running with puppy

[memyselfandmiah]

I know that you are not supposed to run with a puppy, as it can damage their skelatal systems and growth plates, but what if the puppy WANTS to run? I mean he grabs the leash and pulls me as a pretty good jog for a 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile. Is that bad if i am following him, and he is not following me?

[aelizilly]

I personally would try and limit this as much as possible. My beagle loves to do the same thing to me. Maybe if you let him loose in your yard or you can play fetch with a frisbe or something of that sort you can release his energy that way. (forgot to ask how old your pup is and what breed?)

[memyselfandmiah]

he is 3 or 4 months old. As near as I can figure he is 1 part shark (his mouth) 1 part lab (his retreiving instinct) 1 part chicken (his fear of water) and 1 part pit bull (his bite and hold tendancy, the "pit fits", and the general shap of his head)

So if he is running off leash (like frisbee or fetch) it is ok, but running on lead is bad? is that right?

[Agility23]

Hello,

The way i understand it is anything repatative is bad.

So one running with you on the lead for 10 mins a day is fine no problem at all running with you for a an hour at once in 3 weeks is very bad. Repetative banging down of those feet is what needs to be avoided.

[rowdy ridgeback]

I started running with my dogs at about 4 months. I would run about a mile. Then gradually go up. It is not bad for them to run. You must give them a high quality food though. I never had a problem with any of my dogs. Dogs are travelers by nature and love to run. I run 5 miles with one and come home and swap out another one. I know each ones distance and limitations. Dogs that have long noses make the best runners.

[rowdy ridgeback]

I forgot. I run with a harness on them. I guess people would say running far is bad. I run marathons and ultrmarathons and some people would say what I am doing is bad for my body but I bet you I am a lot healthier than a couch potato. So, I think running the dog he is getting exercise, doing something that he loves, and you just might find a love for it too. Most cities usually do a funrun 5k with you and your dog. I never suggest running without a leash. If you can, run on the grass or dirt. Running on asfault isnt very good for you or your dog. You might want to practice on a track.

[Mordy]

Intensive, forced exercise is not a good idea for dogs under a year of age, and even longer for larger breeds since their growth plates close later.

Playing chase and fetch on grassy ground or dirt is fine, repetitive exercise (such as running or biking) on hard surfaces is not. Excessive jumping should be avoided altogether.

Problems from this may not show up until much later in life, so it's best not to take the risk.