Hello, I have read some recent posts on the forum about running with labs but have not really found an answer to my question above. Charlie is 13 months old yellow lab. I am a runner and love taking him on runs with me. My concern has always been not to run too much with him so it doesn't negatively affect his bones and joints. When he was 6 to 12 months I would only take him for short fun runs around the house, anything from 1 to 2 miles, always off-leash him running in front of me setting the pace with lots of stopping, sniffing, and playing along the way. Lately, I have started taking him on my trail runs. We run on forest trails, he is always off-leash in front of me and I follow his pace. When he gets tired (usually going uphill) he starts walking and I follow. He usually starts running again when the trail flattens. We run 3 to 4 miles every evening. I would love to start taking him on some 6 mile runs maybe once a week but not sure if it is too soon for him. Please share your experience. Thank you Daniel Here is a short movie from one of our runs to give you a better idea where and how we run.
Hello, at 13 months your Labrador still has some bone growth to do until around 18 months. So you need to take it easy. I used to do running with my border collie, from 2 years onwards. We also did the odd race together run by canicross.org.uk. They have some excellent advice and videos on running with your dog and suitable equipment such as harnesses and leads. Worth a look, hope it’s helpful. Waiting until my lab is 2 to run with her.
Thank you. I think I have been taking it easy so far. The runs we do are not "real" runs yet, it more like slow jogging with many stops and rests along. Anxious to start taking him on some longer runs when he is two and ready for it.
