training for a 5K with my dog?

[EquestrianRunner]

So I think this is where this post belongs, but if not I’m sorry!!!

So I have a miniature poodle (18 pounds and 1 1/2 years old – she’s a big mini).

I have signed up to run a 5K on January 1st. My first time running ever. I have a running “schedule” that I got from a reputable (human) gym. It starts out “walk two minutes/ run one minute, do this for 15-20 mins” then each day they up it a little bit… I use my big yellow XC watch as my timer.

My question is: is this too much for her?

I asked the small animal vet and he said she will be fine, as long as I work her up to more time/distance.

Yesterday was our first day of “fitness training”. I think she was fabulous! We are running on the NCR trail or in a grass field – she is always on a leash when we go out. She is really good about healing and has the whole “stay on my left side, slow down when I slow down, speed up when I do” thing down pat.

She seems to be doing OK but being the over cautious mommy that I am I want to take good care of her!

I am a new doggie owner-- she is my first dog. I have had horses though for 10ish years. I know for horses working up to fitness is huge for them.

thanks so much!!!

[KitKat987]

Just take it slow with her. I run 5k with one of my dogs multiple times a week.

Build up distance and time gradually over a period of weeks just like any new runner. Giver her rest days. Take walk breaks. Make sure she is getting the proper nutrition to fuel the run. Give her a snack after the run to aid in recovery. Watch her for signs of overheating, fatigue, etc.

Have fun!

[Alagirl]

Well, consider that poodles are hunting dogs by trait, not couch cushions!

I understand she is not a regular size one, but still, descending from working dogs!

As you train yourself up slowly, she should be fine. It’s actually a splendit idea, I don’t think too many minis get adequate exercise.

Keep in mind that she - as well as you - will need adequate hydration. And maybe a little extra food to offset the extra energy expended.

[CosMonster]

I’ve seen some mini poodles and other small dogs who train with their owners. I agree with Alagirl that most small dogs seem to be under-exercised and would do better with more of a workout–they’re still dogs after all! Since your vet said it is okay I’d just keep an eye on her and make sure she’s not overly tired, but with a gradual training schedule like that I bet it will be okay.

[EquestrianRunner]

Thank you guys!!

KitKat – I always offer her water when we get tot he trail, before we go and when we get back to the car. I have a portable bowl and bring a giant water bottle for us to share.

As far as the food goes, she has a bowl of food that is always out and always full-- she eats when she wants, she normally eats about 2cups a day, although if she wants more we will give it to her!

thanks again!

[Foxtrot_s]

I’m sure you can judge how the dog is doing as you build up distance.
See how her pads are doing on hard surface. Dogs are pretty amazing when it comes to endurance though.

[candysgirl]

My miniature poodle follows my horse around the arena. We’ll work for a good hour at a trot and canter. He runs along right at my horse’s heels the whole time. If I ride out, we cover a good 6-7mi in an hour. I don’t generally bring him with me if we ride out just because I ride along roads and I don’t want him to dart into traffic.

Growing up I also had a mini, she would run around 3mi with me 4-5 days a week.

I’d say as long as the dog is having fun and you build up to it slowly, go for it. My mini loves being outside, running around and being with me. I’m sure he’d love to go running with me if I had a convenient place to do it.

[EquestrianRunner]

thanks CandysGirl! My puppy does not go to the barn with us, but she does love being outside!!!

[Mara]

Poodles just rock. :yes: Too many people can’t see past the ridiculous haircuts on the show dogs to the intelligent, game-for-anything, affectionate dog underneath the poufs.

I literally grew up with a miniature poodle (he was around 20 lbs or so). We got Beau when I was six, and he died when I was 21 and a junior in college. Perfect family dog, and you could teach him ANYTHING within 15 minutes.

Have fun with yours, akumal!

[candysgirl]

[QUOTE=akumal987;5907343]
thanks CandysGirl! My puppy does not go to the barn with us, but she does love being outside!!![/QUOTE]

Well, it helps that my barn is in my backyard! But he runs an insane amount…and is still ready for more. I can’t believe running with a human could possibly be more tiring than following a horse!

Mara:
Poodles are awesome! My boy is growing out right now to show next summer, so he looks rather ridiculous at the moment. However, up until now (for the first year of his life), he’s been in a very manly cut. Fairly short top knot, shaved ears, carrot tail, fairly short body with fuller legs. Even people who think poodles are just froo froo dogs think that cut is pretty cool.

[EquestrianRunner]

@candysgirl;5909549

I can’t believe running with a human could possibly be more tiring than following a horse!

This may be the best quote ever! :D:D

[lovey1121]

[QUOTE=Mara;5909135]
Poodles just rock. :yes: Too many people can’t see past the ridiculous haircuts on the show dogs to the intelligent, game-for-anything, affectionate dog underneath the poufs.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely!!! A smarter dog never existed. They do it all–retrieving, obed, agility, tricks galore, room ornament, BFF, protector, therapy dog…is there anything a good Poodle can’t do? I don’t think so…

Great dogs!

[Alagirl]

@lovey1121;5909808

Absolutely!!! A smarter dog never existed. They do it all–retrieving, obed, agility, tricks galore, room ornament, BFF, protector, therapy dog…is there anything a good Poodle can’t do? I don’t think so…

Great dogs!

Shedding!

[4Martini]

Our current dog is a lab mix. She can go 4-5 miles in a run. If we do more she is sore the next day. So we loop back and don’t take her longer. Just watch your dog and see how they are doing during and after the run. We had a smaller mix before her who could run 10 miles no problem. At 15 she was a better runner than our current dog is at three. They are all so unique. Have fun! 5ks are a blast.

[Lifting_Chickk]

My old Italian Greyhound Carlo used to go running with me. He’d regularly accompany me on 4-5 mile runs…got him in super shape! He’s gone now (I miss you Binky dog!) but I just got a new IG, Penny, who I hope will also go out jogging with me when the weather turns warmer.