jogging with small dogs

[Laurieroe]

Hi all, I am curious about what experience readers here have with jogging with small dogs..say 10-20 pounds. Any stories or experiences welcome! Thanks, Laurie

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I think this is also a Health concern, as is jogging or running with large breed puppies. Concerns over bone development and structure are common in puppies, as is duration in small dogs.

I personally don't have information to give on the subject, but I do know that how long a small dog can run, and how far, depends a great deal on the breed, as is the case with larger breeds as well. If you are seeking advice as to how to train a small dog to run, then perhaps someone can be of assistance in that area as I am not a runner.

Hopefully some of our more informed members will have experience and/or advice to share.

[Team Brogan]

Hi there, I'm not a vet or orthopedic specialist, just someone who has done a lot of jogging and hiking with small dogs (4-15 lbs). I have a Rottie boy, but have been a doggie foster mom and for some reason tend to get very small chihuahua mixes as fosters. As long as they are healthy adults, they love to go on a good long jog. I'm a very slow jogger (or fast walker) and build the time up with them if needed, but usually the young ones could go 10 times longer than I could ever go even on the first day out. It really helps them de-stress in a new environment and they seem to bond quickly with you and see you as a leader. They seem to take the clue from my Rottie that this is FUN! Caveat on very small dogs is to be careful on hikes if you live in areas where they could be attacked by birds of prey, mountain lions or coyotes. These animals will go for the little ones where they won't go for a big dog. I imagine you would also need to check with your vet for young dogs, as with larger dogs to make sure bones are fully developed. And with any size dog, watch so their pads aren't worn and go easy on concrete/sidewalk jogs as those are hard on human and dog knees. Hope you have lots of fun with your tiny jog buddy!