A canine running buddy can keep you on track BY KIMBERLY KIRCHNER The Berkshire Eagle
Spring is coming. Soon, the snow will melt away, and with it, one more excuse not to strap on those expensive new running shoes and finally make good on your New Year’s resolution.
But motivation is hard to come by, especially in these days of staying in and working from the couch. You need someone to get you excited about going for a jog; someone with infectious enthusiasm that never runs out, no matter how many times you make the same loop around the neighborhood.
The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | All About Pets
Time to get moving
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You need a dog. Shiobbean Lemme, who coowns Berkshire Running Center in Pittsfield with her husband, Kent Lemme, believes a canine partner can ease the way for someone new to running. “I think in the beginning of the journey to becoming a runner, having a dog to motivate you was an absolute plus,” she wrote, in an email to the Eagle. “They need the exercise just as much. Having the pets join you in activities is just like having your children join you. Everyone has a great time, being outdoors, staying in shape, and the fresh air helps calm everyone and stay sane and safe.” More advanced runners will most likely want to leave the dogs at home, however, at least during challening workouts. Most dogs won’t be able to keep up on strenuous runs, and even the most well-trained companion will need to stop along the way for bathroom breaks and any particularly interesting smells. Still, even serious athletes can enjoy a good outing with the dog, though it might mean dialing back the intensity a bit. Kent Lemme, the current record holder for the Josh Billings RunAground’s Ironman competition, took things a little slower when out with the couple’s late beagle, Chipper. “Kent would make some runs ‘Chipper runs,’ where he got to set the pace,” Shiobbean wrote. “He joined Kent running until Chipper's running days were behind him, but he stayed as a great hiking companion until almost the end of his 16 years.”
The right dog
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
All dogs need some level of physical activity to stay healthy. Regular exercise keeps muscles strong, joints flexible and weight under control. Dogs who get a chance to work off some energy with their human are happier, more relaxed and less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, like chewing on the antique dining room furniture. Whether a particular dog is fit to join in on the daily jog, however, varies widely depending on age, breed and general health. Puppies are better suited to short bursts of activity with rest in between, to protect their developing bones and muscles. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends
waiting until dogs are at least 18 months old before running any distance, with larger breeds needing even more time to mature. On the other end of the spectrum, high-impact exercise like running can exacerbate joint pain in older dogs. A veterinarian will be able to advise you on when it’s safe to start bringing a young dog along on runs, and when it’s time to slow things down. Dogs have been selectively bred for centuries to perform very specific physical tasks, so some breeds will naturally be better-suited for running than others. Generally speaking, breeds in the AKC’s “sporting” and “working” groups will have less trouble keeping up with a human for extended periods; think of the Weimaraner, tracking boar through the forest for hours, or Siberian huskies, hauling sleds over miles of snow. Dalmatians, vizslas, Doberman pinschers and Labrador retrievers are also well-suited for distance running. Some breeds may not fit so well into your fitness routine. Greyhounds and boxers, for all their speedy reputation, are built to sprint, and tend to tire quickly. Giant breeds, like Newfoundlands and Great Danes, are prone to joint problems, which can be worsened by too much running on a hard surface. Small dogs like dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are limited by their tiny legs; and brachycephalic (“squishfaced” or short-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs can’t take much additional strain on their respiratory systems. No matter the breed, all dogs will need to be conditioned to go on longer runs, just like people. Starting slow and building up speed and distance will help prevent overexertion or injury. Again, your vet will be able to assess your dog’s fitness and help you develop a safe exercise plan. Obedience is vital when out running with a dog, for everyone’s safety. Pulling, jumping or bolting after wildlife can have serious consequences out on the road, so leash discipline is a must. Before going out on the road, a dog should be trained to run alongside its handler, not out in front or lagging behind. From this position, the human in charge has more control over the dog’s movements; there’s also less chance of anyone tripping over a tangled leash. If you’re unsure, some time with a
