Running with a dog- best training program

I have a blue heeler/border collie mix, and at 1.5 years she can hang for up to 10 miles at a decent pace (7 min miles). I started running her at 9 months with slow 3-4 mile runs. Within a month she was up to 6 miles, but if it was fast or hilly she would start to drag towards the end. Most runs we do are 6-8 miles and she has no problem keeping up.

I wouldn't work her too hard at first, especially if she's coming from a sedentary life at the pound. I'd also keep her on a leash for the first month, 1) so she knows you're the boss, and 2) so you know she won't chase birds or people or anything else. Once they get used to a daily routine they usually stay fairly close and just cruise along.

Enjoy the good times... I'm taking my bitch out tonight.

I like heelers wrote:

I'd also keep her on a leash for the first month, .

NO! unless you are out in the boondocks. Keep it on the leash at all times.

I hate irresponsible dog owners who let their mutts run and poop all over.

(p.s. I know you have the one perfect dog who never bites people, never runs away, never poos, never eats my pic-nic food, never slobbers all over my kid, never scares the fish, etc.)

I run where there is very little chance of seeing people... only wildlife or livestock. In town, on a busy trail, or around cars she is always leashed.

p.s. You've obviously never met my dog.

In dog we trust wrote:

I like heelers wrote:

I'd also keep her on a leash for the first month, .

NO! unless you are out in the boondocks. Keep it on the leash at all times.

I hate irresponsible dog owners who let their mutts run and poop all over.

So keeping the dog leashed will prevent it from pooping all over? This little mutt will drop his deuce before he runs, just like me, thus eliminating the need to go during the run.

Put on a t-shirt with a picture of a nice, juicy steak embroidered on the back. Commence running. You're welcome.

I have a 6 year old mutt who I started running with when she was a few months old, mainly because my wife kept suggesting it. We started easy with 1-2 mile runs and eventually built up to 10 miles. She is definitely a faster and more natural runner then me, and we have run (and won) a 2 mile Dog Jog every spring for the last 5 years. She progressed from a 10:50 all the way down to a CR 9:56 last year. Since I live in Atlanta we definitely take most of the summer off except for occasional 1-2 milers. When the weather is better the most she runs is 3-4 times per week and 30 miles max. She has had no problems except with heat, thus the no or limited running in the summer. She and I both enjoy it. Good luck.

i have a lab, she started running fairly young and it was pretty obvious how much she could run at a time. I never ran her farther than she had already walked. i think she wasnt really able to run until 6 months old or so. and it was only a few miles (2-3) at first but she worked up to ten milers by the time she was 18 months old. (not daily) and did anywhere from 30-40 miles a week. i kept her on soft trails for 90% of her runs and she would run with various of my running friends as well as myself.

There are a lot of books out there. I think that "Daniel's Training for Dogs" is the best one.

The main problem with dogs is that they are underdeveloped aerobically. Dogs are always chasing something (cats, rabbits, balls, children, etc.) and the "chase work" tends to be anaerobic in nature. According to the charts in the book, my dog Fredo should have been able to run a 3:04 mile based on his 100 meter time. Unfortunately, Fredo struggled to finish a mile in less than six minutes. Even worse, he would often wander off during the second or third lap, eventually laying down under a tree. Not good. Fredo needed more conditioning and focus.

After weeks of steady mileage (during which I limited cat chasing to three time a week, after runs), Fredo is much stronger. Just yesterday, I sent him out on a 5K time trial and he finished in under 7 minutes. My neighbor was skeptical; he claimed that Fredo probably cut the course. I think my neighbor is just jealous because he has a stupid cat who can't run for shit.

Hahaha

Funny stuff. I've taken my dog to the track and she cranks out the laps with me just fine. She's a good training partner because she always likes to lead, even if it's just by a few feet. Kind of like having your own rabbit. She's not a great tactical runner, but she does have more raw talent than me. I always take the inside lane on corners and force her to the outside, and she always kicks too late. The track is completely fenced in, and yes, I clean up the poop before we leave. Did an 8 mile trail run with her last night.

I've always heard that it is dangerous to run with your dog because they are so loyal they will run with you until they die. Anyone had this experience?