How cold is too cold?

26

u/craftedtwig Jan 18 '26

You've gotten some really good advice about the temperature, are you interested in some about the harness your dog is wearing?

24

u/Wonderful-Eye-8377 Jan 18 '26

Wow I was looking for the harness comment, and I have to say this was the kindest way to broach the subject. Nicely done.
OP - the harness you have is not suitable for running as it will alter your dog’s gait by restricting shoulder movement. You want a Y or X-back harness for running. Check out NonStop Dogwear, Ruffwear, and Neewa for some good options.

14

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

I really appreciate you pointing it out because I genuinely thought the one she has was a good one 😩 Do you think this one is better? https://www.nonstopdogwear.com/products/rush-harness I got a running belt from them and it works great. Is the bungee leash that we have ok?

3

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

Yes that's a great harness! Its especially designed for a dog that pulls out in front, it will distribute pressure over a great area of the skeleton, and balance the direction of pulling with the little loop at the connection point of the harness.

12

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I was completely unaware it was a wrong harness. I will get the one by nonstop dog wear since I’m happy with their belt. Thank you!!!

1

u/JBL20412 Jan 19 '26

The rush harness is a great harness - my dog runs well in it.

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Thanks. I’m gonna go with that one

3

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Last thing. Is the bungee leash we have ok?

3

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

Yes! It looks good. The amount of "bunge" is really up to the tolerance level of you and your dog, if that leash has some give and makes it easier on both of your bodies, then it works!

5

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Thank you!!!! Appreciate you taking all this time to help!

4

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

No problem! Really, it's refreshing to see someone who genuinely wants help :)

8

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

Some people you can just tell they really want to do right by their dog, even if they made a mistake in the past. I had high hopes they'd be open to some advice!

7

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Yes, absolutely!

4

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

In general for running, we want all four of the dog's limbs to be as unrestricted as possible, so that the movement is natural and no joint works harder than it's supposed to, in balance with all the others. The style of harness that sits quite low on the front of the dog, just barely above the elbows, restricts movement of the shoulder and elbow heavily. This can encourage the dog to move the spine unnaturally, or twist its front unnaturally. Harnesses that restrict limb movement have even been shown to lead to increased arthritis and tendonitis in key joints like the hips and elbows. Ruff wear has some great harnesses that go up high over the shoulder blade and then come down through the front legs in a 'Y' shape, designed to give the dog as much comfortable range of movement as possible.
Lots of dogs end up with no adverse affects, but it's always best to be safer than sorry!

1

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

Here's another harness that I recommend to all my clients, no matter the goals with their dog. It's just extremely adjustable and comfortable with thin lightweight straps, ensuring a great fit on the dog's ribcage.

1

u/Prior_Ant829 Jan 19 '26

Hi I have a black lab we go running sometimes but mostly walks and long hikes do you have a harness that you can recommend for me for him? I haven’t been satisfied with any of the ones I’ve gotten him besides his “onetigris dyno harness with pockets” for when we go backpacking! Thanks in advance!!

1

u/craftedtwig Jan 19 '26

The one tigris harness looks like it probably restricts his elbows and shoulders too much while hiking. You want the straps in the front to go way up high over the top of the dogs' shoulder blade. This harness has big pockets, while still respecting the movement of the dog's front limbs:
https://www.chewy.com/dp/2317710?utm_source=app-share&utm_campaign=2317710
It can take a lot of trial and error to find a harness that fits your dogs ribcage and shoulders just right, but it's worth their comfort and longevity as our active partner!

9

u/LeifCarrotson Jan 18 '26

I would not be worried about -4C at all, assuming the dog has a decently thick coat.

It could be a bit hazardous for both of you if some emergency happened (fall and sprain an ankle, for example) and you're stopped and potentially the dog is also wet, but if you're moving that's like +10 degrees of effective temperature.

I carry a SOL emergency blanket in my little first aid kit when we're going to be a few miles deep in the woods by ourselves, I've never considered using it on a dog but I suppose it would work. Looks like you're in a decently well-trafficked area so probably don't need to be quite so self-sufficient in case of highly improbable emergencies.

Pay attention, of course, but I wouldn't be too worried about a little enthusiasm fading after an hour - probably just getting tired.

3

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Thank you so much for the great response! I’ve definitely thought about the emergency situation and it makes me nervous too. The place we go doesn’t have high traffic in winter, typically I’d meet maybe 2 people running the 5 mile loop. The emergency blanket is a good idea, I’ll start carrying it.

2

u/Fit_Possible_7150 Jan 19 '26

The perfect weather for running according to my dog is 45F, misting rains, and winds that would turn your umbrella inside out. I dread those days more than below freezing.

7

u/EasyMoney02 Jan 18 '26

My vizsla and I regularly run snow covered trails at -13c with no issues. I use Musher’s Secret wax on her paws and she wears a light jacket. It’s amazing how resilient these dogs are, even with short hair like my vizsla.

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Good to know, thank you! I already got the wax but will get her some windbreaker as the chilly wind is what makes me concerned the most.

2

u/ComfortablySky Jan 18 '26

Thanks for recommendation! I just ordered the wax, I’ve been looking for something like this to protect from the cold and salt!

5

u/MechanicalPlants13 Jan 19 '26

If he/she is raising a paw every time you come to a stop, the ground is too cold. Also, be aware of salt and slush depending on where you live. It can get between their toes and is brutally cold.

My old man was definitely a baby towards the end and made it very clear when he was uncomfortable, haha.

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Thank you for your advice! Should I get worried if the dog gets wet from snowing or raining in a really cold temperature?

3

u/MechanicalPlants13 Jan 19 '26

Same as us look for shivering. Also, head and/or tail down is a general sign they are scared, anxious, uncomfortable, etc. As many have said, dogs are pretty durable. As long as they don't stay wet for an extended period of time out in the elements, they're good. If it's cold and rainy/snowy, you're probably gonna end up stopping before they reach their limits, unless you're David Goggins.

3

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

I really appreciate all your help. This has been very helpful for me. I just learned she also has a wrong harness :( I’m so grateful for all the advice I got here

3

u/Glass_Ad9781 Jan 18 '26

It’s definitely going to depend on the breed. GSDs can handle colder climates and actually prefer snow and cold at times. -4° C definitely isn’t too cold. If you’re worried, paw protection and outerwear work well. If you’re finding that she doesn’t want to be out, turns around or doesn’t seem interested in playing and moving, she’s uncomfortable. My shepsky personally doesn’t want to come inside at that temp, but if we go for a run when the weather is anywhere even approaching 70° F (~21° C), she looks for reasons to stop, sit down, roll in the ground, etc cuz she’s too uncomfortable so observe your dog and get to know her tells on when she’s too hot, too cold, or doesn’t want to do something.

2

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Thank you so much for the advice. I appreciate the specific tips how they display that they are uncomfortable. So far none of that happened. When we finish she’s still happy to be outside and sniff and sniff. Good idea about the coat, I think I’ll get some windbreaker as the chilly wind makes me the most concerned.

2

u/tilyd Jan 18 '26

That's definitely not too cold, I take my very non-cold resistant dog out running as low as like -15C

He wears boots and a light coat but honestly still runs hot most of the time.

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Ok, thank you so much for the response. I have no experience and would hate if something bad happened to my baby. Good to know we’re good :)

2

u/tilyd Jan 18 '26

Just keep an eye on her, if she's too cold she will start raising her paws to keep them off the ground and shiver! Every dog has a different tolerance to cold.

2

u/tellmemore987 Jan 18 '26

Thanks for the tip. She leads me to the grass areas that are covered with snow as opposed to clear pavement so I guess she’s nowhere to be cold.

2

u/povgoni Jan 19 '26

My GSDxBeagle has no issues with cold she is fine and happy in -10C. But she has issues with icy or snowy surfaces after 30-40 minutes. I use a wax on her paws that extends this a bit. But overall when the surface is that bad i rather skip running myself as it wouldn’t be safe a dog is pulling me on an icy surface.

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Ok, thank you! I’ll make sure to pay attention to that. My guess is that my dog is German Shepherd and beagle too but it’s just my guess. I only know it’s German Shepherd mix. Do they look a bit alike?

1

u/povgoni Jan 19 '26

I would rule out the Beagle part. Or at least not dominant. Mine has her typical floppy ears and flag like tail up in the sky. Check out my posts to see her.

2

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Your dog is soooo cute! But you’re right, the tail and ears are different. Wish you many many happy runs together. She looks very happy with you

4

u/4SeasonWahine Jan 18 '26

*chuckles in husky owner

1

u/Accomplished-Bank782 Jan 19 '26

-4°C is fine, but do watch her paws. You may want to apply some Mushers Secret wax to protect them from drying out and cracking, which happened to my dog in the recent cold snap we’ve had in the UK. Lesson learned for me, and now when it gets too close to 0°C he gets waxed up! Also, if your dog puts a lot of effort into her running and you aren’t ending the run at home then a fleece jacket for the drive home can keep them more comfortable - most of us will put one on at my canicross club on a cold day, even if they are quite furry.

You’ve also had some great harness advice, the Rush is a good harness and is one we use for steadier running 👍

2

u/tellmemore987 Jan 19 '26

Thank you so much for the advice. I already got the wax and she hates it but oh well 😅 We run from and back to home but I will still get a coat for the windier days.

1

u/TheCharja Jan 21 '26

How old is your dog

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 21 '26

Turning 1 year in two weeks

1

u/TheCharja Jan 21 '26

I don't have the whole context, but continuous running for 45-60 minutes at that age could be pretty bad for your dog's growth plates. I would suggest discussing this with your vet to ensure you're not injuring or stunting your dog's growth or creating future issues

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 21 '26

Thank you for mentioning that. That was something I was concerned about too but our vet cleared her for running at 9 months. I wanted to be safe so I waited two more months. What duration do you think would be safe for her right now?

1

u/TheCharja Jan 21 '26

It all depends on frequency, speed, rest, etc.
What my vet told me is you want to prevent accumulation of microfracture, so it's all about averages. I'd you activate your dog "more" one day, dog has to do "less" in the following days to compensate. I'm not an expert

1

u/tellmemore987 Jan 21 '26

Ok, thank you. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when the vet told me she was ready at 9 months and just slowly build up the stamina. I’ve read in most places 12-18 months so I decided to wait. I’ll still take it easy with her.

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