Jogging-when to start?

[FirstTimeGSD]

See that's the issue. I've heard a year, I've heard 18 months, I've heard whenever the dog is physically able...I don't want to do anything to hurt him. I could definitely understand waiting for his first hip x ray just in case he ends up with bad hips. I will probably proceed with caution and keep a close eye on him for now.

[Elaine]

Originally Posted by reck0n3r

Thanks for this, but what's all this talk about waiting until about 18 months or so, so that the dog has filled out and there aren't any issues with joints? Is there any truth to that?

When I think of that, I'm not sure how much sense it really truly makes. I remember when I was growing up as a child up until 18 or 19, I used to run and play sports for a good 3-5 hours almost everyday, whether at home or at school. I'd go go go go and stop as needed. It felt great.

I'd imagine it'd feel great for the pup too, so as long as we are going at his/her pace, and certainly healthy. So I agree with what you've said, but would a vet?

By starting young, you build proper muscle and bone, plus taking off a lot of pent up energy and you are socializing him at the same time. All good.

As for the vet, it all depends on which one you talk to. You will get the conservative ones that say no way, while the newer more progessive ones will say go for it for the reasons I gave above.

There's all this talk about growth plate damage with early exercise and yet you won't find not one person that can actually point to any dog with this. I've been running dogs and puppies since time began, of all breeds too, and have never had a problem with it. I'm about the only one on this forum that has actual long term experience running dogs and everyone else that brings up the growth plate thing, has never done it.

[Atticus5]

I've been running Atticus since he was 6 months old. His pace is our pace. It is only about 35 minutes. When we first started, there were plenty of "potty" breaks ( mostly him sniffing while giving me side glances to see if we were going to continue) Now at 9 months, he joins me about five times weekly for our runs. He reminds me of a horse that I had years ago though.... drags for the first five blocks or so and speeds up on our way back home just like a horse heading back to the stable I love having his company for those dark, wet, early morning runs. Lucky you to have a new running partner!

[reck0n3r]

Originally Posted by Elaine

By starting young, you build proper muscle and bone, plus taking off a lot of pent up energy and you are socializing him at the same time. All good.

As for the vet, it all depends on which one you talk to. You will get the conservative ones that say no way, while the newer more progessive ones will say go for it for the reasons I gave above.

There's all this talk about growth plate damage with early exercise and yet you won't find not one person that can actually point to any dog with this. I've been running dogs and puppies since time began, of all breeds too, and have never had a problem with it. I'm about the only one on this forum that has actual long term experience running dogs and everyone else that brings up the growth plate thing, has never done it.

I think this makes the most sense.

Our dogs aren't cars or other machines. They're sentient beings. I've seen enough from my dog in his really early days and walking him in the heat to know that he stops when he needs to. They let us know if something isn't right.

I'm glad I clicked this thread.

[Kyleigh]

I don't run with Kyleigh (simply because I don't run), but my friend and I walk with the dogs (both are now 17 months old), and they have been best buds since pups.

We walk THEY run, and run and run and run. We take them tons of places where they are perfectly safe off leash, and let them be dogs - playing, running, wrestling, etc.

I posted in one thread that Ky and her friend once played for 4 hours. We wanted to see just how long it would really take to tire them out. (She was about 5 or 6 months old at the time.)

Now, I'm not saying to run your dog for 4 hours ... that would be cruel. But a puppy / dog playing with another dog, can certainly play / run longer than 20 minutes. They control themselves (at least our two do!) When they are tired, they take a break, and when they are rested they go back again.

I agree with Elaine, and others, who have said, sure, run them, just watch your dog carefully. When they are playing with another dog, they simply stop playing when they are tired. When you are running with them, they might not be as inclined to stop as they WANT to follow you!

If I was to start training to run (for myself), Kyleigh would leave me in the dust!!! I'm a great walker, but certainly no runner.

I think it's a great idea for BOTH of you - you to get in shape / keep in shape, and great for your dog to build stamina!

Have fun!

[FirstTimeGSD]

Kyleigh...this is off topic, but I do believe you have the most beautiful GSD I've ever seen. Good for you

[TrentL]

When I asked around I was told let their hips harden and grow up 100% before jogging on hard surfaces (Like paths / roads etc) as its higher impact.

I'm anxious to start this as well as I did it for about a year but got bored nobody would do it with me. Now I have my buddy who can do it with me ANd he loves running beside me when we play on the grass.

[Kyleigh]

Originally Posted by FirstTimeGSD

Kyleigh...this is off topic, but I do believe you have the most beautiful GSD I've ever seen. Good for you

AWWW ... thanks! Since I didn't give birth to her, I feel that I can brag too!!!!

There are some absolute stunning dogs on this forum, Odin is one of my faves!

[doggiedad]

i think a dog should be developed somewhat before
pushing them. i don't run. i walk with my dog. when
we walk in the woods it's a 5 mile walk. my dog was
1&1/2 yrs old before we hit the 5 mile mark. what's the rush
to run or walk them for distance? slow, solid developement.

[Elaine]

Originally Posted by TrentL

When I asked around I was told let their hips harden and grow up 100% before jogging on hard surfaces (Like paths / roads etc) as its higher impact.

I'm anxious to start this as well as I did it for about a year but got bored nobody would do it with me. Now I have my buddy who can do it with me ANd he loves running beside me when we play on the grass.

There's no reason to wait unless you want to. Your pup is able to start running way earlier than that.

It's things like waiting for the hips to harden that make no sense and there's no reason not to run on paths and roads if that's what you've got. There's a lot of misinformation out there.I'd bet money that the person that told you this has zero experience in running dogs and is just repeating what they've heard.

Running actually builds stronger bones and builds proper bone and muscle in a growing pup so it's actually a good idea so long as you don't push the pup to go faster or farther than he is readily able to do.