Whats a good amount to run with my 6 month old, 42 pound puppy?

Question

I have a puppy that I would like to run with when I work out but I don't know how much is too much. he is 42 pounds and is 6 months old! THANKS!

lol yes it is a dog puppy!

Answer 1

Dogs love to run, and there is nothing like running with your dog. Like a human they have to be conditioned to run. First and formost, teach him good manners on the leash. Basic, Sit, stay and heel comands are important as you will need to control of him at all times. At 6 months he can be taught some basic leash trainning.

Then like a runner start him off on smaller runs. Getting him used to running, typical dogs like to stop and pee on everything you will have to break him of that habit, when he is running he has to know that is the activity. Start off with smaller distances gradually like a regualar runner adding 10% a week.

As for max distance, you will eventually find his max distance. My 25lbs. Russell/spaniel cross loves runs up to about 5K, I did get her to 7K once but I had to slow dow for her as she was dead tired.

My Greyhound weighs 60lbs, and he is good for about 2k then he is dead to the world. They are sprinters and while they love to run then don't have endurance to go long and hard.

A lab/shepard/husky type dog, will go forever.

Good Luck
Harry
http://thediabeticrunner.blogspot.com

Answer 2

I'd take it easy at first and not go over a mile or so for 2-3 months. Then gradually build up to 3-4 miles over the next 3 to 4 months. However, be very cautious as the weather gets warmer as dogs do to tend to get dehydrated much quicker. Wait until this "dog" is, at least, a year old before you run him more than about 4 miles.

Answer 3

This information is from RunnerSusan at the Complete Running Network. She says:

Make sure you have a breed of dog that suits running. Many mutts, retrievers and larger breeds are great at keeping up, while huskies and herding dogs are great for distances. And contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do no make the best running dogs. They are great sprinters, but have very little endurance.

Take a trip to the vet to make sure your dog is healthy enough to start running. Most veterinarians recommend waiting at least year for the bone joints and hips to fully develop before a dog can begin a running program.

You can find more info by following the link that I posted.

Answer 4

That's not a dog puppy I hope? That's what a small horse would weigh after 6 months.....

Answer 5

when your dog is running with you and gets tired and has this tired look on his face you stop and start running home or when you have to pull on his leash and he starts to lay down that is a sign that the dog is tired.