Running with a dog - training tips (Pooch to 5 K ?)

[GeorgiosA]

Hello,

As some of you may have guessed from my avatar, I am the proud daddy of a lovely golden retriever called Reggie (mandatory photo attached - from when he was a puppy - just for the cuteness overload).

Golden retrievers have sensitive hips, because of their size, so we have been really careful with him, not really letting him run much or climb stairs while he was a puppy - bar the odd slow interval session with me on my Couch25K (he really loved the sessions in the snow!)

Now that Reggie is 14 months old (oh my how time flies!) I would love to run with him, even maybe do some canicross events. Trouble is that Reggie is not really used to running any distance (he will happily sprint around with other dogs or me, but puffs out after a little while...). I think I need to do some sort of couch to 5 K with him to build up his stamina.

Web research found this programme: poochto5k.com/wp-content/up... and I was wondering if anyone has followed it, or have otherwise worked with their dog to get them running.

I know most dogs are up for a run and usually faster/stronger than their owners - but did anyone had to work with their dog to build up their stamina?

It needs to be noted that I am very slow and there is no question that Reggie can outrun me, if he trains a bit it will be hard to keep up!

Looking forward to your input and photos of your dogs

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I don't have a dog, but I just wanted to say:

OMG CUTE!!!!!!!!!! 😄😄😄

[GeorgiosA Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Isn't he just? And such a good boy! If you want a dog 2 puppies from the next litter are still up for grabs

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to GeorgiosA]

Aw 😊I don't think my cats would approve of that...

[misswobble Marathon]

There are several folks here running with dogs. I’d take it slow, and just do a bit at a time. Same as for us with C25k, building up slow and steady. Your dog might be up for it or not. You’ll soon find out. Dogs like running but on their own terms 😁👍🐕.

[GeorgiosA Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a go for sure...Reggie is a very good boy, but certainly has strong opinions on what he likes and what he doesn't!

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

A lady was running the HM I did this year with her dog. I was good to see, but I think it quickly got quite annoying for her as the dog kept getting distracted running over to well-meaning spectators who called to it to cheer it on! However, I imagine this is not a problem for the canicross events.

[GeorgiosA Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Oh wow, a half marathon! That's quite the distance, for me, and Reggie! But I get the point about distraction, that's what happens even when we run really small distances, Reggie wants to go to say hello to people, other dogs, butterflies... It's par for the course I guess and part of the fun!

I think canicross may be the answer, as Reggie is bound to follow all the other dogs running the course..