Ok, ive mention recently in other threads...uhmm once or twice...(ohh come on dont we all love to talk about our dogs
) how much running the pups are doing now.
One thing thats been in my mind of late was whether there is overkill.
Its like this. With the two pups I have now I happen to live right beside a huge dog park, literally. So from three months (they are now six months) i started taking them there three or four times a day to run. I throw a frisbee or ball, they chase manically, bring it back and i throw again.
Generally in the day theres a couple of dogs that like to play along, regular playmates. Kaya (my bitch) doesnt like to lose anything EVER, so when the other dogs play she raises her level to impossible levels.
Not only does she run at a speed (christ you should see her little legs fly!) that seems utterly beyond the pale for a pup her size as shes small with short little legs, but she runs over, and over and over and over and over.
The last time I was throwing a great bouncing ball for around an hour and a half maybe more, 2 hours. The little machine ran back and forth like a blistering rocket what must have been 80 or 100 throws, so many I really have no idea im guessing here.
Since shes so obsessive about winning (really its no exageration), i sometimes think she would run herself to drop dead limit as opposed to actually allowing another dog to beat her to the ball or frisbee.
The male Moto is more calm also he has a little shoulder problem so although he runs often and fast he takes breaks and paces himself better.
Ive never had a pup that came even close to Kaya in terms of sheer physical outlay and im wondering if theres a limit or if she will do herself harm?
They have had three months of daily running like this in the park, so they are fit beyond the pale. Most of the other dogs collapse into heaps after 20 minutes of trying to out class her but she never stops wanting more.
Is it ok to just keep thowing the thing and let her run as long and hard as she feels like running or should I force a limit on her by ending the game after a period of time.
Ive never heard of a dog dying from over running, but I have to admit after the other day it was entering my mind that maybe just maybe she would drop dead before actually easing up?
I love her running and im immensely proud and amazed by her (shes the star of the park
) but I dont want her to do herself any harm for the love of chasing things and winning!!!
What do you think? Will she limit herself or will she run herself into the ground so long as im willing to throw?