Remind me again when Ollie can run 5-6 miles with me?

[Ollie's Mom]

I only run outside 1, maybe 2 times/week. Can Ollie run with me? OK CONFESSION! I had to run last weekend at 5:15am and it was dark outside so I brought Ollie with me. We jogged slowly and even walked a bit. He did fantastic!  Is it ok to take him if it's only once a week?

[Laura and Angus]

I would like to know the answer to this question too because I would like Angus to run with me. Though we won't run that far probably...maybe 3 miles

[Malenie Piscetelli]

I was told it's not a good idea to let any dog to run with a human. It's better off walking. I walk with my doodle for 3 1/2 miles. And also should bring a water bottle that come with bowl. This my opinion.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh.... please be patient.  Your young pup is still growing. Those bones are still forming.  Really, would you take your two-year old human child on a jog? Would you have that child throwing fast balls for hours?

No, we know not to do that.

Remember the issues Labs, Poodles, and Goldens ALL HAVE.   A lot of knee issues and hips.  Dogs who exercise too much and too early tend to have Osteochondritis Dissecans among many other issues. They are just too loyal and do not know when to stop or they wont stop because you wont.   Dogs will run through the pain just to keep up with you until they cant any longer and severe damage is done. It is your  job to keep them healthy too. 

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/purelypuppy/2011/june/how_much_exercise_...

http://www.blacklabrador.com/index.php?showtopic=2225

and 

 

How old should your dog be before it is physically safe to begin running together? One rule of thumb is that the dog’s bone growth plates should be closed before the dog takes part in any sort of rigorous activity. Some breeds and types mature more slowly than others. Owners of large dogs such as Great Danes and Scottish Deerhounds, for example, may be well advised to wait until their dogs reach the age of 1 ½ to 2 years. Lighter-boned dogs such as Miniature Pinschers and Whippets may be ready at 8 months to a year. Most dogs should be in the 1- to 1½-year range; check with your veterinarian for information on when your dog’s bone growth plates should be expected to close.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/12_2/features/Jogging-With-...

 In five years, your dog will need $5,000 in surgery and medical care  just to get some relief from  the pain. 

ASK YOUR VET!  

You need to wait 18-24 months.  But...... 

A great idea for both of you is to get a jogging stroller and take them with you.  What a great way to have company, let your dog socialize..... The best of both worlds. 

http://www.wayfair.com/Guardian-Gear-Roadster-II-Dog-Jogger-Pet-Str...

[Kerry L]

My vet told me that a human can't run fast enough or far enough to harm a dogs joints. He said the warning of not having them run is more for running along side ATVs/trucks, which unless you live on a farm, they won't be. I had Hank running with me periodically when we was 7 months old. Honestly, a walk did NOTHING to burn him out when he was that young and he loves to run. I know there are mixed opinions on this tho.

[Laura and Angus]

My pup is the same way...walking does nothing but energize him.

[Corinn Laitre]

I know what you mean, I can't wait to be able to jog with Remi and take him for long hikes!!!.... However what I've learned through research, the vet and other discussions here is as follows;

Forced exercise (when the dog doesn't have control of its' pace or the distance) is an absolute NO until all growth plates have closed (usually around 12-15months). 

It's terribly frustrating for people like us who are very active and got an active pup to match our lifestyle lol but it's worth the wait to make sure your pups joints and bones are healthy now and into his golden years!

*Just a note running, jogging and any other forced exercise must begin slowly and done with caution. Bring water and watch for signs of fatigue, dogs are built more for releasing their energy in shorter bursts and less for endurance running : P

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

You do not want your pup to get one of those joint diseases. Boris has OCD (not due to over exercise) and needed operations on both shoulders at 18 months old. He is at serious risk of arthritis setting in at an early age. He will never be able to have long free runs or walks as per the vets instructions. So take it very easy and have patience with Ollie, for the moment go alone. The surgery Boris had cost about 5,000 dollars plus lots of rehab and if there is any risk at all I wouldn't take it.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Amen.  Bless Boris's heart. What an ordeal.

Take care of your dogs ladies. You want them FOREVER. Not just a jogging buddy.

The strollers are great.   At least, give that a try

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

My vet told me to wait until Winnie's skeletal growth is complete- about 1 year. Her height and weight have been stable for the past 4 months (she is now 14 months old), and I just recently started taking her on a few runs. I've got a knee injury, so I have been taking her on bike rides until my knee heals.

While walking is good for Winnie, it really doesn't get rid of any of her puppy energy. I could walk her 5 miles ON a leash and she would come home energized! The best exercise overall for her is to take her on OFF leash walks in the woods. She gets a chance to run, but at her own pace and not forced. And, it isn't a sidewalk or street, so it is easier on her joints. She often scampers on ahead of me, then stops and waits. Lots of times I will purposely turn around and have her run back to me. She covers way more mileage than my 3-4 miles, and comes home happy and tired! Plus, it has really been a great way for her to learn to follow me off leash.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

I can tell you what Hurley's vet and his trainer told me as I am also a runner. No running before at least 18 months and preferably closer to two years. Then start slowly with distance and time. So I treated it like someone who was a first time runner training for a 5k, 10k, etc and had plenty of time to train. Also I never have Hurley with me more than 3 days a week. I did not start until Hurley was over 18 months. In the interim I took him for long walks.

[Elizabeth Boychuk]

I think the general rule is they should be at least a year old. I politely disagree with whoever said that dogs should never run alongside humans. The argument about hip and joint issues is a good one, which is why it's great to wait until your dood is fully grown and ease them into running slowly but I'd assume that the same argument could be made for rough play at the dog park as well. 

I read this article which actually had goldendoodles listed as one of the best breeds for long/slow runs. I started running with Cooper at just shy of a year and started really slowly as I was just getting started as well. We started at 3 km in nice cool weather and then worked our way up to some pretty long runs (he's done 18 km at a very slow pace).

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/breed-apart  

I agree with the other points made about listening to your dog - you should never be dragging your dog behind you and I never take Cooper out when it's stinking how. I carry enough water for both of us, no matter how cool it is outside and I keep him shaved down pretty short during the summer so that he doesn't overheat. 

I'm a huge supporter of dog running partners as longs as you're being smart about it and putting the dog's needs and safety right up there with your own. 

[Marni and Hanna]

Very well said! -I totally agree with your last 2 paragraphs!  I love running with my girl too- cant imagine it without her  : )