Wednesday, January 6, 2010

For The Dogs

At Sunday's Loper meeting, our speaker discussed a topic that frankly wasn't of much interest to me, but got me thinking nonetheless.

Usually, our meeting revolves around things like running safety, motivation, hydration and other tips for running. Sunday, the meeting was for the dogs. Literally.

Our speaker talked about running with dogs.

It's not that I don't like dogs - I have two dogs myself. And I don't really mind runners who run with their dogs. It's actually kind of cool to see. But the thought of taking one my dogs out for a run is, well, laughable.

Usually, when you see people running with their dogs, it's a big dog. Maybe a German shepherd. A Dalmation. Perhaps a Rottweiler. But a Chihuahua? I think it would be impossible to see me running out on the street with my tiny Chihuahua and not laugh.

Maybe others run with Chihuahuas and look fine. Maybe if I see that - because I can't recall seeing that - I won't think it's necessarily funny. But for me, running with my dog would make me uncomfortable. Aside from the fact that I'd be more worried about the dog staying in front of me or keeping up, I'd feel strange with such a tiny dog in front of me.

But the speaker did say one thing about smaller dogs. When he began to talk about what kinds of dogs are not meant for running long distances, I was certain he would say a Chihuahua. But he did not mention them at all, instead saying that dogs with short snouts like bulldogs aren't really runner dogs. And when he began to say what breeds of dogs make for good running companions, he said toy dogs will surprise you with how much they can run.

That piqued my interest.

Not enough to want to take my dogs out for a run, but enough to at least possibly someday maybe over the summer or when I don't have a race to train for and I want to experience something new... maybe then.

Tevez: Can you pleeeeeeease take me for a run?
LB: No. I'll trip over you. Just run around in the backyard
and dig everywhere like you usually do.


Maybe I'm sounding a bit too harsh on my dogs. I'm actually thinking that if I were to take one of them out for a run (because the thought of both of them in front of me as I try and run is unsettling) they probably would respond well. When we take them on walks, which we don't do enough of, I've actually taken off running with one of them, Rooney, not Tevez. Rooney's got longer legs and looks like he could be a decent runner. And I did at one point consider running with one of them but quickly dismissed it.

Actually, the more I write and the more I think about it, I probably owe it to my dogs to go run with them.

(long pause, re-reads post)

Damn, I think I just talked myself into running with my dogs.

6 comments:

Christy said...

I LOOOOOVE running with my dog, but he's much bigger than yours. He's a hound.

Give it a try. Even if it looks funny, it's good for the dog's well-being anyway!

Angie Eats Peace said...

I tried running with my sister's dog, but she pooped out before the 2 mile mark. I was dragging her for awhile, then ended up having to carry her home.
: /

Maybe you should get a stroller for your dogs, so you can push them in it.
:)

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

Haha, that last bit was classic; are the next pics we're gonna see you out running with the perros?

Unknown said...

Oh how I want to see you running with your dog, if only for the absurdity of it all!

Lissaloo said...

The look on his face is so cute, you better take that cute dog running! When we had a bigger dog, gray lab, hubby would take her jogging with him. She did pretty good but one day she got excited about something on the other side of the street and ran in front of him. Tripped him up, of course it was raining and wet, they were both fine just a little wet and muddy. :)

Kerrie said...

You're right. I bet your dogs will love it. But you probably won't. It's the truth. Unless they are used to running, they'll probably be all over the place...like my dogs. ;)

Actually, it'll probably be a lot of fun...and great blogging material!