[kictainiSot]

My girlfriend and I are runners and do about 4-8mi a day. CJ usually runs with us 2mi at a time twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. He can do 4mi at a time, comfortably, in the morning when he's the most worked up from a good night's sleep. But we usually keep at 2 mi because he usually just falls asleep the second we get home. He wears a backpack, carrying our keys and plastic bags. I would love for him to eventually work up to doing longer distances with us on trail runs but I know he wasn't bred to be a distance runner. My question is, does he just view this as exercise or a job? I know that to have a truly balanced dog, they need to feel as though they have a job along with getting exercise.

[8cyVn4RJ]

My Sibe mix thinks its a job, but then its what she was bred for, lol. She really got into the backpack thing once she figured it out. I sold her pack because I needed the cash and didn't feel comfortable using it with a dog that hasn't been OFA-ed though.

I really think it could be a job, especially with the association of working to carry his little backpack. However, I would imagine he needs some fun thinking games or a little positive OB to really fullfill his mental needs in addition to running. All my dogs are intolerable if their minds aren't being worked and just plain exercise (especially if its always the same route.... I think like Bikejoring on different trails would be way more a job than running around campus is.... I really need a bike...) just doesn't fit that bill. I bet trail running would be a great job if you've got a bunch of different places to take him.

Someone posted a conditioning plan for the AD (endurance test for dogs, mainly used for GSD's) and that had a pretty awesome outline for building mileage safely. Maybe they'll see this and repost the link.

[Mymnnarry]

oh 2 mi should be a cake walk. one of mine does 4mi on skates without batting an eye. She really enjoys it and looks at it as fun rather than a job. She sees me pull up the that park and starts shaking with excitement. I think most dogs are just thrilled to be doing something. lol

[kictainiSot]

I'll try to find the endurance test to make sure I don't over do things. I've been working with him on basic obedience too and try to give him some regular playtime but it's sometimes hard to fit everything into the daily routine....I thought 2 mi should be a piece of cake too but I got him from the pound a month and a half ago so I wasn't sure what kind of exercise he was use to. He threw up about a mile into one of his first runs with me which made me feel horrible...

[Irravepem]

Here's one:
Endurance Test Training | German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria

It has good suggestions and videos of the event.

Here's an outline and plan:
TRAINING FOR THE ENDURANCE TEST (AD)

Good luck.

---------- Post added at 09:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ----------

Here's another one:
Sirius Dog