Cavapoos are people pleasers, and just want to be doing what we are doing – all of the time! So if you love to run, guess what, your Cavapoo will too!
So, can you run with your cavapoo? Running is a great form of exercise for your Cavapoo as it is fun and can prevent your dog from becoming overweight. Running does require your Cavapoo to have a certain level of stamina, so you should look to start off with short runs at a slower pace.
Running with dogs is becoming a popular pastime for casual joggers and marathon runners alike. In fact my husband has recently started to take our Cavapoo Rosie on some early morning jogs around the park. And whilst she seems to enjoy it, I was wondering whether there was a thing as too much physical exercise for a dog, and whether taking her on a regular jog was causing her to be over-exerted?
If you are considering running with your Cavapoo, you may want to read this first for some top tips and advice on the safest way to jog with your dog.
Are Cavapoos good to run with?
Dogs can make the best running partners, but it is fair to say that not all breeds of dog will be suited to it.
A Cavapoo is a cross breed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, and depending on which characteristics they have inherited from which parent breed, will determine the size and temperament of your dog.
Our dog Rosie was bred with a Toy Poodle, which means that she is a smaller sized Cavapoo and an excellent family pet. What she lacks in size, however, she more than makes up for in energy and personality.
Whilst a Cavapoo is not known for being as highly active as some energetic dog breeds like Vizslas, Weimaraners, Whippets, Greyhounds and Gun Dogs, they were were born to run and have fun! How far, however, is something that only you as a responsible dog owner can determine based on their age, health and training ability.
Some dog breeds, such as Dachshunds, have little legs which were not build for running and vigorous exercise could do more harm than good. The same goes for dogs with short snouts, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs who may struggle to catch their breath whilst out on a run.
If you are unsure about whether running with your Cavapoo is the right thing to do, then check with your vet to see if jogging will be suitable for them.
Can I run with a Cavapoo puppy?
Running is an absolute no no for dogs that are too young or too old.
Cavapoo puppies that are under the age of a year will still be in the developmental stage and therefore dog running before then could harm their growing bones, leading to long-term health problems.
We recommend waiting until your Cavapoo puppy is at least 12 months old before you begin running with them, but in the meantime you should take time to enjoy other forms of physical exercise with your dog, either around the house or outdoors, such as playing a game of fetch, agility training or free play.
But remember that it’s not just Cavapoo puppies who need gentler exercise; an adult Cavapoo that is older could also suffer joint damage if you take them running.
All Cavapoos need at least 20 minutes of exercise each day, but you may need to adapt how much energy is required depending on the age and health of your dog.
How many miles can my Cavapoo run?
If your Cavapoo is new to running, then you should start off with a training regime in order for them to build up stamina and muscle mass and to get them used to jogging by your side.
Starting off slowly is the key, rather than attempting to run any long distances right away. This could be in the form of a longer daily walk to begin with, before gradually breaking into a jog. Once your dog is comfortable jogging side by side, then you can pick up the pace, extend the intervals and increase the distance. It is natural for a dog to want to run fast, so you will both need to work out a pace to suit all.
Most Cavapoos should be able to comfortably manage a distance of around 5K, providing the training has been built up slowly – alternatively, some dogs may want to stretch their legs and run a bit further. Either way, your canine companion will soon show you signs if they want to slow down or take a break.
If you’re still unsure of how far to run with your Cavapoo and how best to plan your training regime (especially if your dog has little or no experience of running with you), then take a look at our top tips below.
Training your dog how to run
My husband loves running, whilst I detest it! And just like humans, each dog will be different. This is why it is so important to tailor your training regime around your dog’s desires and initial abilities. You should build up slowly and progress from there. It’s also good to talk to your vet before starting any new exercise regimes.
We recommend:
- Before you even begin running with your dog, you make sure that they’re capable of more strenuous exercise and only run for as long as their own stamina allows.
- Do this through taking longer walks together. It is not only a great bonding experience, but it will allow you to see how your dog copes with strolling further.
- Start off with a short 10 minute run, somewhere that is familiar to your dog so that they are not distracted by new sights and smells.
- Gradually increase your distances over a few weeks, but try to alternate between sessions of walking and jogging.
Top tip: If you are unsure on how much to push your Cavapoo, why not try using a fitness app, like ‘Couch To 5K’ to make sure that you build up your dog’s fitness and stamina in an achievable way?
How fast can a Cavapoo run?
Did you know that a Poodle is one of the fastest breeds of dog with a top speed of just over 30mph and are extremely athletic? This is why they were originally bred as water retrievers as their pace and suppleness makes them mighty hunters.
Therefore it should come as no surprise to hear that Cavapoos can run pretty fast too, and whilst their top speed may not be as impressive as their Poodle parent they are able to maintain a decent speed for a sustained period of time.
Depending on the heritage, age and size of your Cavapoo, the average dog can run at a speed of about 15-20mph.
Jogging essentials for you and your dog
If you do decide to run with your Cavapoo, then there are some dog essentials that you will need to take with you. These include:
Plenty of water
This is, without doubt, the most important thing you need to remember to take! As Cavapoos have curly coats, they are prone to overheating when exerting themselves or exercising in hot weather. Therefore, when out running with your dog, you need to ensure that they are getting plenty of water.
Make sure you stop regularly for water breaks and if your dog is panting profusely then you should splash some water over their head and body, and sit them in the shade.
If you are looking for a good water-bottle for running with your dog, then we can recommend the lesotc Pet Water Bottle for Dogs as it is easy to use, lightweight, leak free, can hold a large amount of water and comes with a handy clip to attach to your running belt.
A harness
Keeping your Cavapoo safe while out running is a top priority, and when you are moving energetically then a harness is better than a collar for your dog.
You need to ensure that the harness is the correct size for your dog so that it does not restrict their breathing or chafe their skin when jogging at pace. For information on the best harnesses to buy a Cavapoo, check out our review guide.
A suitable lead
During a run, you want your dog to stay by your side so that you are in control of their movements. Whilst a short leash can be great for this it can also be restrictive for both you and your dog. This is why when it comes to running, we like a hands free dog leash as they absorb your dog’s pulls and have the ability to change direction without causing you to lose balance.
The SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash is great as it comes with a belt for you to securely clip your dog onto, has a shock absorbing bungee and reflective strips too. For advice on the best types of leashes available to buy for a Cavapoo, check out our blog.
Tick protection
It is great to run on different terrain, but if you find yourself in wading through wooded areas or purposefully striding through tall grass, you should ensure that your dog is up to date with all their latest vaccinations and parasite treatments.
It is also a good idea to check their fur after a run too, just in case any uninvited guests decide to hitch a ride into your home.
Poo bags
Dogs are like kids and love to embarrass their human parents by pooping in inconvenient places. If your dog has not managed to go for a poo before you head out on your run, then it is essential that you are prepared to clean up after your dog.
We take a roll of the Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags out with us as they are strong, easy to put in your pocket and lightly scented too.
Best places to run with your Cavapoo
To begin with, we recommend running with your Cavapoo in familiar places so that they feel at ease. Once your dog has mastered the art of keeping pace, then why not take your pooch off the beaten track on dirt trails or across grassy paths. Not only will this type of terrain be kinder on your dog’s joints but it will be more stimulating for them.
Try and avoid running on tarmac paths if you can as these can seriously hurt your dog’s paws, and will be particularly painful for dogs on hotter days.
If you feel confident with your dogs recall and you know the route well, why not let your dog enjoy some running off-lead too, where they can enjoy the thrill of sniffing and taking in the surrounding nature as it whizzes by.
Best time of day to run with your dog
As we all know, the weather can be pretty unpredictable so picking the best time of day to set out for a run with your dog can be difficult to plan.
Ideally you want to aim for a part of the day where the weather is clear and the breeze is refreshing on the skin. Avoid running on hot days completely and if you can, run in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler.
Likewise avoid bad weather when you and your dog might get soaked through to the skin, and do not run when it snowing or icy, as the ground could be slippery underfoot.
When should I feed my Cavapoo post run?
If you dog is desperate for praise after a run, then wait until their breathing is back to a regular rate and they are not panting with exertion. Of course your dog will want to be rewarded for a job well done, but try to wait a while before piling on the treats.
When it comes to mealtimes, make sure that you plan your run carefully around them, so that your dog is not running with a full or on an empty stomach.
Post jogging care for your Cavapoo
Make sure that you monitor your dog after a run to check that they are breathing and walking normally.
You should check their fur thoroughly for any stray ticks or parasites, and make sure that their paws aren’t raw, scratched, or wounded.
If your dog appears to be limping or have sore muscles after a run, then make sure that you give your furry friend plenty of time to recover. We recommend only doing 1-2 runs a week with your Cavapoo, and mixing them up with lots of different walks and games in between.
Benefits of running with your dog
Every health professional will tell you how great exercise can be for your physical and mental wellbeing. After all, it not only helps to prevent obesity for us and our dogs, but it can increase your stamina too. Plus, it’s even been shown to lift your mood thanks to the endorphins we release when we exercise.
According to vets, pet obesity is a growing problem, so running offers an easy solution to help them to lose weight if their body condition isn’t ideal as well as building muscle, keeping healthy and avoiding expensive vet bills in the future.
In general, running is a great activity for both you and your Cavapoo to partake in, and the good news is that it’s fun, offers a great way to bond with your dog and doesn’t cost you a thing either.
Conclusion
Although we all like to be in the zone when we are pounding the pavements, it is important that we are aware of how are dogs are feeling when we are running together. Look out for signs that they may be tired or unwell, offer them regular water breaks, adjust your pace to match your dog accordingly and pick routes that you will both enjoy.
Dogs are build to run in the great outdoors and the fact they get to do it with you is a double win as far as your Cavapoo is concerned – so why not give running with your dog a try?!