running a young husky puppy

Question
How young is too young to start running? My 10 week old siberian husky likes to run with me every morning and night. Is this too young? We usually run 2-3 miles each time. He sometimes seems really tired afterward, and other times just wants to play.

Answer
There is no inherent harm in running your dog (without weight, in other words, no pulling) at this age.  It is important however to make sure that you end your run before the dog is tired.  If the dog is tired, you went too far.  If the dog still wants to play, then you are in perfect form.  So, just keep an eye on things and don't push him too far.  I would think that at 10 weeks old, you shouldn't be pushing much past a 15-20 minute run.  Of course, that's a big difference if you run 7 minute miles or 10 minute ones . . . so just take it easy with the pup, let him set a comfortable pace (or let you set it if it's slower!) and have a good time.  If the weather is warm, or the dog starts showing signs of tiring, slow it up for a walk back to the house or car.

Good luck with it and it's great exercise for you and the dog, so enjoy it!  (I've completed three marathons since getting my first Siberian . . . and they definitely help in the training runs!!!)