Reviewed: My Dog as a Running Partner 

Reviewed: My Dog as a Running Partner 

After a nearly two-year test run, I’m pretty sure I can provide a truthful and accurate assessment of my dog as a running partner. It’s impossible to be completely detached from the process, since he is constantly following me around. So, I waited until he slunk off to the sofa for a post-run nap, then googled-up some criteria on selecting a proper training partner. I applied the suggested list to my first-hand experience with the test subject. All very official stuff, for sure. 

Subject: Indy; a/k/a Indiana Bones. 2-year old Shepherd mix. 

Evaluation period: June 2022 – present 

Background: 

Indy found us weeks after the very sudden and dramatic loss of Daisy the Wonderdog; arguably the best running dog. Ever. 

At the time, I was zero percent ready or interested in having another dog join the family. Especially not a 14lb Shepherd mix with paws the size of baseball mitts. But, here we are. And, here is my completely unbiased and honest review. 

Reliability

Since he lives with me, this one’s a layup. High marks, for sure, but this one is clearly weighted in his favor. Would he show up on time and ready to run if he lived in another location? Hard to say, but I can only go with the fact that he is indeed here every day. Guy doesn’t even own a watch, but if you’re not out the door and running by 7:00am, he’ll let you know it’s time to get up and out the door. Score: 5/5

Shared Goals and Interests
Well… he does love to run, so there’s that. We also both enjoy food. He seems to appreciate the same music, and we both enjoy meeting other dogs and people along the run. However; sticks, squirrels, dead things, trash cans, mysterious stains, light poles, and most bushes, etc., are of little interest to me. Score: 4.5/5 

Compatible Pace

For the most part, yes. At 98.5lbs and basically wearing a full body sweater, Indy’s not exactly cut out for tempo work or longer distances. But, for easy days or recovery runs he’s a pretty good partner. See above “Shared Goals and Interests” for items that may result in stops and starts along any given route or distance. Score: 4/5

Flexibility

This one’s going to really impact the overall score. This guy is completely unreasonable. Here’s why I’m grading hard here: On the days I don’t want to run, Indy is insufferable unless provided with the opportunity. Like, dude won’t even go outside to do his own “business” on a rainy day unless we leash up, lace up and go run. Ridiculous.

Score: 1/5

Communication Skills

Excellent listener (most of the time), and communicates efficiently and effectively when he’s ready to take care of “business.” Can’t go 5/5 here, since he’s only a fair conversationalist and responds poorly to simple questions such as, “what’s in your mouth?” or “why are you wet?”

Score: 4/5

Despite the average marks, his attitude and enthusiasm are intangibles that outweigh the more rigid, traditional grading scale. Despite the seemingly always muddy feet, year-round shedding (why is he not bald at this point!) and his ability to find a discarded chicken wing on nearly  any route, he is indeed a good boy. Highly recommended. Would run with again. In fact, will have to. 

Overall Score: 10/5