Okay for a golden retriever to run with me?

[Stumpedasatree]

She is a show breed. She absolutely seems to love it but I'm worried I may damage her joints longterm. She's now 6 and has been coming since she was just 1 year old. No problems yet.

She'll be fine.

It's better not to run with a dog at all until fully grown at about a year (later for large breeds)

Generally, only run if the dog is enjoying it. If you can stick to softer surfaces and avoid steep sections. Offer water frequently. Be alert to what pace your dog is happy at. Check with your vet if you have any concerns at all (particularly about pints, though keeping dog right weight and active are two of the best protective measures going)

Use a harness on the dog and a bungee lead. It is way, way safer (for both dog and human) and also other people, to attach your dog on a waist lead or harness (can't drop it, won't affect your arm carriage and therefore gait and steadiness but can hold it even shorter if you need to)

For larger/stronger breeds, ask for advice on proper canicross kit. My little dog is small enough to be OK with a regular harness, but make sure it's got a y-front (no pressure on trachea) and is fitted properly so that shoulders and gait are not impeded.

pints? That's what the human has afterwards!!

Should say 'joints'!!

By the way, I also need to thank other DogHouse regulars who gave me brilliant advice when I started running with DDog. One part of that was to get in touch with a local canicross club, which I did - and they were the ones who told me a regular harness is fine for a little dog. I'm really not sure at what size/weight/power of dog you really need the proper kit

Yeah, at six years old I absolutely can't see an issue as long as she's happy and wearing the correct gear. DH runs with our 4yo beagle and he loves it.

I wouldn't do it daily, though, and I would make sure they get plenty of rest as well as "normal" walks so they can sniff and mooch.

She should be fine.

One of our dogs, a big lad with a lot of energy, ran with DH from about 6-8 months until he was 11 - around 18 months before he died. He was mostly off-lead and he loved it.

I'm sure you're alert to this, but be careful about heatstroke. Most of the heatstroke deaths I've seen have been goldies. I think they 'run hot' anyway and they are so keen to participate that they can cook themselves on a warm day.

My beagle was still running regularly with me aged 12. Keeping her active, her weight down and her muscles strong, is the best thing you can do for her joints. As long as she's enjoying it then go for it.

Oh this is reassuring to hear! I just rarely see any other goldens running. I take her largely off lead on trails so don't bother with a harness. She keeps cool by finding muddy puddles/stinky lakes wherever she can. And when it is summer temperatures we limit distances, she's happy with up to 7 miles in cool weather with plenty of stops along the way. She really is the best running companion 😍