Author Archive
Measuring Temperature
Posted by: | Comments
I recently found some notes I’d taken earlier this year, about how hot Guinness became when I was running with him. How did you measure that, I hear you ask. Well, the only way to accurately take a dog’s temperature is rectally.
While we were running I stopped and took his rectal temperature every 5 minutes. He was less than impressed. I was a bit worried about people thinking I was weird, so I tried to do it behind a bush. I’m not sure this helped. What would you think if you saw someone behind a bush, having a close look at their dog’s bottom?
Cani-Cross
Posted by: | Comments
I have been reading a bit about Cani-Cross lately, a great running dog sport that is popular in the United Kingdom.
Cani-cross is cross-country running with your dog for all breeds, any size, big or small. In the UK there are organized events and races for you and your dog(s) to run together.
The running can be done with a conventional collar and lead but it is easier for you and your dog if you use a cani-cross belt for you, a cani-cross harness for your dog and a cani-cross bungee elastic lead connecting you and your dog. The belt means that your arms can swing freely and naturally; the harness is attached to the dog’s powerful chest rather than its neck and the elasticity of the lead absorbs sudden surges by the dog.
Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run Race Report
Posted by: | Comments
Caloundra foreshore fun run is definitely one of my favourite fun runs, not only is the event dog friendly it also is one of the most scenic runs I have been to. Starting at Jensen Park Pelican waters and along the Esplanade, passing Golden beach, Kings beach, Shelley beach and ending at Moffat and Dicky beach you truly get to see the best of Caloundra in all its beauty!
A gorgeous sunny day had me and Girl (Blue heeler) running at a nice steady pace and stopping for many drinks at the stations provided. My absolute favourite view of this run is approaching the finish line on the top of the hill near Moffat beach. I couldn’t help myself I had to stop and take a picture.
Heat Stress
Posted by: | Comments
I recently read a message from a friend who is a veterinary nurse. They had a dog admitted to hospital with heat stroke. The owner was taking it for a walk in the middle of the day. Now, you could argue that a walk shouldn’t be a big deal, but this is Queensland. The middle of the day is very hot, and often humid. Dogs can’t sweat to dissipate heat, they rely on panting and evaporation of water from their tongue. It makes sense that when it’s humid, evaporation doesn’t happen as much.
Why I Won’t Do an Endurance Test With Guinness
Posted by: | Comments
I’ve been thinking for a while about doing an endurance test with Guinness. They are held in the winter months, and are a way of testing a dog’s fitness and endurance. The dogs have to run 20km, but it is broken up into an 8km, 6km and 6km runs. Between each run there’s a 15 minute break, and a vet check. At the end of the event, another vet check and basic obedience test is performed to make sure the dogs are physically and mentally okay. If the dog passes the test then they are entitled to have the letters “ET” after their name. I thought, given that I’m spending a chunk of my time talking about running with dogs, it would add a little to my credibility, but I don’t think so.
A Treadmill for your Dog!
Posted by: | Comments
I am the proud owner of a treadmill, and I love it when it’s too hot, too rainy or just too inconvenient to get out for a run. It doesn’t do my dog any good, but it keeps me fit.
You may be surprised to learn that treadmills are now available for dogs, for the times when it’s not good for them to go out for a run. This could be because of the snow, or because of the heat – as we find here in Queensland at this time of year.
While they are probably good for keeping a dog lean and fit, I’m sure they are dead boring. If it wasn’t for the movies I borrow from the video store, I’d be bored on the treadmill too. My dogs love to sniff and explore as they run, and they can’t do that on a treadmill. Still, if it’s the only way they can exercise, then fair enough.
