running with your newf

[newf4u]

Just wondered how much exercise is ok and how much exercise is too much for these guys. Ben is 9 months and I am an avid jogger/runner. I have quite a quick pace, and often go running for a couple of hours at a time. I haven't brought Ben with me because I am afraid of overusing his joints at such a young age. I always run on trails, never on pavement. Do you think this would be too much for him if I only bring him once or twice a week with me? He just loves to be with Mom so much and it breaks my heart to see him look at me with those big brown eyes when I am ready to leave my house and hit the trails. I have even resorted to running on the treadmill at the gym to avoid him seeing me leave. Pretty pathetic, I know, but you guys know what I mean about those big brown sad eyes.

They get you every time. Anyways thanx in advance.

Jennifer

 

[Jeannie]

I don't see anything wrong with running with your newf. The surface is right. But just like any runner you have to work him up to the pace that you run. Build his muscles. Start slow - meaning not far at first and he will enjoy it as much as you do


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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

IM sorry i have to disagree again . I dont think any newf should be running for 2 hours with a constant pounding on his joints especially on concrete or hard surfaces. 2 hours! Now if you could take him on a hike or for a swim that would be more to his likeing.Why would u want to tax your newf that way. If you must , i would only let him jog on the ground only for 20 min at the most. Dont mean to sound mean . im just looking out for our beloved furry fluries. And i hpoe u take in the right way ,as sound advice.

Sincerly Bridget
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For The Love Of Newfs !
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Until We Newf Again

 

[sarnewfie]

ACCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!
newfoundlands were made for hauling things, swimming walking backpacking, not jogging! get a dalmation if you want a jogging partner! you will ruin the joints and the bones on your newf.
a border collie is another good jogging partner.

 

[shawn]

I did read somewhere that if you wanted a running partner, DO NOT get a newf!!

I agree, Newfs weren't made for joggin'

shawn

 

[windyhill]

I agree with Sarnewfie...NO jogging/running. A Border Collie would be a good bet, we had one who ran six miles every morning with my husband, but if you took even one day off she was NUTS! But, don't just go get a breed because they are a good running partner, especially if you don't want to deal with all the other antics of a high energy dog. Also, any breed should NOT be run with until all bone growing is complete. Just my two cents.

 

[Jeannie]

Ok I read again the post. I misunderstood, I thought you meant hiking. NO newf can jog for two hours. Maybe a little 1/2 hour jog on dirt, but not two hours. Next time I better read the post more thoroughly.

I am go embarrassed

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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[kzdz]

There have been a few times when walking Morgan that I couldn't help myself and broke into a slow jog. She doesn't stand for it. Anytime someone starts to jog she jumps in the ditch, sits down, and won't move. As excited as she gets when she sees me putting on my walking shoes, running is not acceptable. I have also read that newfs are excellent hiking companions, but their joints just can't handle running.

And yes, I know that wide-eyed, sad look well. Unfortunately, in this case it must be resisted.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Why don't you get a Labrador Retriever? I have three of them and they love to jog. I take a different one with me everytime I go. Now they know they have to take turns. When I get my newf, I will still plan to jog with my labs, since I, too, remember hearing somewhere to that newfs are not joggers. My newf will be my walking partner.
Lynn


[This message has been edited by NewfYork (edited 03-18-2002).]

 

[newf4u]

Well I think I got my answer...a unanimous NO!!!! That's pretty much what I had thought, but thought I would double check. I have not allowed him to run up till this point, walks seem to be what he likes. I have a German Shepherd as well as my Newf, and he is a wonderful running companion. Of course I don't feel right taking Jake and leaving Ben behind, but it is what's best with him. You sure do get some mixed opinions on what is and what isn't right for these dogs. There is one other Newf owner in my town that I know of, he has 2, real beauties. I have spoken to him because he has kind've taken me under his wing as a new Newf owner. But it's funny because there are some things he does with his newfs that I wouldn't dream of with Ben. He does take his running, says they love it and have a wonderful stride. But when you look at these breeds they don't look like runners do they.

More like big strong work horses. So anyways that is why I wanted all of your opinions because I wasn't feeling comfortable with it. I won't even let him jump in or out of my truck. Thanks again for all the advise.

Jennifer

 

[newf4u]

in response to kzdz...Ihave to say the thought of you running and your Newf looking at you like "I really don't think so" and having a nap in the ditch cracked me up. LOL I could just see the unimpressed look in his eyes. Too Funny. And boy when these guys don't want to do something there is no changing their minds and if they don't want to move...well you might as well pitch your tent and wait till they're ready to go again.

Jennifer

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

Someone sugested a lab for running . i also dont agree with that breed for running. Remember thats how i lost my Chocolate lab Taz and we were only walking on a 2 mile trail, and on the second time around he colapsed, it was a horriable experience i will never get over, he had never been sick a day in his 6 years, never been to the vet except to get his yearly shots. And we often took walks ,only this time something went wrong , please consider another breed may be a grayhound.
Bridget
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Until We Newf Again

 

[Odri]

Wow, I had no idea that Newfs couldn't be conditioned to that. Glad I read this board!
(Though, it is sort of a non-issue for me specifically...setting out on a two hour run is somewhere between unnecessary oral surgery and learning to fly, on my priority list

. I admire those of you who do run, though.) But it's still good to know.
Audrey

[This message has been edited by Odri (edited 03-20-2002).]

 

[newf4u]

Bridgette so sorry to hear about your lab, that must've broke your heart. I promise you I will not run my Newf, thanks for your advice.

Jennifer

 

[misamala00]

I'm sorry about your lab Brigett, it's so hard to lose a pet. I know it from my own experience.
Anyway, I don't belive it was the walk itself that caused his death. Even newf can walk longer if the weather conditions are fine. Not to mention labs - they are full of energy and they need to do something with it. The pace of a dog is much faster than that of a man - if one's not a sprinter. Newfs really are slow dogs, their pace is slow (hey, it can even be slow for me), but most other dogs are faster - leave a young dog unleashed and you'll see that he'll walk faster than a man does (of course he'll stop for every tree of fire hydrant). So I think running is good for most dogs. Greyhound, on the other hand, may just be a bit to fast

.

Just my two cents
Mirjam & Misha

 

[aalvarez]

Our newfie puppy just loves to play and wrassle with other dogs. But, when the other dogs start running around, Yogi will run after them for a few yards and then gives up and just stops and watches them until they come back around to him to play! He is definitely not a running dog! :^)