Dear Porky and Buddy,
I have just started training to do road races.
I am 57, so this is a big adventure for me.
My questions is do you think it’s a good idea to take my dog, Penny, with me on training runs.
She is used to walking with me every day and even though she’s five she has a lot of energy.
So, I am thinking she might really enjoy it.
But, is it a good idea?
I keep up a relatively fast pace and try to do at least three miles for every run.
George
Dear George,
Congratulations on your new project.
If there was such a thing as a wandering around and sniffing marathon, Buddy would be right there with you.
Which brings us to your question.
Dogs don’t run races.
Even greyhounds think they are just chasing rabbits.
So if you want to take Penny with you on these runs, you have to remember that.
If she runs along with you it’s because she likes your company—not your pace.
Practice runs with Penny have to be about her, not so much you and your practice time.
You have to take water for her and stop and give her some periodically, especially if it’s hot.
If she starts to fall behind or even stops you have to stop, too, and let her rest.
If she wants to go home, take her home. She is more important than your practice time.
We don’t mean to sound grouchy.
Running with you dog is a great form of exercise for both of you.
We assume Penny is in good health otherwise and you have cleared this idea with your vet—and your own doctor for that matter.
Oh, and we also assume that you have her on a good leash with proper ID and that you are careful about finding a running area without a lot of traffic.
All of that said, we hope Penny is one of those dogs for whom running three miles is just this side of heaven.
But if she’s not, she’s still your dog and your best friend.
Speaking of running with dogs – Every Dog Has Its Day, on September 27 at Fallbrook Recreation Center, 103 Thompson Road, Oswego.
It’s the 10th annual 5K-9 Race and 1-Mile Family Walk and Pets and People Celebration, with registration starting at 11 a.m.
You can find out more and sign up online at www.oswegohumane.org
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.
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