Well, that is a question that can only be answered once all factors are considered about the dog in question, therefore I’ll use Alex and her canine buddies as examples.
Until early last year, I used to get Alex to run once or twice a week, but I stopped because the walks we take every day seem to be enough for her, and because a couple of months ago she started to limp while we were walking. I took her to the vet and she was given medication she has to take every day plus a lot of rest for a couple of weeks. Now she is back to her usual self, but she’ll go for a follow-up with the vet next week. What I do, since a lot of dogs have never run next to a bike, is get Alex to jog next to the bike I am riding for 1 minute or less. Why? I want the other dogs to see what she is doing and mimic that behavior. Now, should Alex run or walk? She should walk because she is a senior dog and she was already limping while walking with me. By the way, this is how Alex and Dexter looked on Saturday, after a good run early in the morning.
Sarris, unlike Alex, can run without a problem, but Sarris is also a younger dog. I got her to run/jog for about 10 minutes, and after that we walked home. She did not have a problem with the bike. Actually, she seemed to enjoy running alongside me. Should you run or walk Sarris? Well, I think she should run 2 to 3 times a week and walk the rest of the week because she is an active young dog.
Of course, they need a comfortable bed to rest after exercising so here they are, L – R, Dexter, Alex, and Sarris. They were all ready for a nap.
Dexter, the handsome boy all the way to the right, is about 2 1/2 years old and he is full of energy, therefore he can easily run every other day without a problem. His mom told me that he did not like bikes, so I was really surprised when after walking with him for 5 minutes he had no problem at all running alongside my bike. I was so happy and after a couple of minutes he tried to run fast, but I had to slow down because he is very strong and I did not want him to over do it. We kept up a pretty nice pace, but we did not go fast. Yes, Dexter should definitely run a few times a week.
Every dog is different and if you decide to try going for a run with your dog, please make sure to consider the following:
- Age, weight, breed, and health of the dog – If unsure, talk to the vet
- Weather – I go for a run early in the morning, 6am during the Summer
- Distance – Do not make your dog run for more than 5 – 10 minutes at the beginning and increase the time little by little
- At the beginning, try walking your dog next to the bike – Some dogs hate bikes
- Always, after every run, check his pads to make sure they are not damaged
These are just a few suggestions to consider before taking your dog for a run. Remember that going for a run with your dog is supposed to be enjoyable and good for both, you and your dog. What do you do with your dog to help him burn some energy?
Sarris will be picked up this evening. She is one of the many dogs that I call, My Shadow, because she follows me everywhere. But on her defense, I’d like to point out that Weimaraners are called Velcro Dogs because they love to be close to their human so I don’t hold it against her. Actually, I find it funny because whenever I am doing chores she and my other shadow, Dexter, go up and down the stairs with me. That is why when is time to go to sleep they are pretty tired. Well, that and the walks/runs that they take with us during the day.
