Forums >General Running>How much is OK to run with a Labrador?
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Imminent Catastrophe
Hello Friends, I am new to RA, so probably this topic has been discussed. I have a 5 yo labrador retriever. Since last year I started running, I trained with him. After a year he is very very capable of running 10 miles with me (only if it is cold). It takes him about 3 days to recover from that... My question is how much should I run with him......? I would appreciate your advice. Thanks tons G
"Able to function despite imminent catastrophe"
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Plus tell me how you deal with the poo factor never thought of a way to carry and run . So we ran on gravel and trials so he could use the tree and I did not have to carry the poo.
Jennifer mm#1231
Gaby, I would be VERY careful and err on the side of caution, especially when it's warm and with a long-haired breed. If it takes him 3 days to recover I would say that's too much. My dogs usually are back to normal (not panting) in an hour or so, they are shorthairs (Dobies) Dogs are so loyal that they will follow you until they drop. Our Laika once was running with my wife and collapsed, then after a minute acted like she was fine. Turned out she had a very bad heart condition (cardiomyopathy) and must have been hurting really badly. We "retired" her from running and she unfortunately died soon after. My point is, don't expect your dog to say "enough", you have to look for signs of fatigue or overheating. FYI here in Georgia in the summer we limit our dogs to about a mile.
I'd really like to start running with my 5yo golden but have no idea how to even start. I'd hate to make him keel over. totally OT, but Gaby,I really like your av. we have an original print of the photo in your avatar... Bad Boys of the Artic by Thomas D. Mangelsen. We bought it an open house at his gallery in La Jolla and he signed it for us. It was our one year anniversary present to ourselves. He's a great guy...great photographer. Bad Boys sold out faster than another recognizable print of his called Catch of the Day with the trout jumping into the Grizzly's mouth...
I run with my black lab several times a week, and he loves it! He gets pretty upset on the days that I go without him and barks for several minutes when I leave (at least he does according to my DH). But I don't take him any farther than 5-6 miles, and if it's above 65 degrees with high humidity he has to stay home. So in the winter he can run any time of day but in the summer we go before the sun comes up. If your dog is taking 3 days to recover, I think you're letting him do too much. My dog is back to normal after 30 minutes to an hour. And if I let him, he would run until he collapsed. It would be a good idea to check with your vet about how far and how often you take your dog, to make sure he doesn't have any medical problems. Have fun running with your lab - they're great company
I had a black lab and I would run with him during the summer. Usually in the early morning or late at night depending on the temp. I also never took him on a run longer than 6 miles. I also built him up to that distance. Just like humans need to build up the distance they run, dogs do has well. My suggestion take your dog on your easy runs or shorter runs. The recovery should be better for the dog. Plus tell me how you deal with the poo factor never thought of a way to carry and run . So we ran on gravel and trials so he could use the tree and I did not have to carry the poo.
Sorry about Laika, yep I think 10 mi is too much. He is done with that distance, I will take him only 6 mi max. thanks tons