Rollerblading

[Kris and Sawyer]

Give me all the nitty gritty. I've been taking Sawyer and he LOVES it. I've rollerbladed for years, so pretty experienced. We only go in the late evening, when it's cool and no cars. We live in a very quiet, small neighborhood so that helps. I don't go fast and I don't let him pull me. Mostly he just gets to "trot" next to me instead of our normal lazy walk. I've kept it limited to 10-15 minutes (once around the loop of our neighborhood). He loves it because mommy can keep up with him! He always wants to walk a bit faster than my short little self can walk. With rollerblading, he stays right by my side. We have passed dogs, squirrels, and whatnot and I just say "leave it". He has not tried to dart out at all. My question is how long or how far is ok? Can we go longer? He's 14 months old. I know joints can be a concern but I read somewhere that keeping them at a trot is fine. He is going to the vet Thursday for his annual and I plan to ask about it. Just wondered if anyone had other tips/advice. Thanks!

[Lori (Wilson and Woody's Mum)]

I love that Sawyer has discovered rollerblading!  Wilson used to go with our trainer's husband we she cared for him and he LOVED it too.  I am not coordinated so not a good sport for the two of us.  :)  

I think your 10 - 15 minutes is good place to start.  How is he afterwards?  Panting heavily?  Tired?  Or does he seem okay and still ready to go?  If he seems fine, and his breathing returns to normal in a "normal" amount of time, I would build up the time slowly. Start adding 2-3 minutes for 2-3 weeks, then another 2-3 minutes for 2-3 weeks, etc.  As with anything, Sawyer needs to be conditioned.  My friend runs with her dogs regularly and has worked them up to 12 miles!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We used to hire our trainer to roller blade with Murphy to give him more exercise.  He would roller blade at a pretty fast pace for about 15 minutes....and never when it was really hot.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

OMD...if I did this with Fudge and Vern, I would end up in Ohio....and I live in PA :) Very cool!

[Kris and Sawyer]

Haha! I actually passed someone last night that advised me it would be better and even things out if I had another dog on the other side! Not sure I'm coordinated enough for that!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would never be able to stop with both of them :)