Help! My daughter wants a dog she can run with...

[howrobin]

Jack Russells need a lot of running, and they are smaller dogs.

Things for you to consider.

(1) if your daughter moves away to college or for employment, the dog will still want to run

(2) if she is running in streets, will the traffic be a danger to her or the dog? If she and pooch are running alongside of each other, she will need more of a breakdown lane or shoulder to keep out of the traffic flow, particularly in other than bright light.

(3) some dogs love to chase cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, other dogs, etc. Or just stop dead in their tracks because they want to sniff the dead squirrel behind the bush or answer mother nature's call. When you buy the pooch, suggest you explain that you need a dog that will run quietly without running into traffic. Then if it does not work out, you can return the hound.

(4) if your daughter is a serious runner, the dog may be a distraction.

(5) if your daughter wants to run on a track or boardwalk somewhere, make sure they allow dogs.

My son runs with an ipod. Maybe you could just get her one of those.

Good luck.

 

[howrobin]

Jack Russells need a lot of running, and they are smaller dogs.

Things for you to consider.

(1) if your daughter moves away to college or for employment, the dog will still want to run

(2) if she is running in streets, will the traffic be a danger to her or the dog? If she and pooch are running alongside of each other, she will need more of a breakdown lane or shoulder to keep out of the traffic flow, particularly in other than bright light.

(3) some dogs love to chase cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, other dogs, etc. Or just stop dead in their tracks because they want to sniff the dead squirrel behind the bush or answer mother nature's call. When you buy the pooch, suggest you explain that you need a dog that will run quietly without running into traffic. Then if it does not work out, you can return the hound.

(4) if your daughter is a serious runner, the dog may be a distraction.

(5) if your daughter wants to run on a track or boardwalk somewhere, make sure they allow dogs.

My son runs with an ipod. Maybe you could just get her one of those.

Good luck.

 

[dmd]

Good points. Thanks, deb

 

[dmd]

We live in California's Central Valley and the summers can be extremely hot....triple digets for half the summer! A boxer might not be the best choice. Boy they sound so neat! Come to think of it, I don't see many of them around here. deb

 

[dmd]

Hi Robin,
Your doggies as so cute! What breed are they? What amazing eyes they have! So sweet. deb

 

[pink_fortitude]

Hey there, just thought that I would throw my thoughts in...

I have two dogs: a golden retriever and a doberman/pit. I don't know if I would recommend a golden as a running dog - though they are GREAT dogs - and I have heard other owners say the same thing... they can by lazy past their puppy stages. And mine is just that - lazy, and she is only 6 months!!! I LOVE running with my doby - she has INCREDIBLE stamina (we did six miles and she was willing to do more) and I feel safe when her running with me because I know that she has been bred to protect when needed.

I would really recommend looking into some rescues in your area and asking about what dogs they have that might fit your family's needs/wants; that is how we got ours and we have been so blessed with our babies and haven't regretted a moment of it! There are so many great dogs out there than need forever homes and there are many volunteers that are so willing to help out any way they can.

Good luck!

ETA I just read through all the posts and you got great advice - and I LOVE petfinder! It is so hard to choose, isn't it? There are so many cuties!

Missy

 

[dmd]

Thanks Missy! What you describe with your doby is exactly what my daughter wants and needs in a doggypal. She wants to feel safe on a run and be able to excersise her pet at the same time. She is not a serious runner, but would love to get out and move with her dog on a run or long walk. The rescues look like the best avenue. Your right, now we have to choose and pray for the best doggy. deb

 

[dmd]

Hi! this is dmd's daughter. I think doberman pinschers are beautiful dogs, and the fact that they dont run for too long is ok with me, as i usually dont do more than 5 miles at a time. I also like the idea of a guard dog. I hear pinschers are very loyal and can be agressive when the time is right. What is their temperment like? I dont want a dog crazy dog that attacks just anybody, but I do want a dog that is protective. I would love to hear what you have to say about the breed!

 

[0 Push ups]

I vote Great Dane!
http://1ww.us/Dog/Puddle.jpg

Great personality, good protector, but not vicious, can keep up with the best of runners, and you don’t have to stoop over to pat it’s head.

but this one's mine........

 

[dmd]

lol this is dmd's daughter again. Well why dont I just get a horse? It is really funny that you would suggest this breed because my boyfriend has a great dane. He was telling me this morning that I should get one too!

 

[moni_stout]

I have a German Short-Haired Pointer that can run for days. She never seems to wear down, no matter how hot it gets. They are extremely athletic dogs typically used for hunting. They do demand quite a bit of attention from their owners.

Good luck on your search!

Monica

 

[HeatherRH]

I have a great dane also...and you can't run with them until they reach the age of 18-24 months. Since they grow so fast they dont the stress on their joints, it can give them much problems. But my great dane is a huge couch potato. She just reached 18 months old and when her dad takes her running she really only wants to do a mile.

 

[rjroubi]

Deb,
My dog, Katie, is a shepherd and lab mix ....from what the shelter was told. The other dog in the picture was of of her buddy at the shelter (I wish we could have taken her too but one dog is plenty for us!). We were so lucky to have found her after Kathryn recommended the petfinder site a while back.

Oh, Bill!!! I must say your dog is such a cutie!!!

PS. I should also mention my DH has banned me from the shelter because if given the chance I would take all those homeless sweet souls home.....

 

[dmd]

Bill! I could just eat this doggie up! What a cutie!! Tell us more about he temperment of this adorable little guy. Thanks, Deb

 

[0 Push ups]

Puddle is only 10 weeks old. She has a hug you type of personality. She is very easy to house train, just a few accidents. We have her where she won't jump up on you. As big as Danes get, that important training. We can feed her and take the dish away or put our hand in the dish without her getting upset. Working on leash training, she's getting there.
We've had a Great Dane years ago. They are good indoor dogs, calm, willing to just lay back and relax, but would run forever given the room.

 

[dmd]

Wow, he sounds great! I have heard that Great Danes can be lazy as they age. Any truth to this? Also, does a Dane eat you out of house and home?

 

[dmd]

Does anyone here know anything about American Foxhounds? I think they are SOOOO beautiful! I know of a breeder who is expecting a litter in a week. I haven't seen a foxhound around here...wonder if some dogs are more common in certain places according to climate. deb

 

[dmd]

Hi There,
Well, we caved and put a downpayment on Christmas Boxer Puppy. OMIGAWD, he is deliciously cute....and we named him Cassius. We could not believe the warm welcome we recieved from his parents when we arrived to the breeders home! My 14yr. old sat and immediately had a 90 lb. Boxer on his lap. The mommy Boxer was so sweet and patient as we help and played with Cassius. We are in Puppy love and excited to bring him home in 4weeks.

I have a couple of questions for you...are you okay with this? First, did you bring yours home as puppies? Did you "crate-train" them? Also, I have concerns about taking Cassius out for a run ( when he is able..how old do you think this would be?). It can be VERY hot in the Central Valley...triple digits. He will be for the most part an indoor dog, but, we are an active family and would like to take him out in 5o degree wintery walks to 90 degree runs....mind you not for more than 4-5mi at a time. What are your thoughts on this.

Any and all advice you might have about this breed is appreciated..Go ahead tell us the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Thanks~dmd and daughter too.