I use to run halfs and such without my dog when I had a brief 2 year period between dogs. Now my boy is old enough to run with me and I am struggling with water for me and him… I hate camel packs but that is currently what I am using and a “leaf” water bottle for him. My belt, bungie leash and his harness no complaints. What do people do about water for you and the dog?
Hi, getting my first Aussie tomorrow, 8 week old male. I have done some preliminary research and understand that exercise like walks should be limited to 5 minutes per month of age (up to twice a day). Obviously only after vet has cleared him for public surfaces at some point in his vaccine schedule.
My main questions concerns building up after he’s cleared. I have only ever owned small breeds prior to moving to Colorado. For context, I am a distance runner (13-35 miles), big hiker (frequent 15-30 mile days with 2-8k vertical), and backcountry skier. I would obviously like to develop him to be the ideal outdoor companion.
At what point should I start building beyond just walks at the 5 minute per month rule? Should I be waiting for full growth plate closure to start anything more than walking or should I be starting to build hikes and such in earlier? I want to be aggressive about building his capacity but absolutely don’t want risk creating health issues down the line. Has anyone had much experience with this and can provide me some guidance?
Separately, I regularly go to 13-14,000ft elevations on my hikes and runs, is there’s any concerns with altitude sickness in dogs or should I just treat this like he’ll get better with time like a human? Any things to look out for to indicate an issue requiring decent? I will obviously ask my vet about these things, but wanted to get input from experienced owners. Anything is helpful, thanks.
Photo of Dexter at 5 weeks for dog tax is
Edict: learning that 5 minute saying is bunk, definitely going to ask my vet, just collecting experience before.
Just got a new harness for my boy as we’re moving more into running/canicross and plan to do bikejoring. He was right on the edge between sizes and I’m wondering if I need to go down a size, because it seems to be sitting on his breastbone but particularly around his left shoulder it seems like it may be catching some but I can’t totally tell. Him having a big neck isn’t making it easier either. Pics of fit below because it won’t let me have both on the post. Any feedback is appreciated!
The happiness they bring to my life seeing them like this! ❤️
My cattledog is my adventure companion. She almost always joins me for my trailruns, but, this being South Africa, and not a lot of people around. She generally runs off leash. This means when I do a 15k run, she'll do about double as she's always running off in front, waiting, running back, smells something, off to the side, suddenly appears back in front of me, etc. This is for familiar trails. Most of the time, because I keep running, she quickly comes back and generally responds somewhat well on the recall, because she doesn't want to be left behind. That is, unless it is an actual babboon or buck; it takes a while longer to come back.
I tried running on leash, but her natural pace is just a bit too quick, so she keeps pulling me, and it is very uncomfortable. She also is just too excited so wants to go-go-go.
Long story, but my point is, I should bring in more structure I think. I want to start taking her on longer runs, but right now, she just tires herself out too much with all the back and forth. I have to protect her from her own enthusiasm by having her on leash, but in a manageable way. When she's tired, she'll stay close, too close actually, so it is all about finding the right balance.
Also, I should really get her her own gps tracker so I know how much she runs; probably at least double my distance.
I've been using the same attitude as for my own running, just winging it, just run, but I feel like I need more structure and not sure where to begin. Any good sources of info, other than the wiki here, which I will read right now. Any input is welcome, just in general.
Has anyone regulary ran DSW's with their dog? How did it go? Is it fun or not ideal?
I'm a beginning runner and really want to take my 7yo labrador with me, and I like the DSW's bc I don't need to think about what kind of run I need to do, my watch can tell me. Right now when my dog wants to take a sniff/pee break I just let her and pause the watch. I have my DSW type set to HR.