Nala did great on the first bike ride it was only about 20 minutes and the same run again an hour later we averaged 9 mph I was wondering how quickly do dog usually improve their endurance? I don't want to run her too hard because then she won't like it anymore. I do slow down when I notice her falling behind and give her little pep talks lol am I on the right track? Is I normal for a husky to get winded so quickly or does she just not enjoy it?

How old is Nala? Tika is a bit lazy some days, rollerblading she can go about 6km and the last half starts lagging behind. Biking she isnt the wildest about, but I can do about 3k with her before she's done.
I have found the heat too plays a part, both ours are much more winded in the summer obviously.

Well it was about 60 degrees F and she seemed pretty happy while we were running Im just really paranoid about how I'm raising her cuz it's my first dog all others have been the responsibility of other family members. She's a year old To answer your question

My dogs, like Kelly's, slow down after about 3k.

Quote :

I was wondering how quickly do dog usually improve their endurance? I don't want to run her too hard because then she won't like it anymore.

Ripley took about 3 months to be able to go from 3Km to 6Km. We have a quick stop / rest every 1Km.

She was a bit out of shape when we got her, in terms of our endurance, and so I would work her a lot less then Tika.

Quote :

I don't want to run her too hard because then she won't like it anymore. I do slow down when I notice her falling behind and give her little pep talks lol am I on the right track?

You really shouldn't have to worry about them not liking it. The breed itself is made to run and is made to work / do a job. When they have purpose or are in that working mindset they tend to be on their best behavior and well adjusted.

I've also yet to meet a Husky who didn't love to flat out run, tongue out, ears back, as often as it could .


If you notice Nala lag a bit behind or start to get tired take a little break for water or just to smell the flowers.

Watch her body language and she will tell you when she is done or tired.

Quote :

Is I normal for a husky to get winded so quickly or does she just not enjoy it?

A low energy breed can sometimes have copious amount of energy, the inverse is true as well.... You could just have a more relaxed Husky on your hands. Give it time and she might get a bit more fit and surprise you.

If not she could just be a bit lower energy then most.... This might not be a bad thing

Quote :

Im just really paranoid about how I'm raising her cuz it's my first dog all others have been the responsibility of other family members.

We all have to start somewhere, best advice I can give is just learn to read her. She is the only one who can even come close to informing you into what she is thinking and once you have that bond and respect down you'll know her limits and habits in no time.

Enjoy it, and have fun,
~Chris~

Thanks, Chris

I'm glad nala is high energy because she's whipping me into shape, as for her being lower energy I don't think that's the case I just ran her again today and he did much better both cooperating and her endurance we both got pretty burnt out r atleast I did. I guess both of us building our stamina on the same level might mean se won't be too motivated and we won't catch a spill.... I can't wait to start hitting trails with her on weekends.

Do you think shell be able to focus on a hiking trail if se can focus on a busy sidewalk?

Quote :

Do you think shell be able to focus on a hiking trail if se can focus on a busy sidewalk?

Trail is harder. There are a lot more smells and prey in the area to root out. To focus and be beside you the whole time while on a hike might take a lot of work at first.

Using my own as an example, they tear around smelling everything they can. We let them to a point, but they know we'll keep walking if they try and investigate or fixate on something too long, prompting advancement.


Like anything with enough time they will start to get your Pace and commands. Working on Leave its and On bys can help a lot when out walking, at least it has in my experience, for those types of situations.

~Chris~

Can I ask what you mean by biking? Is she just tied to your bike and you're pedalling with her running beside you? What age can you start, we know that walking isint going to be enough for Milla and would like for her to be able to get more speed - this could be a good way to go about it. How do you go if they suddenly stop?

WELL I TIE IT TO MY POST AND SHE JUST JOGS NEXT TO ME, IT'S RELATIVELY EASY IF YOU GET YOUR DOG IN THE HABIT OF WALKING NEXT TO YOU RATHER THAN PULLING YOU, BUT IT ISN'T RECOMMENDED TO TAKE A DOG RUNNING UNTIL THEY'RE ABOUT A YEAR OLD... JUST MAKE SURE YOU GOT A GOOD LENTH LEASH ABOUT 6 FEET AND HARNESS SO YOU DON'T CHOKE THEM, AS PREVIOUSLY STATED YOU WANT TO GET THE DOG USED TO COMMANDS LIKE LEAVE IT.. YOU'LL GET THEM TO IGNORE A LOT OF THINGS AND NOT STOP SO MUCH WHEN THEY LEARN THE COMMAND. THE WAY I TRAINED NALA TO "LEAVE IT" I JUST KEPT WALKING WHETHER SHE STOPPED OR NOT AND RIGHT BEFORE SHE FELT THE JERK OF THE LEASH RUNNING OUT OF SLACK I WOULD SAY "LEAVE IT" LATER ON SHE STARTED TO RELATE THE TERM TO THE JERKING MOTION.. I WOULD SAY DON'T MAKE ANY SHARP TURNS TO THE SIDE YOUR DOG IS ON... FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, AND ALWAYS GIVE A CETAIN COMMAND WHEN TURNING A CERTAIN DIRECTION SO THEY CAN BEGIN TO PREDICT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT..


WHEN YOU TIE THE LEASH TO YOUR BIKE HAVE A LOOP OF SLACK GOING TO YOUR HAND... AND GRIP IT A LONG WITH YOUR HANDLEBAR, DON'T EVER WRAP IT AROUND YOUR HAND.. THIS GIVE SOME ABSORBTION TO ANY JERKING THE DOG MAY DO, AND ALLOWS YOU TO FEEL HER PULL AS THE LEASH SLIDES THROUGH YOUR HAND..

There is also the Walky-Dog bike attachment you can look into.

I know Melissa did or still uses it, and Kelly swears by it.


Walky Dog

Quote :

What age can you start

We like to encourage all strenuous activities to start around 1 year. Running, Hiking, Biking, ect.

Quote :

How do you go if they suddenly stop?

You feel the tension on the leash and you slow down. With the walky dog it will start to feel like you are driving through mud.... Those are Kelly's words.

~Chris~

Yep, still have both Walky Dogs and I can't bike without it! I definitely prefer it over the springer, but that's just me. I have some videos of the pups biking with it if you want to know what it looks like.

I would suggest investing in that thing they were talking about I don't have te money and this method works well for me. I honestly think her previous owner had her on a good routine because she is very very good. So with my amateur method.. Results may vary but remember you weigh more than your dog and are smarter keep your reflexes up and you'll be ok do t ever relax as enjoy the cruise.

Thanks everyone, will work on her leave it commands until shes old enough

Best of luck, Stacy and (or) Sam