my dog is a runner!

If you know anything about me you know that I am (a) a runner and (b) I l-o-v-e my dog Mulligan (pictured to the left).  Kyle and I have been talking about making Mulligan a running dog since we got him a year or so ago, but I  never took the time to train him how to properly run on a leash. He tugged and pulled, weaved in and out of my legs, and wouldn’t stay on one side.  Needless to say, he would not have made a good running friend.  Up until a few weeks ago.  I ditched the long 6 foot leash and switched to the 4 foot leash and with some training & splashing of water on him he learned to walk like the gentleman that he is.  And since he has had a lot of energy lately and has been doing crazy runs around the apartment, I decided to give it a whirl.  AND HE DID SO WELL!!

This afternoon, I took him on his first momma and son jog.  We just did a little over mile, and he did so well.  I expected him to hop around like a fool, run ahead of me, trip me, and just not be fun.  Kyle looked really nervous as he handed me the leash and told me to “be good with him & keep him safe” (we’re such parents….) and I promised I would get him home safe and report back.  He did so so so well but the poor thing was so hot and I am sure he was wondering where home was and how he could get there. He was lagging behind, made me stop a few times, but he did so well.  1.10 miles later we were home and he couldn’t decide if he wanted to lay on the cold kitchen tiles or drink ice water – so he kinda did both. 30 minutes later the poor guy couldn’t even eat dinner. He would eat for a few seconds and have to take a break.  Maybe a mile was too far for the first run, but I am hoping that he is down for the count early tonight. The picture to the right not him tonight, but that is pretty much what he looks like!  

I am so excited to have a running pal.  I am going to slowly ease him into it… build his endurance.  But a few questions for the other dog running people.

• how do I keep him hydrated? I have a water bottle, what do I do for him?
• How far is too far?  How fast can I ramp him up?
• Are there any signs that I should look for when running that means he may have had too much?

Oh I am so excited!!