I have an 8 month old basenji that loves taking walks. Lately she has been trying to run on leash. Is she old enough to start running with me? I have read a lot of forums that differ in age requirements for running. If she is old enough, what is a safe distance that won't put too much strain on her joints/growth plates?

The issue is surface at her age. Road work on pavement is tough on dogs of any age. Breeders here will be able to address this better.

LOL however, on the leash... no pulling allowed! :)
http://www.clickerlessons.com/looseleash.htm

@roffutt1 - I don't run, so not much help, but I would say build up slow, short distance at first... how far do you usually run? And have you talked to her breeder about this?

@tanza I haven't been running in awhile but I normally top out at three miles. I definitely won't try to run my basenji this far though. I was thinking about starting at a mile. I haven't talked to her breeder yet.

my basenji mix is 9 months. i started running 3 miles with her at 7 months. she doesn't need any recovery time but she pulls so much that sometimes my knees don't appreciate it, and that's what i have to gauge when i'm assessing whether to take her on a run or not.

@francesclaude

As I suggested, work on the leash pulling! :) it will make the running so much more enjoyable.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/looseleash.htm

And be sure to take poop bags with you and let her stop and poop - don't force her into a long run without breaks

Thank you all for your advice...I have been running 2 miles with her and working on her leash skills ...she is getting better about pulling. She is a very friendly basenji, she always want to say hi to everyone. !

My Basenjis are 6 and 3. We live in Florida and I usually run with them 1-2, sometimes 3 miles. My run is still just a trot for them, but I let them stop and sniff and potty whenever they need/want, and I just do squats while they do it :). On the 3-milers, I am sure to bring water or let them stop and drink at the beach which is the turn around point. I also wet them down before hand.