Why does my dog stop in the middle of running with me?

1. 71

   yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years ago

   Why does my dog stop in the middle of running with me?
   
   I let him do his business and then we start running. He generally runs with me for 6 miles but lately stops after a few miles and just stands there.

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2. 82

   Melissa A Smithposted 12 years ago

   He's probably tired. It's summer. How old is he?

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   1. 71

      yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He just turned 2. We usually go early in the morning to avoid the heat.

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3. 60

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   Because dogss ain't daft, they know when they are tired and need a rest.

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4. 100

   DrMark1961posted 12 years ago

   I tend to think Melissa is correct as it is hot in Chicagoland and your dog is not used to the heat like my own. How long has this been going on?

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   1. 71

      yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Just today and yesterday. It has been much cooler this week and I run early in the morning- 6am.

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   2. 100

      DrMark1961posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He looked pretty good in those photos you posted on your hub but it is really hard to tell; if you are concerned the best thing would be to take him in for a physical and the vet can listen to the heart and lungs. See how he is doing and post again i

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5. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   "Listen" to your dog and don't force him.  They tend to have great instincts for self-care.  Also as you run your body smells different to him.  Your body may give off a stress odor that concerns him.
   
   He needs water breaks every couple of miles too.

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   1. 71

      yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good call. I didn't think about the stress odor. I do give him water.

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6. 71

   fitmomposted 12 years ago

   I would say it's probably the summer heat. You might check his nails to make sure that they don't need to be trimmed. I think it can get uncomfortable for them when they need to be trimmed and are exercising (I've noticed the same with my dog).
   
   I've noticed too that my dog's pace is not the same as mine, especially when I run fast. If I take him off the leash, he runs behind me at his own pace.
   
   I would say that there's a reason he's doing this new behavior. If you can figure out what's causing it, you'll be happier and he will too.
   
   Best ~ fitmom

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7. 96

   agilitymachposted 12 years ago

   As others have said, it's very important to "listen" to your dog.  Absolutely stop and give him a break.  Never force a dog to run.  Check his tongue and gums.  Are they overly red?  Are they blue? Are they moist or gummy? All are signs of medical issues and need to be discussed with your vet.
   
   In the summer, be especially vigilant as dogs can get heat stroke without much notice.  As a dog agility trainer, I do lots of vigorous activity with my dogs.  In the summer, I make sure to limit the activity's duration and intensity.  We do short sequences in training and take frequent breaks for water and rest - like every five to 10 minutes.  Knowing a dog can suffer fatal heat stroke in a very short amount of time keeps me on my toes.  If one of my dogs were to stop and quit working, my activity would immediately stop and the dog would be removed to an airconditioned environment.
   
   A visit to the vet is always a good thing.  What breed of dog do you have, btw?  Some breeds are prone to exercise collapse, which also needs handler intervention to avoid.
   
   Congrats for getting your dog out and exercising though!!!

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   1. 71

      yeagerinvestmentsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He is an American Staffordshire Terrier/Choc. Lab.  I've noticed too that he loves the outdoors and my time with him is usually the only time he gets outside and so when he senses we are heading home, he stops. 

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   2. 96

      agilitymachposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ah.   Yes, dogs know when you're turning for home.  Do keep an eye for the heat, however, and keep having fun with your dog!!!

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