How to become a dog jogger?

mundaypaul

Hi! This is my first official brooklynian post- I hope I'm adhering to the rules.

I wanted to see if anyone has any advice about being a seasonal ( possily year-round) dog jogger and if that is of any need in Prospect Heights / Park Slope. I've recently left my full-time office job for some freelance work from home, and would LOVE to be a dog jogger.

I'm hoping to gain some experience for a future dog, but am about a year away from that. I'm totally open to any suggestions, including volunteer recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

feinleib

welcome!

If you want to volunteer, I often walk dogs at Sean Casey. Due to an injury, I always ask for dogs that don't walk too fast and don't pull, but maybe you could go and ask for the opposite - a dog that needs a good jog.

http://scarnyc.org/scarnyc.orgAdoptions.html

kevin_on_putnam

You know, that's a wonderful idea for a part-time job. I jog with my dog every morning. I know that there are people that would love for their dogs to get more exercise but can't jog or run. If you live near Prospect Park, I would just head out to the long meadow before 9am and hand out some cards. There's a ton of dog owners letting their pets off leash for exercise. During the week most can't make it because of work. Good luck, it's a wonderful idea!

mundaypaul

Thanks for the suggestions!

jeffrey

Also seconding Kevin on Putnam's recommendation, but for handing cards out on the Nethermead as well, just before 9am.

Especially on weekends, as you are likely to encounter folks that only make it there on weekend mornings, and really need someone during weekdays.

On a related note, I just took my ~80lb, 15-month old for his first run yesterday morning.

It was only about 1.5 miles, but more of a cross-country run with lots of hills.

He was pretty exhausted for the rest of the day, and I understand has been flat out horizontal (even more so than usual) all day today.

He normally runs full steam with the other big dogs the entire time we're at off-leash, so I figured 1.5 miles of cross country would be okay.

Did I perhaps overdo it?

How do most folks start out running with otherwise in-shape, active dogs?

whynot_31

Dude (Mr and Mrs Whynot's dog) is too short to be much of a runner.

...but he hiked 17 miles this weekend. 10 miles Sat, 7 miles Sunday.

He's more of a marathoner than a sprinter

opossumqueen

Running together, good for you!

My 4.5 year old border collie mix (not high energy) can go many miles running along the bike, and did fine like that the first time. He doesn't like to jog with us on foot except when I'm too bundled to run, but seems to love running by the bike anytime.

Also, we usually walk about 3-5 miles during our daily walk to and through off-leash so if you don't do that, maybe your pup needs more time to get used to the miles. Maybe your's is large and lanky, which based on a few of those we know, tend to not be distance runners. If he gets tired while running, I imagine he will stop or slow down.

Sunday, we did about 17 miles up at Mohonk. Wore him out! He was too tired to care about all the other dogs at the restaurant where we ate.

kevin_on_putnam

The important thing when starting a new running program with a dog is to start slow. those things that people don't think about, like lights, loud noises and big trucks scare the bejesus out of dogs. When the dog needs a break it's important to stop and give him/her a little reassurance. A pat on the head or a hug will restore confidence that they should follow you.and trust you. Also dogs are really good at sprints but get tired after long runs and need a rest and water. You'll have to respect your dogs need to poop and mark territory. It seems like a lot, but you gave to get sensitive to your dog's needs. I, like other runners get into a rythm and don't want to stop, while dogs need to feel like they can rest and reorient themselves and feel like they won't just get dragged along against their will, Eventually they'll pick up on your stride and the amount you want to run and they'll get used to it.