012

I think that if the dog is well-trained, it could be a great jogging partner :)

[petpetdonna]

04:13 PM on 03/03/2012

Your dpg really doesn't want to run or even jog with you. Running/jogging is the most selfish sport a person can do. If you run on asphalt you can hurt your dogs hips and paws. Go run by yourself.

[vetxcl]

04:06 AM on 03/04/2012

Nope. My dog, a mix between a German Shepherd and Labrador loves to run with me. He's even noticed when I start to stretch (lightly) before running and does some stretching of his own. He's very happy before, during and even after. Comes in handy in the remote area I jog in. Since he's part Lab, he also enjoys the cooling off ritual when we both jump in the lake my house is situated on after wards.
There are breeds that running is an integral part of their make up, and there are breeds that are not made up to want any part of running. Most dogs enjoy running, hence the four legs thingie.
No need to run long distances with a dog. In fact, one can argue that long distance running is bad for humans as well. Problems with hips in dogs is often related to over breeding, as perhaps the vet might explain. It's a basic principle of exercise that using a worn muscle can lead to injury, so by all means, don't do anything to a dog, that isn't good for a human. You may notice that the article isn't about doing a marathon nor an ultra-marathon. Some people can even tell a distinction between jogging (the term in the article) and running.
Monitoring the condition of a dog's paws, is always indicated, just as monitoring your shoes is when jogging or running.

[nanaofmysky]

04:13 PM on 03/03/2012

I really just want to scream at people (mostly males ) who seem to think having thier dog run along when they are on a bike. That is not only stupid it is dangerous. Do yourself and your dog a favour and walk or jog.Take them to a dog park were they can be friends with other dogs. Puppies do not need long walks. Just make sure you play alot with them.Give them plenty of love and they will love you forever.

[vetxcl]

04:11 AM on 03/04/2012

Indeed. It is far healthier to exercise a dog in a park. Other dogs can be an asset and a liability. I wouldn't let a dog lose without supervision. Not all dogs get along.
Some people live in more remote areas where all around them is a park.
Indeed, in the city, bicycling is dangerous enough without dragging a dog with you, even with a specialised leash - very dangerous.

[nanaofmysky]

04:37 AM on 03/04/2012

We used to take all three of our dogs to the leash free dog park a couple of times a week. our one would just run around like a big goof,one would stay a few feet away and the other one thought everyone had to talk to her. With this one we really had to keep an eye on. None of them were ever out of our sight. Every day they did not go to the park I walked them. With 2 of them usually for 1 1/2 to2 hrs. The third one had hip problems so it would depend on her. The one lab/shep x also swam everyday when the pool was open. The problem with regular parks is people are always dropping some sort of food. My dogs were taught "leave it" at a very early age. They never took anything from anyone unless I said ok.I think that is something every dog should learn.Here it is illegal to let your dog loose in the park. People with small dogs have no control of thier dogs. They NEED to let they walk (stop carring them, they have legs for a reason )they bark and snap at everyone.I miss my dogs.

[o x]

02:39 PM on 03/03/2012

The answer is quite simple: Dogs do not need to jog or run along side of you while you ride your bike, people. Their bodies do not require it, and you're doing more damage than you can even imagine. Humans are stupid.

[vetxcl]

04:15 AM on 03/04/2012

You may not have noticed that the article does not mention nor recommend riding a bike with your dog. The article may be misleading for some, because it mentions bicycles in the context of other objects a dog is likely to encounter.
Indeed, some humans are less intelligent than others, just as some are smarter.

[censeo]

11:47 AM on 03/03/2012

I walked my puppy past my property when he has 3-4 months going as far is he would go and stopped when he stopped, then I often carried him home. By 6 months he started outpacing me. Pay attention and be sensitive and your dog will tell you when he's had enough. At least it's so for Laboradors.

[GoodDog0325]

09:01 PM on 03/03/2012

Very good advice. And good advice in the article. I ran with my dogs for years. Fortunately we lived near a park w/dirt trails and even a stream. I started one little poodle down at the park, just walking (of course) to introduce her. She was so little that when we stopped, she could curl up on top of my shoe. What a runner she turned into! Be careful. They handle heat differently than we do.

[vetxcl]

04:18 AM on 03/04/2012

Indeed. Smaller body mass and fewer sweat glands.

[vetxcl]

04:17 AM on 03/04/2012

Yup. Have two dogs. One loves it, and the other will have none of it. One goes with me, and the other guards the water dish. Both have their unique and lovable qualities.