running with rottweilers - yes or no?

[mandib50]

i have the sweetest german rottweiler and she is about 20 months old. i cannot seem to find a definitive answer on whether or not it is okay to take her running with me.

i would love to take her with me, but i just want to be sure it will not be harmful for her.

does anyone know if it's okay?

[Carlin]

I'm sure someone with more experience than me with the breed will have answers for you but I can't see why not.

Forced exercise is not good for large breed puppies, but she's all grown up and assuming her hips and everything are fine it should be good for her. Just start slow and gradually increase your speed and distance, just like you would if a non-running human was starting a running program. Make sure she stays well hydrated, and if you are in a hot climate, take it easy on really hot days, as some of the big bodied dogs can be prone to heat stroke. I love running with my dogs, although it adds a whole 'nother component at first, when they suddenly decide they need to stop and smell something or cross in front of you unexpectedly.

[Ola_]

I've always heard that large breeds should be at least 2 years old before doing forced running or certain agility training.

Do you run already, or would you two be starting together? If you already run you should be extra careful to take it easy when she starts.

[mandib50]

i already run but of course would break her in slowly. i'm just worried about doing the right thing for her but i really want her to be my running companion.

[oneKnight]

Have you had her hips X-rayed or anything like that? The vet can tell from a xray if her bones are done growing.
20 months is pretty close to the 2 year mark, I would probably start taking her on short runs. I have found that a collapsable bowl paired with one of the hydration bladders is really great for running or long walks and pretty easy to carry. You can offer just a little drink often, which is best.

Oh, PS I have noticed that a 6ft leash is too short for me to really see how the dog is walking because I'm looking from above. If I walk Dusti on a long leash (retractable) she can get farther ahead and I can tell if she is having foot/leg problems because I can see each of her feet as she picks them up and puts them down. Foot pads wear down fast when running, but they build up thickness over time, just ease into it - or use booties.

[gumby74]

Originally Posted by oneKnight

Have you had her hips X-rayed or anything like that? The vet can tell from a xray if her bones are done growing.
20 months is pretty close to the 2 year mark, I would probably start taking her on short runs. I have found that a collapsable bowl paired with one of the hydration bladders is really great for running or long walks and pretty easy to carry. You can offer just a little drink often, which is best.

Oh, PS I have noticed that a 6ft leash is too short for me to really see how the dog is walking because I'm looking from above. If I walk Dusti on a long leash (retractable) she can get farther ahead and I can tell if she is having foot/leg problems because I can see each of her feet as she picks them up and puts them down. Foot pads wear down fast when running, but they build up thickness over time, just ease into it - or use booties.

Great Advice!!!!

[k9rider]

The thing I would worry about most with a Rotti is elbow dysplasia. They are very prone to it, so I would be extra careful about doing a lot of road running until he's 2yrs old. You can't OFA their elbows until 2yrs of age either, so you may want to wait the extra 4 months. If not, then I'd probably only run him on trails if possible.

I'm dealing with a Golden with mild elbow dysplasia. He's asymptomatic now and I want to keep him that way. He does run with me, but off lead and in the woods so he can pick his pace.

I blogged about it here: http://tailsofgold.wordpress.com/200...bow-dysplasia/

Have fun!

[mandib50]

good points everyone ... mmm, how far is too far to run with her to start with? i think i will wait until she is 2 years old then, just to be safe.