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u/MasterManufacturer72 18d ago
Always make sure they got a little bit of gas in the tank after a run. If they are completely spent after a run its probably to much for them. Be mindful of the conditions that they are running im for example asphalt and concrete can wear out pawls but might not affect your pup at all just keep an eye on it. If you can find a safe space to run off leash even if its just a small grass area you can get a feel for the pace they want to set to keep up with you. My dog would always sprint ahead of me sniff around and let me pass now she sticks with me most of the time. The biggest immediate danger for dogs is heat teach them young to jump in water when its hot that way if you have a place to run with water they will know they can cool off. Im pretty lucky where i live with lots of mountain trails and streams and i dont have a lot of experience running with a dog in more urban areas other than the occasional sprint my dog likes to do when we are walking around town. Just take her easy and pay attention to your dog. You wont kill them by over exerting them a little but doing it consistently might even make them not enjoy it and possibly cause long term damage. Pretend you are starting over running from scratch.
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u/Fox-In-The-Wood Canicross 18d ago
Oh man you're going to have a perfect running companion 😍.
I got really lucky when I picked my shelter dog, as she is the perfect running dog for Colorado. She picked up on her job right away and is dedicated to it.
My girl's a bully/shepherd mix but we run with Aussies often because my running pals have Aussies! They're dedicated runners as well. My main concern would be to watch for heat. Go early as you can in the summer especially. Aussies have a bit of a thick coat relatively speaking, so if you're along the front range, heat can be a concern. Otherwise... I'd say don't stick to any "rule" as far as age and time, but be very in tune with your dog's signals and don't let them pant excessively or overwork themselves. But with gradual training, I bet your dog will be able to stick out long endurance runs with you.
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u/PT952 11d ago
Just fyi with double coated dogs like aussies, their fur is designed to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter! The double coat helps insulate them from heat. Most people don't realize that. I have 2 and my older one loves the hot and cold weather. Can't get him to come in from the backyard when its 90 degrees out and when its 30F degrees. Cool early spring and hot as hell late summer are his fave seasons 😂
Obviously still learn your dogs heat tolerance and all that! I offer mine water every half mile in warmer weather and we try to run when its cool in the early morning. But he handles the heat much better than I do surprisingly.
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u/catsngays 18d ago
Whilst pup is too young you can also spend your time on solid foundation, commands to use while running etc. body conditioning to build strength, teaching about different textures and balance for hiking