walking (or running with) Shelties!

[Scottyg]

I am a runner and I usually take Griffin around the 1-mile loop of our neighborhood (he likes to go a bit faster than my regular training pace), but here's my question...
Last week I took him for 2-loops (2-miles) and he was fine, but after thinking about it, I wonder how far is too far??? SHould I just gauge it according to his reaction? Limit him to 1-mile? He loves the runs and I just don't want to overtax him.... any advice?

 

[Hugo]

I suppose that if he's tired, he will just stop and sit.

I once went hiking with my dog for like 4 hours, and he was a bit tired before getting to the top of the mountain (yeah, we were climbing for over 2 hours), so I had to pull on his leash a bit.

We rested, ate a bit, wen back down, and all was good again.

These dogs are troopers, they can go on for a loooooong time before getting tired.

 

[elaine2004]

I'm not really certain Scott, but logically thinking,( and that could be dangerous ) I would say as long as you bring water with you , Griffin can drink if he needs to. When he tires I'm sure he will just lay down and rest. I would say just as a human you have to gradually work your way up. I just noticed Hugo answered, so there you go Scott. Sounds right to me.

Fellow Sheltie lover,
Elaine

 

[Ann]

Generally it's a good idea to condition your dog as you would yourself. We use interval training with our horses, and it also works well for our dogs. Start slow and increase their level gradually so you don't strain muscles, ligaments, etc., with walk breaks of a minute or two in between, just as you would for your runs. If Griffin is already conditioned to your one-mile runs, he's probably fine with a bit more but perhaps with a few more walk breaks for the first few days, increasing the pace and distance gradually. I find a good barometer for my guys is at what point they start panting or lagging. That's when I slow it down a bit. We also condition them before doing Agility or any athletic endeavor. It's tough because Shelties are so energetic they won't always tell you when they're tired! And Elaine's suggestion about water is a must, especially in warm weather.

 

[Chris]

Pooped Puppies

I recall when Layla and Bits were puppies, we took them for a walk through Harper's Ferry. Great - until we were walking up the last hill toward the car. Both puppies just stopped and looked at us. We wound up lugging them up the hill because honestly, who could resist that look? "Mommy, we're tiiiiired."

 

[Scottyg]

pooped puppy...

I haven't gotten the "refuse to move" yet, but when he gets a bit tired, he looks back at me and takes the leash into his mouth ... come to think of it, he does pull at the leash, maybe he's trying to get me to speed it up....
seriously though, thanks for all the advice!


-Scott and Griffin

 

[Cindy]

Super Sheltie

I run with my boy Gavin, as well as take him backpacking with me.
He's an oversized boy, 2 1/2 yrs old. When he gets tired/hot, he plops himself on cool grass or into a stream Actually, I'd worry most about overheating and stop for water breaks.

Gavin loves his 'puppy runs' and usually my only complaint is he gets bored (because I don't run fast enough) and wants to play with his leash. After long hikes he does get tired (and beats me into the tent at night) but I think heat has A LOT to do with it. Remember, they are hardy working dogs.

Cindy

 

[Calliesmom]

I had to build Callie up to the point that Happy was at- 5 laps around our street. She was overweight when she came to live with us and could only go about 1 lap and then she would lag behind so we cut back until she was ready to go longer. Now, we have to cut back when it gets hot until she acclimates to the summer heat. That's because I almost always have a business trip in the spring and she doesn't get walked on a leash at the boarding place. Lots of playtime in the backyard but no directed exercise to keep her in condition. I'll have to leave a water bowl in the driveway and try to take little breaks this summer while we work back to where we were.