by Rob Fri Feb 03, 2012 3:54 pm
Hi Kirsty,
You should look around your area and see what the surface types are like in those areas that are suitable and safe to run and train your dog. Bitumen surfaces are not recommended, but some gravel surfaces can be just as damaging, and so where ever you choose to run you should be paying close attention to how your dog is responding on that surface. If possible try and vary the surface types the dog runs on, starting with softer surfaces until you and the dog gain some confidence and understanding and you are willing to try some more challenging or tougher surfaces. Never push the dog too hard or fast on a new surface until you observe how the dog responds to it and see if they are comfortable with it first. Only then should you extend the distance or run the dog with a bit more throttle.
If you notice your dog starting to shorten its stride, carrying or leaning more weight to one side then stop and check the dogs pads. Check their pads after every run, or even during a run if unsure. Just dont stop too often or your dog will respond negatively to this as well. Check all 4 paws and look for blown toenails, bleeding, grazed, torn, cut or cracked pads. Pads can also be bruised from running on stoney or marbled surfaces. Check the webbing between the dogs toes, and around the nails also. A nail or pad infection may also cause a dog to run awkwardly so consider this as a possible reason the dog is running uncomfortably.
If the injury is bad then dont try to continue running the dog. Carry some booties with you when you go out and use them if needed. It is good for the dog to get used to wearing them, and makes it easier when you do need to use them. Some dogs that are regularly prone to pad injuries regularly wear them even during training, just dont use them all the time as an alternative to good paw management. Use products like pad paint to toughen softer pads and Derisal or similar for keeping pads supple if needed.
Some dogs are more susceptible to pad injuries than others. It could be in the breeding, due to the running style of the dog, or just the type of surfaces the dog is regularly run on. However it may also mask a more serious joint injury or other medical condition so a recurring problem needs veterinary consultation. If the dog does sustain paw injuries give it a chance to heal for as long as needed before going out again, then reintroduce the dog to softer tracks before moving on to other surfaces again.
I have run dogs on grass, pine needles, beach sand, coarse sand, loamy tracks, coal ash, firm smooth gravel, marbled gravel, stoney gravel, even rocky gravel. Dont recommend the last 3 as suitable, but the dogs become accustomed to handle most surfaces if given the chance. Just take it steady to begin with and read the dogs attitude and reaction.
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