We live on a ranch at the base of a mountain, my EMs are great. A little bigger than you are looking for, but I too am a runner. I have started to train my female (she is better on a lease) to run with me. We do short jogs down the drive. As they continue to grow, we will expand the training. I am hoping by 24 months, she can run to the mailbox and back with me (13 miles), it maybe a jog and walk. With the giants, you really want to watch the extra training of running. Their bones and joint need time to develop properly.
They are wonderful for protection. We walk the fence lines and they know our pastures versus the neighbors, the gate, the corrals, etc. They also are wonderful at keeping the coyotes, pronghorn, deer, elf, other dogs, etc. away from the house with one or two rare barks. Since they are still pups, I am not sure if they would attach or lick anything that came closer to them. We will have to wait and see. They are also learning hand commands. This way if someone/something comes through the door or on the property, we do not have to vocally let them know if it is ok or to protect us.
They are wonderful for protection. We walk the fence lines and they know our pastures versus the neighbors, the gate, the corrals, etc. They also are wonderful at keeping the coyotes, pronghorn, deer, elf, other dogs, etc. away from the house with one or two rare barks. Since they are still pups, I am not sure if they would attach or lick anything that came closer to them. We will have to wait and see. They are also learning hand commands. This way if someone/something comes through the door or on the property, we do not have to vocally let them know if it is ok or to protect us.
