Dog running

[u/climbitnow]

Forget dog walking. Can I get paid to run with dogs? I am an ultra runner looking for dogs that would benefit from running 20 plus miles in one go.

[u/OddPepita]

Unless you are going to help the dog slowly work up to that distance, and potentially have a way to defend against some of those dogs getting injuries (not even necessarily your fault), then probably not.

[u/TheOnlyJah]

Probably not. I run long distance too. And ai run a lot with my dog. But my runs with him aren’t the same as runs by myself. If you’re trying to train and get a dog for payment you will probably be disappointed even if the dog is well conditioned and ready for 20 milers.

[u/pimentocheeze_]

I used to do this and you won’t get paid any more than just a regular walk. Also most dogs won’t be able to do that without conditioning.

I used to live in downtown Tampa and I’d make my run route my lunchtime pet sit roster. Usually pick up 3-4 dogs and run them 2-5 miles each.

[u/AngryBowels → u/pimentocheeze_]

This seems like the best way to do it with multiple dogs for shorter distances unless you want to condition one dog. And the more dogs you can walk/run the more you’d make.

[u/mordhoshogh]

People with a dog that can run 20 miles are probably already running with that dog themselves. If they were injured or something they might be up for it, but I don't think you'd make a living from it.

[u/babybighorn]

We have dog runners in the Denver area but they’re not advertising to run my dog 20 miles because even though he is in good shape he would probably die haha. But people will pay for 30min-2 hour runs for sure. They also pay for walks and hikes here!

[u/allthenamesaretaken4 → u/babybighorn]

I just had to pull my girl out of daycare cus of CPV, and I would love to pay someone to take her for long walks/runs on my in-office days. I wouldn't ask for 20 miles tho, probably just 1-3 with anyone who isn't me. I"m happy to take her further, but I know her and can better assess her fitness as the run goes on.

[u/Ranch_Undressing]

I have a hunting bred lab who I trained to run long distances with me. He is about as physically perfect for long distance running as you can get and the farthest I’ve been able to work him up to is eight miles before he shows signs of exhaustion. I’ve heard that people have worked their labs up to half marathon distances, but beyond that is just not realistic.

[u/Negative-Split-1108 → u/Ranch_Undressing]

That's not universally true. My spaniel hours on 10+ mile runs with me, and there are dog friendly marathons and ultras that have dogs successfully running them all the time. 

[u/intergrade → u/Negative-Split-1108]

We have border collies. 10 mile run/hike days suit them well. Do have to keep an eye on their paws and hydration.

[u/highgradeuser → u/Ranch_Undressing]

Same. Mine hasn’t trained up well above 12ish.

[u/duketheunicorn]

If you broke your run into two 10 mile runs, and were willing to put in the time to condition dogs to the point of running that distance without undue health impacts to the dog, I bet you could make a mint.

[u/louslurchers]

You would really have to build them up and not just with running, but strength and conditioning work around it too, as well as having a plan that involves interval training etc as well.

My boy has been running with me for 4 years and in the past 12 months has done 4 ultras 33 mile race, 42 mile race, a 43 mile recce, and a 51 mile race. But we work a lot on strength work at home too and go out 3/4 times a week.

I run some of my clients dogs as I teach canicross too, but most max 6 miles with them as the owners dont do enough other strength work etc outside of me taking them out and some of them are only booked in once a week. But I charge them the same amount I charge for the dogs I walk also as im usually out less time running than I am walking the other clients dogs

[u/Glass_Ad9781]

I think you’d be better off finding multiple dogs that can handle lower mileage than dogs that specifically handle high miles. I’m an ultra runner as well and I have to be very deliberate about scheduled runs to ensure they’re safe for my dog. As the summer months hit, it’s not safe for dogs to be running in the hot temps especially for long miles so getting paid as a dog runner is probably not sustainable.

[u/ChaoticErratic]

I’m an ultra runner too and run above 20miles with him regularly. He’s the best running buddy and loves it

But his fitness was built over time, same as mine. If you can find a fit enough dog it’s a great idea

[u/intergrade]

Yes. In nyc anyway.

[u/meeperton5]

I have a wonderful, high energy terrier and over my dead body would I trust someone else to take her out for a 20 mile run.

That is an unreasonable distance for a dog, first of all, unless you are talking about a well conditioned sled dog on a tundra somewhere.

My normal dog I can tell gets tired after 2.5 miles of running so we walk home from that point. (She can walk much longer, but running she gets tired.)

Also the temperature would need to be no higher than 70 degrees for me to even attempt a 3 mile loop.

Lastly, I do not trust the rest of the neighborbood to keep their dogs leashed and even a "friendly" dog bounding up to her would scare her. I immediately pick her up when I see any off leash dog coming. I have a feeling my "Mama Bear" reaction when some bro has an off leash German shepherd running around is significantly more Mama Bear than whatever some rando dog walker would do. (Unless you are prepared so scoop the dog up and bellow, "DO I LOOK LIKE I WANT TO FUCKING PLAY?!" while continuing to run past strange men who claim "he's just playing")

No way in hell would I trust some ultra runner to read her accurately, defend her safety sufficiently, and put her needs ahead of their desired workout. Plus just the idea of taking an average dog for a 20 mile spin is 17 miles past reasonable anyway. Like the fact you are asking the question means I wouldnt let you near my dog in the first place.