training for a 5K with your 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!!!

[wendy]

dogs can generally run their owners into the ground, and a 5k is nothing to a dog, even a little one. I wouldn’t worry TOO much. Watch for over-heating (dogs don’t sweat and easily over-heat even in temps when you’d be wanting a sweater), and when you’re just starting out if you’re running on harsh surfaces the footpads might get a bit tender at first before they toughen up.

[EquestrianRunner]

Thanks so much!!! I will keep an eye on her footpads. The trail we run on, is a stone dust type surface and then we also run in grassy fields.

[lovey1121]

Remember not to feed her for at least 1 1/2 hrs before your run, and dont feed for an hour after you are done. Also monitor her water intake after a run- dont let her guzzle tons of water if she is panting heavily. Even minipoos can bloat :no:

Have fun! Dogs are the best running partners.

[EquestrianRunner]

Lovey – thank you!!! I will keep an eye what food/water goes in her mouth and when!

Bailey (my dog) says thanks and that she can’t wait to go out and play!

[lovey1121]

De nada . Take care of you, too! Take your time stretching, both before and after your run. Shin splints are common, and they suck. If your body tells you its hurting, go and do something else that day-biking, hiking, rowing, lifting, etc. Cross-training is a must for any sport, and it is especially beneficial for runners. Remember RICE protocol-if you have a sore area on your bod, you want to follow the Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation model for any injury not hospital-worthy. A bottle of Advil and a nice cabernet are also in my first aid kit.:winkgrin:

Congrats on your endeavor, and have fun on your odyssey… Some of my best running memories are of those with the dogs who have pounded the pavement and trails with me.

[EquestrianRunner]

This is a silly question, and may be common sense for some people but are there any stretches I should do for Bailey? I know horses have carrot stretches-- is there the same type of thing for a dog? I know I am over thinking all of this, but I like to have all my ducks in a row. :lol:

Lovey --I can’t thank you enough for all of your help! I have never done a sport that requires running on foot (always rode) and so any help I can get is amazing!

I signed up for the Susan G Komen 5k walk/run for this Saturday – just to walk and kind of get a feel for everything and I cannot tell you how excited I am! I feel like a little kid before Christmas! I just got new sneakers since the ones I had were old and extremely worn out.

[SprinklerBandit]

I have two dogs, a beagle and a (very large) corgi. The corgi has let me know that a 5k is about as far as he’s ever interested in going, but I think the beagle would marathon with me.

We started slow and easy and have just built up distance and speed together. They don’t stretch beforehand, but I don’t just blast out the door, either-we start at a slow easy pace until things feel warm and loose, then increase as needed and slow down at the end for a cool down.

Poodles were bred to be hunting dogs–I’m guessing your lil’ monster will have just as much go as my beagle does. Enjoy!

[Rbow]

Before reading the responses, I would’ve thought it a bit much to ask a dog that small.

I’ve run all my life with dogs but longer distances and larger breeds.

One thing I’m fairly certain of is that you will be able to tell if she’s struggling. If she can work up to it and enjoys it, it will just make her a happier and healthier dog. If she enjoys it too much, prepare to be asked to get up every morning…they seem to think about 5:00 am is a good time to hit the pavement. Every running dog I’ve ever had, it was the high point of their life. They loved it.

[EquestrianRunner]

SprinklerBandit- Bailey has lots of go!

Its interesting though, when she is out in the yard, she just does whatever she wants and is crazy but when we go out for a walk/run she does actually pace herself really well. When we first started she would be all over the place excited then settle in, but now she knows the drill and we start slow, then cool down at the end.

Rbow – I think that you are right, it makes for a very happy dog!

Well, its time to go change and head out for a walk/run.

[lovey1121]

akumal, you’re most welcome. I am no expert by any means, just a pleasure runner until my knee up and quit on me. My brother is a track and cross-coutry coach and was an avid marathoner/triathete until the family curse of bad knees caught up with him, and his wife is a competitive older runner, too-the family refers to them as Secretariat and Man O’ War. He also moonlights selling running gear at a running gear store. Its good you got new sneaks-he highly recommends new shoes every 6 mos. (OF COURSE he does:winkgrin:…mo’ money:lol:), because the cushioning hardens as it ages. Not being a marathoner (2-4 mi, 5 days/wk), I never stuck to that–couldn’t afford it. But I do get a new pair every 10 mos.-1 yr.

I don’t know of any stretches per se, but if she gets sore, I’m sure she’d appreciate a nice body massage after your run. Upon the couch. :yes: Next to you.:yes:

Just keep checking her pads for any soreness/abrasion. You certainly can run on roads-she can handle some of that surely, but I always enjoy trail running more than roadwork.

Also, my favorite running lead is a british slip lead, which a company named Mendota (tons of companies on the web carry them at great prices)makes in different lengths and thicknesses (and colors!). I found that I liked the shortest, thinnest lead I could find, and the choke-collar end reassured me that I had control at all times. But if you are using a plain old buckle collar, that’s fine, especially if you’ve had no problems w/other dogs.

Your walk/run program is a great way to start! I also keep hearing about a program called “Couch to 5K”-I hear people raving about it. You can probably google it.

Keep us posted on your progress!