When Can I Start Jogging With My Dog?

[SalTheGal]

Penny is just on 5mnths, so still a puppy really... and I was under the understanding that extended jogging/running is not good for pups?

I try to get out and walk her a couple of times a week- but can't go more often as I try to go for a jog every second day- so she gets left home on those days. She gets LOTS of off lead exercise on our property- so she doesn't necessarily *need* the exercise, but just to get her out and about can I take her jogging with me?

I am not a *fast* runner by any means, and it is only about 4kms distance. If I could take her with me then I could get *my* exercise in more often, and she would get 'jogged' more often that I have the chance to walk her.

[poodlefan]

I see Penny is a Cocker Spaniel. I'd wait until she is 12 months old.

Don't forget she'll need a conditioning program to work up to longer runs.

[Dogsfevr]

I see Penny is a Cocker Spaniel. I'd wait until she is 12 months old.

Don't forget she'll need a conditioning program to work up to longer runs.

Yep to above & totally agree about the conditioning to many people forgot the dog also needs to build up to distance & a pace even if slow a jog is very different to a walk.

[KumaAkita]

I'm interested in this too...

What about for Kuma - who is a nearly 12month old Akita? I understand giant breeds are different, do I need to wait until he's finished growing, or can I start to ramp up slowly in the last few months of his growing period?

Sorry to hijack the tread!! I guess what I'm asking is - is there a general guide as to what exercise you can do with your dog at what stages?

Edited October 25, 2010 by KumaAkita

[raineth]

I'm interested in this too...

What about for Kuma - who is a nearly 12month old Akita? I understand giant breeds are different, do I need to wait until he's finished growing, or can I start to ramp up slowly in the last few months of his growing period?

Sorry to hijack the tread!!

Akita's are giant breeds are they?

Generally, Dane owners would wait until 2 1/2 before any running/jogging on lead

[wuffles]

Most people will tell you to wait until she is at least 12 months old. Have you asked her breeder for advice? There are lots of different opinions

OH takes our Aussie Shepherd jogging about 3km, twice a week. We started once she was about 10 months old. Most of this is off leash and on tracks/trails rather than concrete paths. The dog is way fitter than him so they also take a few breaks along the way, they will build up distance slowly We weighed up the advantages and disadvantages in our situation, did a bit of research, and this is what works for us.

[KumaAkita]

I'm interested in this too...

What about for Kuma - who is a nearly 12month old Akita? I understand giant breeds are different, do I need to wait until he's finished growing, or can I start to ramp up slowly in the last few months of his growing period?

Sorry to hijack the tread!!

Akita's are giant breeds are they?

Generally, Dane owners would wait until 2 1/2 before any running/jogging on lead

Yep, may not be height wise like Danes, but are classified giant - males will weigh over 55Kg ish... big lovely boofers

[B-Q]

I do want to start joggin with Quinn once she's older. I'm pretty unfit atm so I figure I'll just start a program and get us both jogging at the same time. She's only 5 months now though so I'm going to wait it out a bit.

[SalTheGal]

I see Penny is a Cocker Spaniel. I'd wait until she is 12 months old.

Don't forget she'll need a conditioning program to work up to longer runs.

don't worry poodlefan so do I!!!!

OK thanks for the feedback everyone, am happy to wait till she is older- just thought it might be another opp for her to get out and about.

[poodlefan]

I'm interested in this too...

What about for Kuma - who is a nearly 12month old Akita? I understand giant breeds are different, do I need to wait until he's finished growing, or can I start to ramp up slowly in the last few months of his growing period?

Sorry to hijack the tread!! I guess what I'm asking is - is there a general guide as to what exercise you can do with your dog at what stages?

The best advice would be not to start until growth plates have closed - that's later in larger breeds than in smaller ones.

For an Akita? I'd probably wait until 18 months old unless you want to x-ray the growth plates earlier. I'd not do that before about 14 months.

[KumaAkita]

I'm interested in this too...

What about for Kuma - who is a nearly 12month old Akita? I understand giant breeds are different, do I need to wait until he's finished growing, or can I start to ramp up slowly in the last few months of his growing period?

Sorry to hijack the tread!! I guess what I'm asking is - is there a general guide as to what exercise you can do with your dog at what stages?

The best advice would be not to start until growth plates have closed - that's later in larger breeds than in smaller ones.

For an Akita? I'd probably wait until 18 months old unless you want to x-ray the growth plates earlier. I'd not do that before about 14 months.

Thanks PF, will stick to walking for a bit longer

[Aidan]

Does anyone have any references or data on this topic?

[poodlefan]

Does anyone have any references or data on this topic?

My reference point for all things canine and athletic is Dr Christine Zink DVM

The books she's written are listed here

[Aidan]

Does anyone have any references or data on this topic?

My reference point for all things canine and athletic is Dr Christine Zink DVM

The books she's written are listed here

Do you recall if the books include references or citations?

I don't mean to sound doubtful, I just like stuff that gives me something concrete rather than just a personal perspective.

[poodlefan]

Does anyone have any references or data on this topic?

My reference point for all things canine and athletic is Dr Christine Zink DVM

The books she's written are listed here

Do you recall if the books include references or citations?

I don't mean to sound doubtful, I just like stuff that gives me something concrete rather than just a personal perspective.

Sorry but I don't. I'd be surprised if they didnt' though - other articles by her do.

[rubiton]

Always work up to a distance - when I started walking (and Im talking 5-6km per hour not a stroll) it was 600m, 800m, 1250, 1850, 2100, to 2.5km. I needed to get fitter but the dog came along too. Though whenever there is a break due to illness or injury its a week of a middle distance before back to the full track and then its a slower pace to start with.

[t-time]

Wait until your Cocker is 12 months.

In the meantime, you can take her to an offlead park and let her self exercise - I would recommend this sort of social/exercise outing for any pup under 12 months of ANY breed

A short walk on-lead literally around the block will also break up the boredom and you could use this as a part of your own exercise regime - maybe go for a nice little walk with your pup as a warm-up for your long jog??

The beach is also good for self-exercise/short walk as the sand is obviously nice and soft for growing bodies with all the added excitement of a beach trip!

[kelpiechick]

A general rule of thumb that I like and find easy to remember is no endurance type exercise befoe 12 months minimum and when walking aim for 5 minutes per month, so a 5 month pup would be around 25 min. walking session each time. Can't remember the source but could also possibly have been Christine Zink.

[SalTheGal]

THanks for that kelpiechick... that makes a lot of sense- a good rule to go by.

T-Time (or anyone else who can answer) how do you go about finding an offlead park?

We live 30mins out of town and on 6acres, so she gets plenty of offlead exercise... even when walking her she is generally off lead as it is out bush.... but I would love to give her more socialisation.

I take her out with me as much as I can, and take her to visit other people with dogs, but have no idea if there is an offlead park anywhere in my area that is enclosed.