Sometimes I really wonder why I hadn’t more seriously considered running with my dogs during this past year. I’ve now been running for almost one full year. It took me until just recently, to really get to the point where my dog/dogs are joining in on the fun.
I suppose, it is partly to do with the fact that I had to get comfortable with my own abilities to run before I could train a dog to run with me. Now that I have enough confidence and running ability, I am asking my boxer, Pearl, to join me as my full time running partner. Bear, my old boxer will remain my walking partner…and Eddie, my Shih-Tzu, shall remain my occ. running buddy. Although, if the past couple of days have anything to say…Eddie has very good aptitude to be an outstanding running partner for shorter distances! Eddie can easily cruise at a 9:00min/mile pace for a good mile. I didn’t dare let him go faster than that for any further: 1) because he would run until he dropped over dead. 2) he would run until I dropped over dead.
Now that I’ve discovered this new-found joy, this new-found dimension of running…I am learning things. I am learning just how impressive these creatures called dogs are! I’m such an animal lover, but, one that tends to perhaps “mis-love” a bit. I am the type that likes to fatten up their pets and give them nice stuffy toys, warm blankets and a comfy couch to lie on. I like to fill their tummy with good, healthy top of the line dog food. Alas, I have one obese Boxer (Bear) to show for it. Luckily, my Eddie, only eats like a little bird. Pearl, who was skinny as a rail when we adopted her (could see every vertebrae on her back, every rib…so sad), is now a nice, healthy weight. I don’t want to “over” love her by over feeding her and not giving her the exercise she needs.
I began researching running with dogs, and dug out my multitudes of books on Boxers. I wanted to learn…what dogs are good to run with? and…can a Boxer run? what are they ABLE to do? I was very startled (pleasantly so!) by what I read. In “Training Your Boxer” by Joan Hustace Walker, I was reading the chapter about “Giving a working dog a job to do”. One of the jobs suggested was “primary jogging companion”. Ah-ha! THAT pleased me to no end. I suppose I tend to coddle dogs, when really, these are magnificent animals designed to WORK…NOT to lay on a couch! Boxers were “bred to work with and directly for his handler” OK…this sounds good…Pearl will be working (running) side by side with his handler (me!). Reading further I learned that “The Boxer was bred for endurance. It was at one time expected to work beside its owner all day or as long as it was needed. Even today in Germany, one of the prerequisites for breeding is that the Boxer is able to display this working trait of endurance. As part of the German breeding suitability test (which includes health tests, a passing conformation rating, and a performance test), the Boxer MUST BE ABLE TO TROT ALONGSIDE A BICYCLE FOR ROUGHLY 12 MILES (19KM) WITH ONLY A FEW BRIEF BREAKS”. I about fell over when I read that! So, armed with this new information, I knew that I have the perfect dog for running right here at home. Some have discouraged me from running with Pearl, as she IS a Boxer. Lots of warnings about her being a brachycephalic (pushed in face) breed. Warnings that she may have difficulty running. Warnings that she may not tolerate the heat well (this is definitely true, and I’m very aware to take caution with her when summer returns to these Minnesota parts).
Pearl and I completed our 6th run together this morning. We ran 2.36 miles. She stopped when she got tired, and we walked the rest of the way home. I’m very impressed with her. Very. She is a good runner, and does an outstanding job so far. I can’t wait until we get her up to 4 mile runs. That would be perfect! We’ll get there, of that, I have no doubt!
As any runner knows, running isn’t an expensive sport. However, it certainly can be. Technical clothing, GPS sportswatches, Garmins, cushioned socks, running shoes, compression gear, etc etc etc. If you want to spend $, that isn’t a problem when it comes to running. There are plenty of fun things for runners which makes running an absolute joy. I’ve tried to be frugal, but, failed 
I have spent my fair shair on running gear this year, but, I think I’ve finally slowed down. I had to buy clothing for every season, as this was my first year running. I now have a healthy supply of outfits and gear, and hopefully, from now on, I will have “wants” rather than “needs”…at least for awhile.
Pearl…on the other hand, has “needs” at this point. As she is a Boxer, we need to address her short coat. If she is to run all winter with me, she is going to have to have a jacket. Here is the jacket I plan to purchase next paycheck: http://www.sitstay.com/dog/supplies/servlet/product_10001_10001_56203_-1_Winter+Dog+Coat%2C+Blue_13971_13964_
Blue winter dog coat
Once the coat situation is remedied, of course, boots are in order: http://www.petstreetmall.com/Muttluks/1824.html
Blue fleece lined Muttluks
Musher's Secret
Wolf Pack Reflector backpack
I wanted to have Pearl carry a pack after she becomes more used to running. She can then have yet another “job” to do! Mainly, it is the idea more than anything! I’ll just have her carry her doggie-doo doo bags, my keys, water bottle, my phone. Thought it would add another neat element to her runs!
I really am so happy that I’ve discovered running. I wish I could say I’ve been running my whole life, but, it’s only been a year. And, a good years it’s been. I am happy to say that I’m discovering running with dogs. They will add more joy to this adventure. I hope others will make this discovery as I have.
Now…I go on my runs, and look upon many dogs on chains, or in kennels. Alone. Barking. Isolated. And I wish that I could take them for a run with me!
