As a dog owner, there’s nothing better than having a furry friend by your side during your morning running sessions. But can your Doberman be a good running partner? Let’s find out.
The good news is that Dobermans make excellent running partners due to their speed, endurance, short coat, size, and snout length. With positive reinforcement techniques, basic obedience training, early socialization, and proper training, they can become great running companions.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are certain considerations to take into account, especially if you’re a new Doberman owner who enjoys running with your furry friend. It’s crucial to ensure that your Doberman is in good physical condition, properly hydrated, and not overheating during your runs. Additionally, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs to avoid injury.
By keeping these factors in mind and providing your Doberman with the proper care and attention they need, you can enjoy a happy and healthy running partnership with your beloved furry friend.
Is it possible to turn Dobermans into running partners?
Yes. Dobermans can be turned into good running partners. Dobermans possess the body structure suited for a running dog.
Appropriate body size.
Dobermans do not possess super long legs or super short legs. The length of the legs of Dobermans is ideal for keeping pace with you. Also, giant-size dog breeds are not at all suitable for running or jogging. So, the body size of Dobs is appropriate.
Short coat.
A long coat is a hindrance to running. Especially if you planning your running trips in summer, it will be a big issue for a dog with a long coat. The short coat possesses by the Doberman is suitable for running or jogging dogs.
Appropriate snout length.
Dogs cool themselves or regulate their body temperature by panting. Running long distances needs efficient thermoregulation.
Brachycephalic breeds like pug, Bulldog, and boxer are not efficient in thermoregulation due to their shorter snout. Dobermans being a mesaticephalic breed, have a snout length suitable for the thermoregulation process.
Other than physical structure, some other characteristics are possessed by a running dog.
Speed: The speed range of a typical healthy Doberman ranges from 28-35 km/h.
Endurance and Intelligence: Doberman is an intelligent dog breed.
Obedience: This is a much-needed quality, as he has to interact with the environment during running sessions with the owner. Obedience and endurance levels of your Doberman can be increased by positive reinforcement and consistency.
Recommended reading: How to stop a Doberman from barking? (5 easy steps)
How to train your Doberman to run with you?
Running is an essential exercise for both you and your canine companion. Having your Dob as a running partner is precisely a motivation for your running.
Now let’s dive in to find how you can train your Doberman to an excellent running partner for you.
When considering training Dobermans, an important thing that you must be aware of is his/her bloodline. Your Doberman’s bloodline determines the foundation of his temperament.
If he/she is from a line of security or guard dogs, you have to put an extra effort into his training to eliminate his/her aggressive behavior. So, it is better if you can know about his bloodline before starting his run training.
Before giving special training on running, you must teach him obedience and train him to follow basic commands. If he is responding positively to those training, you can start his training on running.
Be sure to follow these steps.
#1 – Start with a walk.
First of all, train him on a loose leash walking.
#2 – Pick one side.
When running, he should match your pace. So, training your dog to be by your side is important. You have to pick a side and stick with it. Encourage him to stay on that particular side by giving treats.
The environment is full of small animals like squirrels. Train him not to pull the leash in those situations too.
#3 – Increase the speed gradually.
After he is trained to follow the above two steps, you can now gradually increase your walking speed. You can use a command like ‘Let’s go’ to increase his speed. Also, teach a command to slow him down.
#4 – Endurance
Consistency is needed to build endurance. Increase the time spent on running day by day.
Recommended reading: How to identify original Doberman puppy?
How long can Dobermans run as running partners?
The speed range of a normal healthy Doberman ranges from 28-35 km/h. A normal healthy Doberman can safely run 20-40 miles a week.
How do you know if you are overworking your Doberman?
If you overwork your Doberman, it will result in a decline in his mental and physical wellbeing. Paying attention to his body language is very much important here. Now let us look at what are the signs of an overworked Doberman.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Excessive panting.
- Excessive redness in gums.
- Drooling.
- Vomiting or diarrhea after the running session.
- Difficulties in walking and standing.
Especially sore muscles can result in difficulty getting up.
- Signs in foot pads
Appearing red or much thinner. Swelling or puss in paws.
- Very much lethargic after running,
- Lay himself down on the ground, refusing to go further during jogging.
- Dizziness.
- Foaming at the mouth.
Keeping your Doberman safe on the run?
Here are some tactics that you can easily adapt to keep your Doberman safe on the run. So, here is the list of those tactics.
- Warm-up your Dob before running.
- Cool him down after the running session.
- Be aware of the weather condition.
- Carry water.
- Always use trails.
- Always keep him on a leash.
- Observe his body language.
- Hot concrete.
- If he looks overstressed due to scorching weather.
Warm up your Dob before running.
You can engage him in a loose leash walk for several minutes before running.
Cool him down after the running session.
You can gradually slow his run into a slow walk.
Be aware of the weather condition.
They can’t tolerate extreme weather conditions as much as we do. If you are running with your Doberman in hot summer, limit those sessions for a short time or postpone running until the weather gets somewhat easy to handle.
Carry water.
If you can’t take an adequate amount of water, carry a vessel that he can drink water. Canine friends always like to please their owners.
You may see like he does not want water right now, But it’s your duty to give him an adequate amount of water during running.
Always use trails.
Using trails will keep your dog’s paws safe.
Observe his body language.
If he is wagging his tail, when he hears the sound of the running leash, it is a positive sign that he enjoys running with you. By observing his body language, you can get an idea of whether he likes or dislikes running.
Hot concrete.
Hot concrete can burn his paws. There is a simple step that you can follow to determine the heat on that particular concrete area that is suitable for his paws.
Place your hand or barefoot on the concrete for 10 seconds. If it is extremely burning for you, it is really too hot for your dog also.
If he looks overstressed due to scorching weather.
If he looks overstressed, go to a shady place.
What to bring on your run with your Doberman?
- Freshwater for drinking. If it is not possible, a vessel that your Dob can drink water from.
- Treats.
- Poop bags.
- Hands-free dog leash.
- Reflective gear.
This is very much important if you planning your running trips at night.
Things to be aware of.
There are several essential points that you wanna concern about if you are planning to take your Doberman with your running sessions.
However, read this to understand whether Dobermans are good for first-time owners.
- Puppies less than 18 months,
Puppies less than 18 months should not be taken on running. Their bones, muscles, and especially joints are still underdeveloped. So, they are more prone to orthopedic damage.
The growth rate varies among individuals, even within the same breed.
- Consult your veterinarian.
Even your dog has reached the appropriate age for running, you must consult your veterinarian to check whether your Dob is well fitted to run long distances with you. (As I mentioned above, growth rate varies among individuals even within the same breed, so consulting your vet is compulsory before his running)
- Older dogs.
Dogs get older faster than we do. If your dog went on running trips enthusiastically in the last year, do not imply the fact that he is well fitted on running this year too.
It’s their natural instinct to please their owner whenever possible. So, although your old Dobie experiences pain in the running, he will try to show you that he still enjoys jogging very much.
- Obedience training.
If you wanna make your newly adopted Doberman a running partner, the principal step that you must follow is making him obedient.
So, soon after bringing him home, enter him to obedience training classes, or hire a professional trainer. When you choose a class, be wise to choose one that does not use harsh training methods.
- Bloodline.
When considering training Dobermans, an important thing that you must be aware of is his/her bloodline. Your Doberman’s bloodline determines the foundation of his temperament.
If he/she is from a line of security or guard dogs, you have to put an extra effort into his training to eliminate his/her aggressive behavior. So, it is better if you can know about his bloodline before starting his run training.
There is not much to worry about the bloodline if you adopt your Dobie from a reputable breeder.
- Type of the leash.
You should use a Hands-free Leash when running with your dog. If you use an ordinary hand-held Leash, it will be a hindrance to your hands’ motion during running as well as your poor dog will tug back and forth during your arm motion.
- Length of the leash.
Use a leash of 4-6 feet long. If you use a much longer leash, it will be a hindrance in handling him during running. A dog tied to a longer leash will naturally tend to pull the leash, which is very much frustrating for the owner.
Also, pulling the leash is very dangerous at higher speeds, which can result in serious accidents. So, if you want to return in one piece with your Dob, you must not ignore this leash thing!
- Regular training
According to my experience as a veterinary student, Many Dobermans I have seen tend to feel ‘lost’ if they do not consistently receive proper training.
Dobermans consider their owner as their leader and expect their owner to guide them always. So, if you wanna make your Dob girl or boy an excellent running partner, consistent training plays a significant role.
- Never use harsh punishments.
Yelling and spanking at dogs never bring positive results at any of the tasks. If you use punishments to train him for running, the natural aggressive behavior of Dobermans will pop up.
Then socializing your dog will be a challenging task. When training other than punishments, use treats. Encourage him with a physical and verbal appraisal.
- Observe him after running.
After a jogging session, If your Doberman is drooling, vomiting, or panting excessively, you must immediately take him to the vet.
- Running in cold weather.
Ice can burn their paws. To be honest, It is better if you can postpone your running trips during snowfall. To prevent the burning of paws, you can use boots for your Dob.
- Tick protection.
You must be very much concerned about tick protection if you are running in the woods. Check both yourself and the pet after returning home. If there are ticks attached to his coat, remove them manually. If you suspect that he has been bitten, consult your vet.
- Watch his foot after running.
Check his body, especially the foot, after running. As it is better to recognize the wounds and other damages at an earlier stage and treat them. To protect his paws from irritants, you can use wax.
- Do not give treats immediately after running.
If he is still panting after running, never give him treats immediately. Wait until he gets to a comfortable position.
- Healthy diet.
A healthy diet is essential to maintain his physical fitness. Make sure he gets the appropriate amount of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients daily. Here is a full guide to foods that Dobermans can and can’t eat.
Conclusion
Although Dobermans are a good running partner, individuals can possess several negative behaviors unsuitable for running. But as I mentioned above, proper training, positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency can make your Doberman an excellent running partner.
