When to start jogging

[TrishB]

I would like to start jogging. But as a true Rottie owner, I don't want to be outside without my boy! :D It seems such a waste to go out jogging for an hour, just to return home to go out for another hour or two for walking!

I've always said that I wouldn't recommend 'jogging' with a dog (or any other joint stressful exercise) with a Rottie until they were 2 years of age. With their heavy builds, their joints would not be ready until then.

Do you agree / disagree? Why?

I'd like other opinions. :)

[Carol Burke]

Depending on your dog's build, 18 months would be the absolute youngest I would start jogging. I think I would have preliminary hip and elbow x-rays done first. If there is a problem you certainly don't want to add to it.

[Rottlva]

Trish.... as a runner and powerwalker, I can deffinitely tell you that powerwalking has it's place in the world of strenous exercise. Have you thought about powerwalking, this way you wouldn't start running cold turkey, and you and Parker could gain fittness together??

My hubby who is not as athletically inclined powerwalks with me 3x/week...we spend time with eachother, and I'm not kicking his bottom running!!!

[TrishB]

I might start off with powerwalking. I have bad knees so ramping up to running again will have to be very gradual. My #1 priority is Parker's health and well being. He's only 10 months at the moment - so I'll have to seperate our exercise for a few more months (8 - 14). ;)