Are Shelties Good Running Partners? 10 Tips For Success

Shelties are excellent running dogs in general but the dog’s age, health status, and overall level of conditioning are important factors to consider. In addition, your Shetland sheepdog needs to have the social skills to feel comfortable on the trail and respond to some basic commands.

In addition to the individual characteristics of the dog, there are some general practices to keep in mind to keep your Sheltie safe on the running trail.

TRAITS THAT MAKE SHELTIES EXCELLENT RUNNING PARTNERS

Athletic and High-Energy

One of the most relevant strengths of the breed is their incontrovertible athleticism and high energy levels. As herding animals, Shetland sheepdogs were bred to be hypermobile and hard-working. So, they are sort of hard-wired for running, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Naturally, it is important to consider the individual traits of your pet, such as age and overall health.

Tolerant Of Warm And Cold Weather

In general, Shetland sheepdogs are very hardy animals when it comes to tolerating weather extremes. Shelties do well in hot dry weather and tolerate the cold, too.

However, it is essential to remember that intense physical activity, such as running, puts even a heat-tolerant dog at risk of overheating on a warm day. Their paws are vulnerable to injury from running on hot surfaces, too. In general, though, Shelties tend to do well on the running trail on warm days, if provided with plenty of water and some rest periods in the shade.

Responsive To Training

Shelties are exceptionally bright dogs and they respond to training very well. It is an important quality because your dog needs to be disciplined and well-behaved on the running trail. She needs to be able to listen to your commands and run beside you and, of course, not be reactive to other runners and dogs on the way.

Shetland sheepdogs are among the most trainable breeds and, apart from any individual behavioral difficulties, your dog is likely to be capable of learning any rules of behavior jogging on the trail requires.

10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SHELTIE COMFORTABLE ON THE TRAIL

1. Condition The Dog

Avoid starting with a long and strenuous running trail:

Begin with a light jogging exercise or some sprinting, which your Sheltie probably enjoys doing anyway.

Help your dog build up strength and stamina, and increase intensity as she tolerates it.
If your pup pants heavily and looks tired, it is okay to revert to lighter activities, at least for some time.

Shetland sheepdogs are athletic animals without question but every dog still needs an individual approach.

2. Consider The Dog’s Age

It makes sense that running could be challenging for an older dog but many loving owners do not realize that puppies should not do too much running either. Their cartilage and joints are growing rapidly at a young age and the rapid growth makes them vulnerable to injury. In addition, very young and old dogs do not regulate their body temperature as well and are at risk for overheating.

Dogs may begin distance running at 1.5-2 years and the upper limit for older dogs depends on their stamina and health.

3. Promote A Healthy Weight

Excess weight is a common problem for household dogs in general. If your Sheltie is overweight, it is going to be harder for her to tolerate distance running.

Physical activity is important for any animal, to help with weight loss in particular. It is important to start with lighter activity for dogs who are deconditioned and overweight and then proceed to more intense forms of exercise if the dog tolerates it.

Monitor what your dog eats, and provide some variety and high-quality foods. Many dog owners do not realize that treats can be very high in calories, so keep an eye on how many calories your dog is getting in treats, especially if they are not particularly nutritious.

4. Screen For Hip Dysplasia And Joint Issues

Both hip dysplasia and arthritis are common conditions in dogs, and it is important to screen for joint issues or at least to watch for any signs of discomfort.

Arthritis is a joint condition that typically develops in older dogs but hip dysplasia develops while the dog is still growing. Screening for hip dysplasia should take place before 1.5-2 years of age. At that point, the condition would become evident, but it would still be early enough for a veterinarian to create an effective treatment plan for your dog. An X-ray is usually sufficient to make a conclusive diagnosis.

Both arthritis and hip dysplasia can be managed. The treatment includes activity modification and some medications for comfort. High-impact activities, such as running, are not recommended for animals affected by either hip dysplasia or arthritis. Swimming is a great sport for Shelties as an energy outlet, especially for dogs with bad joints.

5. Teach Commands

Being obedient is important for any dog to avoid any misunderstandings on the trail, and for the safety of your dog, too. Your Sheltie should not be tempted to eat anything she is not supposed to or react improperly at any other dog or a human passerby.

Knowing the commands also helps control anxiety, because your pet does not have to wonder how to handle any particular situation, instead, the dog just needs to listen to your commands.

6. The Dog Should Run Beside You

“Heel” is a common command owners teach their dogs to control the urge to rush forward and pull on the leash. Most trails have a leash requirement anyway but your pet really should be able to stay by your side rather than rush forward.

Pulling on the leash is a common problem and it may signal a range of issues – from anxiety to curiosity – but it is an issue that could cause problems on the trail. Therefore, it is important to test if your pup stays beside you on the trail and to teach her the new behavior if needed.

7. Read Your Dog’s Cues

Shetland sheepdogs are known for their people-oriented attitude and desire to please their owner. These animals may run past the point of exhaustion because they want to please the owner. That is one of the reasons why it is important to watch your pet carefully when on the trail. The dog may not reveal any fatigue until she collapses.

Some physiologic signs will give away your pet’s fatigue. If the animal is panting heavily, drooling, or showing some gait instability, for example, she may be tired or overheated, which takes us to the next important point.

8. Avoid Running When It Is Hot

Warm and dry days are generally fine for outdoor activities with Shetland sheepdogs. However, even heat-tolerant animals benefit from the cautious choices of the owner.

If you are taking your Sheltie for some distance running, pick a day that is not too hot. Humidity is also a factor to consider: most dogs do better with dry rather than humid weather.

If you are outdoors on a warm day, try to go in the morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Allow your furry friend rest time in the shade and, of course, have plenty of water for her.

Please read our port on keeping dogs cool in summer.

9. Run On Grassy Or Ground Trails

Compared to asphalt trails, ground trails or grass are more comfortable for dogs to run on for a couple of reasons:

Soil and grass absorb shock and are easier on your dog’s joints (your joints, too);
On hot and cold days your dog’s paws will be much more comfortable on grass or ground than on asphalt. Those surfaces help prevent burns and frostbite.

10. Provide Water

It is easy to forget to check if a new trail has drinking fountains or other amenities.

Always make sure your pup has access to water, especially when running or going on some other adventure. Bring along a water bottle for the dog and remind her to drink.