Running with Eli: My Border Collie’s Mission
to Tire Me Out (Send Help)
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Okay, dog parents, let’s get real for a second: if you’ve ever lived with a Border Collie (or any high-energy pup), you know they basically have one goal in life—wear you out. Meet Eli, my personal furry energizer bunny, who seems to think that rest is a myth and that I should be running marathons daily. As much as I adore his boundless spirit, it’s driving me nuts, so I’ve finally decided to take him running. Yes, you read that right. Lord, help me.
Here’s my game plan (and feel free to laugh or pray for me): we’re going to attempt regular runs together. I’ll be sharing the chaos (I mean progress) on Instagram @ValsBarkery, so if you want to see me huffing and puffing behind Eli as he gracefully sprints into the distance, you know where to look. But before you follow along on this adventure, let me give you some tips on running with your own dog, especially if you’ve got a little four-legged tornado like mine.
1. Is Your Dog Ready to Run? (Because Eli’s Been Ready Since Birth)
Before we get started, let’s clear something up. Not every dog is Eli. Not every dog wakes up ready to run a 5K before breakfast, zoom around the house during lunch, and chase squirrels all afternoon. But if your dog’s got some of that crazy energy, they might be ready for running too!
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- Breed Matters: Some breeds, like Border Collies (hi, Eli) or Labs, were born to run. Others, like Bulldogs or American Staffordshire Terriers (#ValoryDoesntRun), not so much. Make sure your pup is built for the task!
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- Age Check: Puppies? Nope. We’re waiting until they’re fully grown before making them our running buddies. And if your dog is getting older, they might prefer a cozy nap over a jog (which, let’s be real, I envy).
- Get the Vet’s Blessing: Eli is in peak condition (no surprises there), but if you’re unsure about your dog’s health, always check with your vet before starting any fitness routines. Safety first!
2. Start Slowly (Wish Me Luck on That One)
I can already hear Eli laughing at me as I say this, but for most dogs, you’ll want to start slow. If your pup has never run alongside you, don’t expect them to pull off a half-marathon on day one. (Unless they’re Eli, in which case… brace yourself.)
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- Build Endurance: Start with short walks or jogs, then increase the time and distance gradually. No one—dog or human—should go from couch potato to marathoner overnight. (Although Eli’s stamina is making me question that…)
- Watch for Fatigue: Eli may think he can run forever, but even dogs need a break. If they start to slow down or pant excessively, it’s time to call it a day. Spoiler: this will probably happen to me before it happens to Eli.
3. Gear Up: Because Running with a Wild Dog Requires Strategy
If you think you can just grab a leash and go, let me stop you right there. Eli has already taught me that a little planning goes a long way when dealing with a dog who thinks life is a constant sprint.
- Harness or Collar: Invest in a sturdy harness or collar. Eli is still young and pulls like the dickens so below is the collar I ordered. And a hands-free leash might be my saving grace here. It’ll let me hold on for dear life while pretending I have some control.
- Water (For Both of You): Hydration is key. I’ll be carrying a collapsible water bowl because, knowing Eli, I’ll need to keep him hydrated in between his zoomies. (I’ll probably need the water more than him, though.)
- Dog Booties: If you’re running on rough or hot terrain or the upcoming cold, protect those paws! Eli will likely roll his eyes at me, but we’ve got to keep those fast feet in good shape.
4. Safety First: Because I Can’t Have Eli Outsmarting Me (Again)
The goal here is to tire Eli out, not give him heatstroke. So we’ll be keeping these safety tips front of mind:
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- Paw Check: If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. I’ll be sticking to early mornings or late evenings to avoid melted shoes… and paws. In the cold you want to make sure their paws don’t chafe and crack so when it starts snowing I will be sticking to the hottest time of day.
- Breaks Are a Must: Look, I’ll be the first one needing breaks (who are we kidding?), but it’s important to stop regularly and offer water. Overheating is no joke, especially for our energetic pups.
- Leash Etiquette: I’m sure Eli would love to chase every squirrel and cyclist we pass, but that’s not happening. We’re sticking to a leash and practicing good behavior. Wish me luck.
5. Trail Running with Eli? Maybe Someday…
I can dream, right? Someday, maybe I’ll be a seasoned runner with Eli beside me, conquering trails like pros. But for now, we’re keeping it simple and running the same old known route. If you do venture into trail running with your dog, watch for uneven ground and wildlife—because trust me, your dog will notice before you do.
6. Post-Run Care: Eli’s Gonna Need a Nap (Please, Dear Dog)
After our runs, it’s important to cool down. Eli might still be bouncing around, but I’ll definitely be slowing us down to walk the last few minutes, offering water, and checking his paws for any wear and tear.
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- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: I’ll have to make sure my running partner drinks plenty of water after his run—because I certainly will be chugging mine!
- Rest Time: I’m hoping Eli will take his well-earned nap after our runs, but who knows? This might just give him more energy to zoom around the house later.
7. Wish Me Luck (And Follow Along for the Madness)
Okay, folks, I’m about to start running with my overly energetic Border Collie, and I’m not sure who’s going to come out on top here. Will I finally wear him out? Will he continue to outpace me forever? Only time will tell. Watch my Instagram for updates on how this goes (it’ll either be a triumph or a train wreck), and feel free to send your encouragement (or prayers).
Let’s just hope this is the start of a beautiful, exhausting running adventure. Stay tuned, and may the dog-parenting gods be with me. 🐾
Or I’m just going to call it a day and splurge on a doggy treadmill, watch the insta for the outcome @ValsBarkery…