© Veterinary Medical Associates 2011
Your Pet: Can I Run With My Dog?
Steve is an avid runner and has been one for fifteen years. Recently he brought Rex, a
five month old border collie into his life and is thoroughly thrilled with his new
companion. Rex is a very intelligent and active dog even to the point of being a bit
high strung according to Steve. So far this has not been a problem but Steve is
searching for ways to perhaps dissipate some of Rex' energy and was wondering
about having Rex as a running partner. He would love to be taking him but has
concerns about possible injuries to his feet and any other possible problems this
might cause.
Border collies indeed are very active dogs and considered to be one of the most
intelligent of all breeds. They have been bred over many years as working dogs and
are commonly used to heard livestock. In fact I have seen case of a particular
border collie using his tremendous herding instinct at a young child's birthday party. There were about
twelve little kids at the party and within a matter of just a few minutes time in the backyard, this dog had
all of the children in a tight little group on the lawn. Now that's a herding instinct. Owing to their working
background, dogs like Rex can be extremely sturdy and I would venture to guess they could be excellent
running partners. There are however some things to understand when considering this.
First of all, there are factors that do not involve Rex directly that enter into this discussion. Three of
importance have to do with Steve. The first concerns distance, how far does Steve run? The second is
frequency, how often does he run? Lastly, at what pace does he run? These are all wear factors that not only
effect Steve but also Rex and none of the answers were shared in the inquiry. As a result, I will answer a bit
less specifically.
Let's talk about factors relevant to Rex. One is his age. He is a bit young yet to start pounding his body on
the pavement. He is still growing at least on the molecular level and the growth plates in his bones have
not yet closed. This does not mean he can not go for a run but it should be shorter distances at this age and
not daily. This can change after about one year of age. To be sure, he will want to go every time all the
time, it will be up to Steve to curb Rex' enthusiasm.
Another very important factor involves teaching Rex all about leash walking then running along with
awareness of his environment when he is out and about. This should start with proper training and with
that, exposure to the "outside world." With this solid foundation, physical training will be the next step.
Rex needs to be physically trained just as Steve has been in order to run with Steve for the desired
distance, duration and speed. One thing I can definitely share is that Rex will get into shape faster than
Steve or any other human. Gradual increases in these discussed parameters will have Rex whipped into
shape in no time. This will not only create the necessary endurance but also the toughening of the pad
material at the bottom of Rex' feet. I can not tell you how many times I have dealt with raw and/or torn
pads from a dog that was run on the pavement without proper acclimation. Dogs that are run on pavement
that is too hot or pulled along by someone riding a bicycle at too rapid a pace can also severely damage
their feet.
Another important point to note is that dogs are not as endurance oriented as are well trained humans. If
Steve is a marathon runner, it is not recommended that he train with Rex or any dog for that matter. They
simply are not built for that type of running.
Depending on what Steve requires in a running companion, it is highly likely Rex will make an outstanding
partner. With some proper training at the proper age, both Steve and Rex should be able to enjoy running
together for many years.
© Veterinary Medical Associates 2011
Your Pet: Can I Run With My Dog?
Steve is an avid runner and has been one for fifteen years. Recently he brought Rex, a
five month old border collie into his life and is thoroughly thrilled with his new
companion. Rex is a very intelligent and active dog even to the point of being a bit
high strung according to Steve. So far this has not been a problem but Steve is
searching for ways to perhaps dissipate some of Rex' energy and was wondering
about having Rex as a running partner. He would love to be taking him but has
concerns about possible injuries to his feet and any other possible problems this
might cause.
Border collies indeed are very active dogs and considered to be one of the most
intelligent of all breeds. They have been bred over many years as working dogs and
are commonly used to heard livestock. In fact I have seen case of a particular
border collie using his tremendous herding instinct at a young child's birthday party. There were about
twelve little kids at the party and within a matter of just a few minutes time in the backyard, this dog had
all of the children in a tight little group on the lawn. Now that's a herding instinct. Owing to their working
background, dogs like Rex can be extremely sturdy and I would venture to guess they could be excellent
running partners. There are however some things to understand when considering this.
First of all, there are factors that do not involve Rex directly that enter into this discussion. Three of
importance have to do with Steve. The first concerns distance, how far does Steve run? The second is
frequency, how often does he run? Lastly, at what pace does he run? These are all wear factors that not only
effect Steve but also Rex and none of the answers were shared in the inquiry. As a result, I will answer a bit
less specifically.
Let's talk about factors relevant to Rex. One is his age. He is a bit young yet to start pounding his body on
the pavement. He is still growing at least on the molecular level and the growth plates in his bones have
not yet closed. This does not mean he can not go for a run but it should be shorter distances at this age and
not daily. This can change after about one year of age. To be sure, he will want to go every time all the
time, it will be up to Steve to curb Rex' enthusiasm.
Another very important factor involves teaching Rex all about leash walking then running along with
awareness of his environment when he is out and about. This should start with proper training and with
that, exposure to the "outside world." With this solid foundation, physical training will be the next step.
Rex needs to be physically trained just as Steve has been in order to run with Steve for the desired
distance, duration and speed. One thing I can definitely share is that Rex will get into shape faster than
Steve or any other human. Gradual increases in these discussed parameters will have Rex whipped into
shape in no time. This will not only create the necessary endurance but also the toughening of the pad
material at the bottom of Rex' feet. I can not tell you how many times I have dealt with raw and/or torn
pads from a dog that was run on the pavement without proper acclimation. Dogs that are run on pavement
that is too hot or pulled along by someone riding a bicycle at too rapid a pace can also severely damage
their feet.
Another important point to note is that dogs are not as endurance oriented as are well trained humans. If
Steve is a marathon runner, it is not recommended that he train with Rex or any dog for that matter. They
simply are not built for that type of running.
Depending on what Steve requires in a running companion, it is highly likely Rex will make an outstanding
partner. With some proper training at the proper age, both Steve and Rex should be able to enjoy running
together for many years.
