Running with whippet

Question
QUESTION: I am getting a 9-month old wippet. I am also training for a marathon. I know I
can't take him on long distance runs right away but will I eventually be able to
if I gradually increase the milage or are they only sprinters (as opposed to
long distance runners). Also, how old does he have to be before I can start
running with him. Can you maybe refer me to a book that deals with these
issues, such as what food he should eat if he is training with me, and how
much mileage increase is reasonable, etc. Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Julien
I've not heard of whippets being used in long distance running. From speaking with several whippet breeders and trainers, I've found the general consensus to be that long distance running on hard surfaces such as asphalt or side walk can cause tendon, ligament and possible joint problems, as these dogs are made for very short, very fast bursts of speed.
A whippet can start running and training at pretty much any age but again I would think long and hard before asking a great deal of endurance from any dog, especially an immature one like yours.
I'm enclosing a website that I believe will help you a great deal, and I'm also suggesting you contact the whippet club in your area and a good lure coursing club. Make sure your fences are at least six feet, these dogs are incredible jumpers and they yearn for freedom. Choose a good quality premium food such as wellness, natural balance, Flint River, Eagle Pack, Canidae. If you're going to be training this dog he will need to be on a very high protein performance food as Whippets have high metabolisms anyway. As always stay away from corn. soy. wheat. by products and chemicals. Remember that these dogs can be very sensitive to any kind of chemical, from anesthesia, to flea treatments care must be taken. I much prefer natural forms of EVERYTHING for Whippets and other breeds of sighthounds, due to their super sensitivity. Also do remember that these dogs get cold easily and have fragile skin.
Take good care of him and he will be an unbelievably loyal, fun pet to have. Here's the websitehttp://www.netpets.com/~cwalliance/racetraining.htm


Good luck
Cindi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much Cindi.
Just a few more questions though:

1. Are you saying that I should never run, for instance, 12 miles with my whippet even if it is on a soft trail? Is 6 miles on a soft trail ok? (this would be done maybe once a day, everyday).

2. If so, how old does he have to be 12 mo.?

3. Is there such things as strength training, stretches or massage techniques that can prevent running injuries for dogs (as there are for humans)? If so can you recommend a book, website?

4. That website you suggested earlier was great, but is there something (maybe a book) more specific to jogging or training for a human race with a dog, as opposed to lure coursing?

5. Can you also recommend something about what the exact protein, calories requirements are needed depending on the amount of exercise he gets?

Thank you again for you knowledge,

Julien

Answer
Hi Julien
I have to say that I honestly do not know what your dog would be comfortable running distance wise. I would start him out slowly , increase gradually and see how comfortable he is.
I would also contact your local Whippet breed club and speak specifically to people who lure course and train Whippets. Dog people usually love helping and giving advice and they will be a wonderful source of information.
I would at least wait until he's a year if not two. I personally would feel more comfortable if he were my dog trying long distances after two years old when he is completely finished growing and an adult in every way.
You can try Running With Your Dog by John Sanford. It's on Amazon.com now starting at $2.20 http://www.amazon.com/Running-Your-Dog-John-Sanford/dp/0877141258
There are several great websites to help with stretching and massage techniques. Check these out :http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/dog_stretching.html

www.geocities.com/animal_rehabilitation/Sil_Injury_Prevention_2005.pdf

http://siriusdog.com/canine-massage-stretching.htm

Now for the feeding issue. That's such a complex question and it will vary from dog to dog,depending on your dog's size etc. He will need to be fed a very high protein food and often,. in small amounts. I think you likely will have to experiment to see what works for him. Make sure you use meat based, and no chemicals wheat, soy corn or by products. You might want to consider BARF or even cooking for your dog.
Also joing this web group for TONS of information and dialoge along with a lot of advice and interaction with other experienced whippet owners.
http://groups.msn.com/wwarchives/archivespage3.msnw
There's just unfortunately no way that I can give you an exact number of calories that your dog will need to perform and stay healthy. Also do remember to wrap or boot your dogs feet during training.
I hope you find this information helpful., Good luck in your endeavor :)
Cindi