Does anyone go running with their cairns? I started a running program today, and I took Coconut along. Since it was relatively easy (well, in theory, anyway-- I am so out of shape, so it was NOT easy for me! ) - alternating 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of brisk walking for a total of 20 minutes -- I thought she'd have no problem. However, about halfway through, she was lagging behind and panting like crazy. I felt terrible! Since it was about halfway through, I had to finish, but walked the rest. Is running distances something cairns can be conditioned to do, or are they just not good running companions?

I think she just needs to be conditioned. If she is not used to it she needs to get into shape, just like people. Scooter used to pant, lag behind and sometimes lay down while hiking. I would let him rest a lot and we started with short hikes, now he can do a 6-7 mile hike without a problem and he has done 15 miles with ease.

Make sure you bring along water for her as well. I would start slowly with her, I think she will be a fine running partner but just remember how small her legs are compared to yours.

I tried to educate myself about the breed before we recieved Archie. I read in one book that since the breed has 'short' legs they are not good distance walking dogs. However, like Jessica said, if you condition Coconut, she should be fine. I to have started walking Archie every night it doesn't rain (I live in Louisiana). I thought he got enough exercise running in the backyard but I have wised up that my chubby little furkid needs more exercise. He's like 26 pounds. He is a taller Cairn, purebred, but much taller than some I have seen. But that is besides the point. I am too needing the exercise so I figure Arch and I can condition together . IMO it should be gravy if you just steadily build up the time and distance.

I have read that generally speaking, Cairns are not cut out to be good running/jogging companions. If you want to try it out with yor dog you

I have read that generally speaking, Cairns are not cut out to be good running/jogging companions. If you want to try it out with your dog you must take the time to get him into condition, as mentioned previously. If a dog lies down when you stop, that's a pretty clear sign that it's fatigued.

If a dog lies down when you stop, that's a pretty clear sign that it's fatigued.

Exactly, like I said Scooter would lay down while hiking (granted it was hot out) but the more and more I conditioned him he is usually rearing to go the whole time now. I am not sure about running because I never go running even though he runs the entire hike. I do know that Scooter is completely different when on the pavement though than he is on the trails or dirt roads. Not sure why?

I started out with 2 miles hikes and he has done 15 miles. I think it is just like people, when I started hiking I used to have to rest more than Scooter and I still have too

You really should not run with dogs in hot weather - they are not as efficient in cooling their bodies as we humans. After all, they have all that fur all over them and they don't sweat like we do. More than one dog has been know to die because they were playing and running too hard in hot sun - they don't always have the sense to know their own limits either.

In hot weather run in the morning or evening when it's cooler.

My guess would be that extended running would not be too good for a Cairn. Let's face it those are really short legs! Probably, best to just add in a few short runs to your walking routine. Walk a while, then run for a short distance, then back to walking, etc, etc.---

I can jog with scotty...b/c he s pretty big for a cairn (hes not fat or anything just built bigger) but we don't jog very long ...its more like we jog for a while and then we walk most of it....neither one of us are in shape enough to jog for a long distance lol