r/RunningWithDogs • u/Silly-Mastodon-9694 • 6d ago

Resources for readiness?

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This is Mabel. We just adopted her last week. She’s 6m, 44lbs, and breed is unknown. The vet gave us clearance to run with her when I asked would be a good time to start with her, but she said that as she’s not a runner, I could trust my best judgement. I’ve always heard wait at least until 1 year old to start. What evidence-based resources did you use to determine readiness to start?

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u/doxiepowder 6d ago edited 6d ago

My vet said "Don't force your dog to run before their growth plates are closed. That said, when you go for a run with her is she actually running or is she trotting while you run?"

In the case of our leggy girl she was going between a fast walk and a slow trot while we ran. Also, sniff intervals are important. Puppies need to sniff more than they need to run, so under a year wiggle walks outnumber runs and loose leash walks both, probably by a 2:1 ratio. But get your dog's vibes!

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u/0nTheRooftops 6d ago

When your dog is that age is the perfect time to do mini runs combined with commands training. With mine, I would run a block and walk a block at first, practicing just getting her amped for short bursts of running, and then as she got older slowly lengthened the distance of the running bursts.

Some good commands you'll need or want to run well with your dog, in rough order of importance.

  • "Heel"
  • "Behind"
  • "Wait" (for crossing streets etc)
  • "Leave" (to ignore other dogs, squirrels, distractions)
  • "Over" (sitting on the side of the trail to let others past"
  • "Ahead"
  • "Whoa" (slow down)
  • "Yip yip" (or other lets get after it command)
  • "Right/left" (even if your dog doesn't know what these mean exactly, the warning that you're turning will be helpful)

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u/Boogita 3d ago

https://www.mylamedog.com/post/what-is-the-logic-behind-not-exercising-puppies-until-the-growth-plates-are-closed

There's really not a ton of research on puppies and exercise, but this article sums up the current body of literature pretty well.