Is it okay for my dog to run a 5k with me 3-5 times per week?
Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it.
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
It all depends on the dog, If it's a lean dog that's built for running yeah, larger dog prone to hip and joint issues no. It also depends on where your running. You want to avoid hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt as much as possible, it's much more hard on their joints. Also, what's the dogs age? Over like 6 or 7 I'd say no. r/runbingwithdogs would be a good sub to post this question, or r/askvet. Just make sure you I clue the breed & age, etc.
I ran about 5ks with mine 4 tines per week. I always kept a close eye on him, he just turned 9, so I stopped. I do my run then take him for a nice slower walk & swim
What time are you going for these runs? Given we're coming out of spring and into summer, you might want to check his paws as the pavement might be too hot for him to walk on which might be why he's slowing down or walking on the grass
I live in the uk it’s only 10-18 degrees usually and today was cloudy and 14 I think. I am worried about the pavement being too rough on his paws so I make sure he runs on the grass beside the pavement for like 90% of the run.
Also not too worried about the timing just starting to get into running and want to get some better exercise for him as he always has so much energy no matter what. He does a lot of self soothing behaviours such as licking the air to calm himself but since we’ve got home hes just been lying beside me peacefully
He might just not like exercise. And I’m fully on board with that too
He loves long walks can’t get enough playtime either this run jsut tired him out
I forgot to attach a picture but his mother is a shih tzu and unknown other parent - looks and acts a bit like a jack russell
He sounds tiny. It may be too much on his little legs. Were the sidewalks hot? Maybe he’s paws were burning and that’s why he stopped.
He’s not tiny per say probably the same size as a jack russell and it was only 14 degrees Celsius and cloud today so I don’t think that’s the issue
Correction he’s actually bigger than a jack Russell I didn’t know how small they were
that seems like a tiny dog for a run, but im not a runner. I would suggest carrying him when he gets tired.
I mean.. as long as they seem to enjoy it, I wouldn't say to push them as you would push yourself, my Fred would love to run a 5k as long as balls are involved.
Yeah we usually walk 5ks and he’s always still full of energy after those so I thought he might enjoy running instead but I really don’t want to hurt him in some way
Whenever I take Fred on like an exercise or something where I know he's getting his work cut out for him I like to take him through some stretches, one leg at a time extending and retracting slowly, plus some muscle and joint rubs. I'm really kinda just seeing how he reacts if anything is hurting him, but also the benefits of stretching after working hard. He likes his massages and stretches, pretty well looks for it after chasing stuff.
I bet he'd love some runs.
I say its okay, but if he's starting to drag, he may not be ready for the full 5k just yet. I'd see what distance he's starting to fall back, and make sure you're back home way before that. From there you can see if he gradually wants to do more over time. Another thing to factor in is his age. Is he still a puppy? Adult?
But considering he's may be a Terrier mix, I don't think it's too much strain or too far off from the jobs they normally do - hunting, ratting, etc.
I have a Chihuahua who will hike 6+ km (terrain is dirt, and just walking pace) each time we go to our local conservation area. The first time I brought her there as a puppy after her shots, I assumed she'd want to be picked up at some point. Nope, she happily walked until we were ready to leave. Obviously we weren't doing 6km straight back then, but she's 5 now and it's a normal thing we do. She loves it, she's fit, and her excitement to go says it all. I have a large dog as well (hence the long walks), but I never limit my little one and I think it shows.
He’s 3 in like two months and it’s genuinely jsut strange to me as usually our entire walk he’s tugging to go faster and if I make the leash longer he sprints round me in circles. I think what happened is he sprinted the entire first ten minutes and had puffed himself lol. Going to give him a break tomorrow and try again the next day as it’s nice seeing him more settled and not having to self soothe but thanks so much for the input
Ask your vet
I’d be worried about him overheating. Lots of water breaks.
I live in the uk and when we run it’s only about 10-13 degrees Celsius is this okay?
Oh, you may not have to worry about it. Here in the Midwest we’ve been running close to 80 F. Beware of joint damage though. I’ve had two dogs that liked to run with me. Two ACC surgeries.
He's told you that this run is too much for him. If he displayed halfway way through the run, then it's already too much for him.
Please listen to what he is telling you.
Well it was more so for the first ten minutes he was sprinting then for the next ten he ran beside me then at the very end he started kinda pulling back but we were on our way home at that point