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Why Labradors Are Good Running Partners
Running is an excellent exercise for both you and your dog. But before taking your pet for a 10-mile run, it's crucial to consider whether he is even built for running. Some dogs have the physical features and energy to happily accompany you on your run, while others may get exhausted.
So which category do Labradors fall into? Well, Labs are very energetic and have an athletic build. They were first bred to retrieve fish and haul fishermen's boats from icy waters. So swimming is what they do best. However, given their energy levels and love for exercise, these dogs are excellent runners as well.
Labradors are also eager to please and love spending time with their humans. So they'll be thrilled to run with you after some training. High-quality treats and lots of praises will help build a unique bond in which your dog knows that he's supposed to follow you and not get distracted while running.
Back in the day, Labradors used to work for hours out in the field. They mostly hunted animals and retrieved injured ones from water. As a result, they have remarkable stamina and strength, making them an ideal running partner.
How Far Can Labradors Run With You?
Running capacity varies from dog to dog. It mostly depends on your pet's health and fitness. Exercise also plays a significant role. If you regularly take your Lab outside for playing, she will be strong, muscular, and have excellent stamina. On the contrary, a dog who stays home and doesn't go out much will not have the same energy or speed.
It's all about how you've trained them. Starting small and sticking to a schedule are the keys to covering long distances with your Labrador.
We'll talk more about increasing your Lab's stamina later in the article. For now, let's discuss the factors affecting your Labrador's stamina and running speed.
Fitness
If your dog is unfit, it will not be able to run long distances in the early stages. Although some dogs may be able to do that because they want to please you, it's not good for their health. Their body will go through too much strain, they can get injured, and they'll also feel uncomfortable doing it.
Humans develop their stamina over time by regular exercise. Similarly, dogs also need enough daily playtime and physical activity to stay fit and develop their running skills. An overweight or underweight dog will not have a great time running for too long.
Health
Labradors can suffer from several health conditions that may affect their running ability. And running long distances frequently can put a lot of strain on your dog's muscles and bones. For example, elbow dysplasia can make running difficult because your Lab will experience chronic pain and discomfort. Hip dysplasia is also a common disease among Labradors, and too much running can speed up this disorder's development.
It would be best to consult your vet before running with your Lab regularly. Make sure your dog is in good health and is ready to accompany you on your runs. You also need to ensure that your Lab will not develop physical issues in the long run.
Age
It's no wonder that older dogs don't run as well as younger ones. Like humans, dogs' bodies become weaker as they grow old. Older Labs may still do fine on short runs, though; it depends on how much exercise and what kind of food they got when they were young. But you should never consider taking an elderly Lab for long runs.
On the other hand, a dog too young will also face problems if they regularly run long distances. This is because their bones haven't developed fully and cause their joints to not form correctly.
Weather
Weather conditions affect our dogs just as they affect us. Too hot or too cold weather negatively affects your pet's running ability. Although Labs can easily withstand cold conditions, you should be careful about snow sticking in their fur and freezing. It causes great discomfort and pain. Also, if Labradors spend too much time out in the cold, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.
You need to be especially careful when the temperature is hot. Labs are prone to overheating, so you'll need to keep an eye on their temperature. Dogs are not supposed to keep running without breaks. Make sure to let your Lab rest in a shaded area and have water with you.
Running Surface
Yes, even the surface you run on has an impact on your dog's running ability. Harder running surfaces like concrete, pavement, and asphalt put more stress on your dog's feet and joints. It's not a good idea to run on these grounds for a long time because it will leave your pet in discomfort and pain.
Softer grounds like sand or dirt are preferred if you want to go on long runs with your Labrador. The stress on your pet's legs is reduced, and it also doesn't cause any discomfort or harm to their paws.
How Fast Can Labradors Run?
Factors like age, fitness, and health also affect your Lab's maximum running speed. A young, healthy dog who is in good shape will be able to sprint much faster than an old, unhealthy dog who doesn't go out much. In any case, these dogs are better at running slowly for long periods than sprinting fast for a short time.
A fit and muscular Labrador can easily outrun a human being, as they can sprint at a rate of 30 to 40 miles per hour!
Running With Puppies and Senior Labradors
Puppies are very energetic and love to go outside. Still, it's not a good idea to go on long-distance runs with your Labrador puppy. Most puppies will do fine with five minutes of walking for each month of their age.
This means if your Labrador puppy is five months old, taking him out on a walk for 25 minutes will be sufficient. Also, you shouldn't take your puppy out until he's at least three months old. This is because he has not had all his shots, so he may catch various diseases from the environment.
Before running with your Lab, make sure his bones and joints have adequately matured. Wait till he is at least 12 months old, and then you can take him out for small runs. Start with five minutes so that your pup can get used to running. Always ask your vet to make sure your dog is ready before going on long-distance runs with him.
And what about senior Labradors? As we've discussed, a dog's running ability deteriorates as he ages. But a Labrador's love for running and playing never goes away. It's essential that you take your old Lab, like your puppy, only for shorter runs. Pay close attention to how they're doing during runs. They shouldn't be overheated, thirsty, or too tired.
Should You Run On-Leash or Off-Leash With Your Lab?
This is an important and much-debated question. For the most part, I recommend running on-leash because it is the safest option. There are all kinds of rewards and exciting things out in the open. You never know when your Lab might decide to chase a squirrel or go after a strange smell. Keeping your dog on-leash means you'll have more control over where your pet goes.
Remember that it can lead to uncomfortable scenarios (when your dog starts lagging behind) and embarrassing situations (when you and your pet decide to go the opposite sides of a pole). Still, you should keep your on-leash because it is much safer.
Only allow your Lab to run without a leash where it's legal and safe. Also, before you let your dog off-leash, make sure he has a reliable recall, even amidst distractions. The last thing you want is your Lab running at others' dogs and getting hurt or hurting them.
Tips to Prepare Your Labrador for Running
Yes, Labs love to play and exercise, and they'll gladly run with you. But it's essential to learn how to increase your dog's stamina while also keeping it fun for them. We've already covered the common mistakes dog owners make when starting out; now it's time to get out with your pet. Let's discuss the steps you need to take to prepare your Lab to run long distances with you.
Start Short
Can a person run 10 miles on their first day? No, they'll probably only complete a mile or two. It's not bad that they can't do a 10-mile run; it just means their body isn't ready for it yet.
Similarly, it's essential to start with short distances when running with your Labrador. As we've discussed, Labs are capable of much more than a mile or two, but their bodies won't be ready for it on day one. They may keep running even after getting exhausted just to show their love to you. But this is where you need to be a responsible pet parent and take it slow.
Create a Schedule
Most people usually go to the gym for about 3 to 5 days a week. The rest of the week, they let their bodies rest and repair themselves. This makes sure you're not sore or tired when it's time to hit the gym again.
Similarly, your dog also needs to rest every couple of days. It would be best to create a running schedule in which you go on a run for 3 to 4 days and then take a day off. It will help your Lab recover and heal himself so that he's ready for the next run.
Gradually Increase the Distance
This tip is kind of obvious, but the key here is to be gradual and take baby steps. Once you've started small and have a schedule in place, you can gradually increase the distance you cover with your dog.
Here, you'll need to be extra careful and make sure your Lab is having fun and not getting exhausted. Continuously look for signs of tiredness and call it a day when you notice your dog falling behind (more on that in the next section).
Take Care of Your Lab
If your dog has long nails, he'll find it challenging to run even short distances. Longer nails even make it difficult for your pet to walk around the house. More pressure is put on the nail bed when your Lab's nails are continuously hitting the floor.
Dogs are often able to file their nails on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. But as we've discussed, softer grounds are preferred for running long distances, so make sure to trim your Lab's nails every now and then.
You should also look for signs that may indicate that your running schedule is affecting his health negatively. Muscular pain, stiffness, wear and tear on paw pads, and behavioral changes are some things to watch out for.
Warm-Up and Cool Down
Just as you stretch before running, your dog, too, should warm up. You can help him prepare by walking for a short distance before starting to run. Similarly, after the running session is over, help your pet cool down by walking a short distance again.
Other Things to Remember
Besides building your Lab's stamina and strength, you also need to remember a few other things while running. Let's discuss how you can ensure your dog stays at his best during your short and long runs.
GPS Tracking
It would be prudent to invest in a GPS tracking device for your dog. At the end of the day, your dog is an animal. Animal instincts can take over at any point, so as the human you should be prepared.
Breaks
Humans and dogs are similar because they have to build up their stamina and strength over time. However, they're also different in many aspects, one of which is that dogs take more pauses while running. They are not designed to run continuously without taking any breaks.
If your Lab were running without you, he would frequently stop to catch his breath and regain energy. You need to keep that in mind while taking your pet outside. Let him stop every now and then. He will also want to pee when outside, so don't expect him to just keep running the entire time.
Dehydration
Labradors are prone to dehydration, especially in hot climates. Unfortunately, they can't just ask for water when they're thirsty. You'll have to carry water with you and offer it to your dog frequently during the run.
To take care of hydration efficiently, you'll need a water bottle. I recommend getting the Lesotc pet water bottle. It has a capacity of 18 oz. or 520 ml, and it is foldable and easy to use. The small size is suitable for running, and the cap ensures that the water doesn't spill out.
Signs of Exhaustion
As we've said, dogs tend to run for miles and miles with their owners, even if they are tired. They may fall behind, but they'll continue to run as best as they can. This is because they love you and want to please you. Here, you need to be very careful not to push them because it'll affect their health adversely.
It falls upon you to take care of your Lab while running. If your pet seems to be lagging behind you, limping, or panting heavily, take it as a signal to stop running and give him a break. Let him rest and offer him some water. Make sure you know the signs of overheating so that you can get ahead of it before it's too late.
Final Thoughts
Labradors are a very intelligent and energetic breed as they have been bred to work for hours at a stretch. Although swimming is what they do best, Labs are also excellent running companions.
Make sure your dog is healthy, young, and fit. It's better to run on soft surfaces like dirt or sand than harder grounds like concrete or blacktop. Be careful about things like exhaustion, dehydration, and breaks.
No matter what your Lab's age is, it's essential to keep it fun for her. So, can Labradors run with you? Absolutely. Whether you cover short or long distances, regular running is an excellent exercise for Labradors that are in good health.
