John
I am planning to walk the Oxfordshire Way in the spring. It's 70 miles and I'm going to do it over 7 days, so not too strenuous. I am planning to take Thistle with me, she's a fit, active 2 and a half year old lab. I thought she would be fine, but my husband is worried it would be too much for her particularly as she is one of those 'run 3+ miles for every 1 miles your owner walks' sort of labs. I would be grateful for your opimion, and if I should make any special preparation.
Anyone else's 2 penny worth also gratefully received
Many Thanks
Jane

I spent a week in the Lake District with my Lab some years ago, probably did at least 10 miles a day, I just put her on a long lead for the main part of the walks (except near water or I may have got a bit wet!) and she loved it. She was a fit and active 5 yr old (and not a small Lab at 5 and 1/2 stone).

I am sure Thistle will have a great time, you know your dog best

Hayley

(Have fun!)

10 miles in a day is not a great distance but 70 miles is. It's a cumulative thing. I imagine you will do a certain amount of "Conditioning" for it, gradually increasing the distances you walk before you start the walk proper and she will need the same sort of conditioning.

Also how you walk her would have a bearing on it. I remember doing a 25 mile charity walk some years ago with three year old and six year old Labs The six year old walked to heel the whole of the way and the three year old investigated every smell, every blade of grass on the way. Kept running in front then running back, she must have covered nearly thirty miles in the first fifteen! She was dead on her feet by the end but the older dog was as fresh as a daisy! If she is not good at walking to heel I would keep her on the lead for the first day or so. She will soon figure that walking to heel is the best way to travel!!

Best wishes, John

John and Hayley
Thistle is exactly the sort of dog your 3 year old was John. I will do as you suggest on the 'building up condition' front and keep her on the lead some of the time so she's getting a break sometimes. It also might be worth thinking about a day off for her. I could get someone to collect her and take her home for a day half way through the week.

Thanks again
Jane