Kojak- "Is it not allowed to run with your dog?"

My bike can't run, if your's can I suggest you get some film of that shiznit on the news. That might be worth some money. . .

No really, can you run 12.5 miles at an average pace of 8 miles per hour, and then complete an obedience exercise with your dog? You may be going to the olympics but I sure could use the bike.

Vancamp, yes you caught me, I am experimenting with a k-9 / mountain bike hybred. Really thanks for busting my chops!!!!

But really, I can run a half marathon faster then 8 miles per hour. I can run a marathon just over that time. I just thought it might be more fun to run with the dog then to get the bike involved. I also feel a dog handler should be in as good of shape as his dog. I tend to do alot of road races with my dog and he loves it, talk about prey drive.
However, it tends to scare some of the other runners when they see an 85lb dobermann running up behind them with a smile on his face. KOJAK

:rolleyes:

Kojak did you read the info on the website about what the AD is? Running with Fido is fun, but for the trial. . .

These thing might help in your roadwork - Bike Computers are cheap and will allow you to easily keep track of elapsed time distance and speed when exercising your dogs on the bike.
By keeping track of the stats will allow you to see improvements in performance and know when to bump up the mileage, speed up, slow down etc.
Always be cautious about heat buildup and never put your dog in a box, crate or vehicle until his respirations are back to normal. Make sure you have a first aid kit for your dog that includes
such items such as a rectal thermometer, booties(make sure to get the proper type and make sure they fit),vetwrap and general FA items. Always carry water with you on your training runs(for you and dog). Know the signs of heat stress. Make sure you know how to check a foot properly(not just glance at the pads) for fissures and abrasion. Using a different route or changing direction of run will help keep a dogs attitude up. You don't have to wait half an hour before watering your dog as they aren't like horses and don't founder, - a dog will just puke if it drinks too much after running so give acouple of cups of water, wait and then let them drink some more. Make sure your dog is well hydrated before the run by giving baited water about 2 hours before exercise. Don' worry about those electrolyte solutions for dogs as a dog in good health and hydration doesn't need them(dogs don't sweat and don't lose salt like humans and horses).
Happy trails!

"If you ain't the lead dog the scenery never changes"
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, Vancamp I read the article, It sounds pretty basic. And I still say they should make you run it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Why should the dogs get all the fun!!!!!!!!
Have a great weekend, I'm on vacation!!!!!

Vacation from reality. . .

:rolleyes: <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

yep I could run it with my dog but..... I need to be 20 years younger, have full use of my lungs again, as well as not have knee injuries. Now 20 years ago I would said ok that would be great to run that with my dog but with time , even the best of us lose health and physical conditioning. Long ago, that is long long ago I use to run marathons but due to things beyond my control, I lost the ability to do so. The point being the AD is not about if the handler is in good condition but it is a test for the dog. if your wish that the handler have to be in the same shape as the dog was true, I doubt there would be many of us able to participate in the AD. When you lose your health you also lose quality in life. So enjoy your good health now but don't flout the fact that you have good health because you never know what may happen in your future. Be happy that you have good health. now lets get back to the subject at hand.
About training for the AD, what is the reason that many I have talked too mention 18 months minimum age (as in the article I posted) or as long as 2 years old. Will the vet know when a good time to start would be or should I just wait until two and after the OFA x-rays are back (already did preliminary X-ray).

Phil wrote: "what is the reason that many I have talked too mention 18 months minimum age"

The pounding on young, still growing, joints and bones will create problems and will increase chances of malformed bones. (i.e. CHD) Dog's bone and joint systems are fully formed at about 18-24 months.

Also if the dog has mild, or even bad, hip problems the strain of the full run could be bad. Vets say that a dog with CHD should exercise, but don't overdue it. That is why you may want to wait for OFA to come back. If the prelim was good though, you could start training a few months before. (18months+)

that also brings up another question. how much of a workout does one give a dog younger than 18 months. my dog's workout consists of 2 or 3 30 minute sessions of retrieving and usually one 4 or 5 mile walks per day. My GSD is currently 15 months old. we have been slowly increasing this routine since he was a pup. We stop long before he wants too. He is in excellent condition according to his vet. So for a 15 month old what should be the excersize level?