dogs with running logs (Read 202 times)

Any other dogs on here with running logs?  How many miles do you average each week?  I run about 35 right now.  I've been running with my persons since they adopted me in December.  I think I will be 2 in August.  I am extremely shy but running makes me more confident.  I'm getting over the shyness but still don't fully trust you humans.

How do you deal with the heat?  I run early in the morning but sometimes the humidity make it tough.

Any dogs training for anything?  I won my first race a few months ago.  Won a really nice leash and collar and my human got a fancy running water bottle.  I'm thinking about training for my first ultra in March.  I can train over the winter while it is cool.  My longest run ever has been 15 miles and had a week over 50 miles before it got hot.  Right now just trying to keep a base of about 35 per week.

Hope to hear from other dogs and dog-friendly humans.

AbbyDog

(German Shepherd/possible Pit Bull mix)

Hey....AbbyDog. I'm Sophie, a 45-lb mix rescue dog: maybe hound, collie, boxer, pointer, you name it.  I'm about 3.5 yrs old and was adopted by my forever family in February 2012. I started running with my Mom in April 2012 after she was able to teach me how to walk/run nicely on a leash. We started training for a marathon last year. My longest run was 15 miles but then Mom got injured and we had to take a bit of a break. We're back at it again although we are only 4 weeks into the new marathon training program so I haven't gotten to go that far again (yet). I like 15 miles - finally tired me out :-) My Mom did warn me that  I will not get to run the marathon with her but at least I get to train with her. Who needs a medal and a running shirt? Mom did mention something about getting me a special tag for my collar when we finish this training program to let everyone know I am a marathoner at heart.

Before we started training for this year's marathon I was averaging about 30 miles per week - I could go a LOT further if Mom could/would let me. My mom runs slow compared to how fast I like to run but I'm pretty good about running her pace. Gives me plenty of time to use my hound nose to sniff things out....like bunnies, moles and squirrels. That's when I kick it into high gear. Mom calls it my "bunny hunting pace" - not sure what that exactly means but it's FAST and FUN and we do not get to do it very much.

I have been complimented while out on our runs that I am well behaved. And I am - most of the time. Occasionally another dog gets me too excited while we are out running and I act a little naughty/rambunctious. Let me just say that other dogs should NOT run faster than me. It's just not fair :-) If my Mom was not attached to me at the waist I could outrun them all.

I live in Washington State so it doesn't get too hot here. During the week I run at 4:30AM before Mom goes to work so I manage to stay pretty comfortable. And when it does get warmer - like on our long runs on Sundays - she wets me down at all of our water spots and does her best to convince me to drink water. Not always an easy task for her because I would rather keep running. And sometimes she lets me go for a quick swim in the water that runs along our running trail. She's so awesome.

I do not  have my own running log but Mom created a new workout type to track when she runs with me so I know how far I've run - 1396 miles together so far. What a cool Mom !

Congrats on winning your 1st race ! Wow - an ultra. Wish I could convince my mom that we need to do one of those.

AMKinCO - Mom says the best way to turn your dog into a runner is to gradually build him up to walking 4 miles at a time consistently. Do not let him tug on the leash. If he tugs - the game is over and you should not move forward. Look up clicker training - it has helped my Mom teach me lots of things besides how to walk/run politely on a leash. In fact - I know about 45 commands/tricks. She even taught me left, right, straight and cross (the street) to help steer me in the direction she wants to go when we are on a run. Once he gets that nailed down then slowly incorporate some running intervals until you both feel comfortable that he can manage non-stop running. Be aware of his paws - they need to toughen up to handle running consistently. Try to keep him running on grass if possible .My vet's suggestion although I don't always listen to him.  And don't forget to bring pooper bags with you - never know when he's going to surprise you with a quick pit stop. I do it to my mom every once in a great while just to keep her on her toes :-) Above all else - enjoy running with him. It will change your running life (for the better).

Sometimes I poop when I run.

I thought about keeping a log for my dog, mostly just to track her calories in & out since she needs to gain a few pounds.  However, I found that since she runs up and down the trails, dashes down hills to splash in creeks, and is prone to darting after mice, butterflies, and birds, it would be nearly impossible for me to know how far she really ran.  I estimate that she probably runs 3-4 times as far as I do on every run.

To deal with the heat, we run on shady trails and try to pass at least one natural water source on every run.  Also, for longer runs, she wears a little back pack with water & a collapsible bowl.  I know when she's ready for a drink because she'll nudge my water bottle that I carry or she will stare at me as I drink.