People who run/skate/bike with their dog

[Anonymous]

Today I saw a guy rollerblading pretty quickly down our street while his leashed dog ran beside him. I often see people running at a steady pace or even biking while their dogs are forced to run with them to keep up - and I always feel bad for the dogs. I guess I’m wondering what others think of this. I imagine it’s great exercise, but the dogs have no ability to adjust their pace if they get tired and it just seems a bit cruel. But I’ve also never had a dog and could be totally wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Today I saw a guy rollerblading pretty quickly down our street while his leashed dog ran beside him. I often see people running at a steady pace or even biking while their dogs are forced to run with them to keep up - and I always feel bad for the dogs. I guess I’m wondering what others think of this. I imagine it’s great exercise, but the dogs have no ability to adjust their pace if they get tired and it just seems a bit cruel. But I’ve also never had a dog and could be totally wrong.

There you go.

Our son used to run with his dog. He could tell when the dog needed to slow down.

[Anonymous]

Dogs are very different, just like people. My dog loves running and can easily run 10km with me when the weather is cooler. When it’s hot, 5km is probably the absolute maximum. You have to use judgment based on knowing your own dog. If she becomes tired, I can immediately tell as she starts to fall behind. So then I know to take a break or walk.

[Anonymous]

I had a Norwegian elkhound. They are a northern Spitz breed and meant to track moose all day. She was trained to go with my horse, bicycle, or backpacking. If I hadn't done these things with her, she would have been impossible to live with. She lived to be 17 years old.

Not every dog is suited to this amount of activity, and I live in a cool climate. You just have to know your dog, and use common sense and good training.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Okay, I feel better now. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Okay, I feel better now. Thanks!

Keep in mind too that those dogs are loving their run.

[Anonymous]

I always felt sorry for the animals as well.

Like when if they get tired?
Or need to take a break, get a drink, or just slow down??

🐾🐾

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always felt sorry for the animals as well.

Like when if they get tired?
Or need to take a break, get a drink, or just slow down??

🐾🐾

Their owners pick up on the cues. If the dog is lagging you slow down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always felt sorry for the animals as well.

Like when if they get tired?
Or need to take a break, get a drink, or just slow down??

🐾🐾

Their owners pick up on the cues. If the dog is lagging you slow down.

True. I run with my dog everyday. We keep each other fit. Without enough exercise my dog will be bored and become destructive.

[Anonymous]

Same Op.

I feel bad for the super hairy dogs that are panting like crazy - retrievers huskies, and those type - who are on a hot sidewalk, wearing a coat of fur/hair, and desperately trying to keep up to please their owner.

[Anonymous]

Running with a leashed dog is fine. Biking or rollerblading with a leashed dog is dangerous.

[Anonymous]

Dogs can suffer from heat stroke very quickly. I know owner like to think they can pick up on cues, but it can happen faster than you think. Running with a dog in anything over 75 degrees is just bad judgment, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dogs can suffer from heat stroke very quickly. I know owner like to think they can pick up on cues, but it can happen faster than you think. Running with a dog in anything over 75 degrees is just bad judgment, IMO.

And their paws can get burned on the asphalt when it’s too hot.

[Anonymous]

I do own dogs and I agree with you op. I especially hate seeing dog keashed to bikes. And I have never seen a person running or on bikes slow down for their dogs.

[Anonymous]

As with all things I now realize as a dog owner, you have no idea what that dog needs unless it’s your dog and you live with it day in and day out. Our hound can go 20 miles tracking a scent in the country with no food or water, but she’s now been ‘rescued’ and is a city dog. She clearly needs more exercise than a long walk a few times a day. Since she can’t be off leash she needs to run with her owner. If you are shaking your head at us while we exercise her on a morning 5k, please don’t. It’s a waste of time. Wr know what’s best for her.