Running with a yorkie.
 

So as it slowly starts to warm up... I plan on running with Harley once it gets warmer. Currently I'm training for a 5-10k race (haven't decided which yet). I'm familiar with the pace at which I need to train myself, but I have no idea how to condition Harley... How much is the max he can run? How fast do I add distance, how frequent can he go out?

Should I wait until it's warm enough for him to not have to wear a coat? I worry if we go running with a sweater on him, he may get too hot. Is a block too much for a starting distance? I was thinking I could take him around the block as a warm up for me, then drop him off and do my real run.

Thoughts? going to also ask the coach tonight about it as well. I know our first few runs are going to be awkward cause I'm going to have to make sure not to step on him, and get him used to keeping constant distance with me. He runs well in agility class with me, but that's off leash, so not sure how the on-leash running will go.

I'm no expert because I don't run with my dogs, but I think you're on the right track. Start slow and build up. A block seems very reasonable, and you could probably add a block a week if you're running every day.

I didn't start them young at running with me, so I don't think mine would do well in that situation. I think they'd want to stop and sniff everything along the way. But I have heard of people who have taken their Yorkies on 1-mile, 2-mile even longer jogs.

Doesn't Harley have LP? If so, I caution with too much Long distance running. Also I would be jogging with him on grass not pavement. Better yet wait until warm weather comes, and you both can run in the ocean!.

Also pacing, you want Harley to be at a trot, not a "run". Means that depending on how big/tall Harley is, that might only mean a slow jog for you. Also you can start with calveletti training, very good for building up all muscles in legs.

I got PVC piping, made about a dozen 3ft lengths, you place on the ground, start out the spacing at the height your dog is at the withers ' for eg" if dog is 9" tall the spacing is 9". Walk dog through the piping. Idea is the dog doesn't touch the piping, and must complete the full circuit. Once dog does this well, trot through that spacing. Then, add another inch to spacing, start at walk, progress to trot. Keep adding inches, until you find the spacing that the dog can't successfully complete at a trot. This will teach your dog to expand their gait, to their natural maximum, and for you to see and find out a good pace for your dog. If you do this daily, do about 12 repetitions, reward for good performance; then go off on your regular walk.

Yes he does have LP, it isn't bothering him yet, so I'm trying to find ways to keep him fit so he has less chance of it bothering him. I need to find the happy medium between over working and maintenance exercise.

I talked to my coach and she suggested grass running as well. That shouldn't be too much of an issue as I'm between two parks. We do a lot of grid work currently in our agility training, I'll add the caveletti work to our regime.

Also a friend of mine requires some assistance walking her boarder collie, so I may arrange my schedule to do the larger runs with her dog instead.

With Harley I'm more thinking about when we move to Toronto cause we'll be in a smaller apartment, so I know he'll need more walking and exercise, I believe there is a huge field infront of the student apartments.

What about having him do warm-up with you then put him in a doggie stroller and running that way. Take him back out for cool down.

Wonderful you'll have to let me know when you arrive, I'd love to meet you and Harley. Mayhap we can do some training together:)

There are a ton of beautiful parks for walking here. Also Cherry Beach has a section that you can swim your dog in. Also Queen St. E right at the end. These are off lead doggy parks. Also Toronto Island - great ferry ride over.

I try to go to those places off hours as they can be quite busy.

Me and hubby used to take Wylie running w/ us on the trails by our house - SO flippin' cute. He loved every second of it.

I would def take your kiddo's knee into consideration, bc if LP is present...you really want to know what you're doing in terms of where the line is for vulnerability. Maybe consult a Vet Ortho...? I know it sounds dramatic, but running could be tough on that knee.

Not dramatic, he has a massage therapist and goes to rehab already :D He also has almost the same amount of massage insurance as I do lol :p

Yes thus far the vet has given her blessing, we see her regularly for his allergies, and she checks his knee frequently.

I'm thinking you should adopt me. :D

Sorry only room for one spoiled brat in my house :D trust me I would have been a lot happier if 6 months ago this surplus of medical issues hadn't arose. But the insurance pays for it all, might as well use it if we have it.

LMBO! Love it :D.

I started running (slow jogging :D ) with Chewie last year, when he was about 18 months. We'd already worked up to walking about 2 miles when I started training with the couch-to-5K training program. It starts with intervals of 60 seconds jogging/90 seconds walking and works up to 30 minutes of jogging--takes about 9 weeks if you go straight through the program. I have short, stumpy legs, so I can't do a full 5K in the 30 minutes, buuuttt...Chewie keeps up with me at an easy trot. If your vet gives blessing, I'd say go for it! One caveat--be prepared to have a more energetic pup! When we started running, Chewie ended up being much more active the rest of the time!

Interesting..... I was thinking I'd do it wear him out.... if ít'll make him more hyper maybe it's not such a good idea.....lol