What age to begin running with dogs

SC Slim wrote:

I was recently told 1-2 years before any strenuous exercise. This sounds excessive. Any advice?

i dont know, but i would point out that if dogs age at about 7 years per human year then 2 years makes the dog 14. i realize that this is an estimate and that the aging is not conisdered to be linear, but its a thought to consider.

Dogs or ugly chicks?

That conversion is for life expectancy not development. Dogs develop much faster than that, a human is not fully mature at age 14, and dogs are fully mature at age 2.

To answer the question, I also have a German Short Haired Pointer, he's about 9 months and I haven't run with him much yet. I am going to wait until this Winter when I can take my time with him in my base/off-season training. Although it's going to be hard to keep up with him. He'll be about 1 then. Right now I think I would take him, but only for shorter runs, and that's what I plan on doing to start with him.

If your in town, do us all a favor and don't run with Rover, or run with a very short lead. I'm gonna jack the next person who trips me with a long leash and undisciplined dog. If you're our on your own, no worries.

I have already taken my dog on a couple of runs, one of about seven miles. I think she has stopped growing by now which was the marker I was using to begin training. She has no problem keeping up with any pace I've thrown at her. She runs for hours in the yard - so what's the difference.

You sound like a real tough guy. Anyway I'm not in a busy area where I run, so you don't have to bother yourself with "jacking me". (Although I would like to see you try since I have extensive training in self-defense and hand-to-hand combat, that would be fun)

I got a name for folks like you: Sweetie

Ok fine, I'll simply put my foot through your pooches rib cage.

at least wait till a year--18 mos is better. Otherwise you risk bone/hip troubles later. We have Weims, and they started easy at a year here and there, and 10K our male, now is good for 10 miles a day. But like any runner, build slowly or risk troubles.

I have a German Short Hair. She's 7 this weekend. She has been running with me off-leash on trails, and on golf courses in the winter, since she was 6 months. I started walking her for short spurts when we first got her...then introduced a mile, 2 miles...etc. She can now run faster than I can ride my mountain bike top speed downhill...and even on pavement. I have taken her up to 12 miles but not further, primarily since I usually don't run further than that on trails. In the Summer, be sure you are running near water so they can jump in to cool off, or carry water for your dog. I just run where there are lakes so I stop when it's hot. Also, when you are starting her off running, plan rest days for her...ie. after a 6 miler or whatever...give her a few days rest and vary the distance between short and far. My dog is only 45 lbs. and fast as hell, no hip problems, and just such a pleasure. If you live where there is snow, you should try snow-shoe running...it's a blast to see them rip through the snow...enjoy! They are the most awesome of dogs.

until you are old enough and strong enough to hold Mangy on her leash.

On a related topic, at what age should your dog start sleeping in an altitude tent?

I brought my GSH in my Oxygen tent with me from the minute we got her home. Probably why she is so f***ing fast!!!