Question for dog runners (Read 1178 times)

What type of harness or collar do you guys use? I'm currently using the "Easy Walk Harness" but my vet expressed concern at the way it comes across my dogs chest. She said it may lead to tendonitis later in his life as there is a major muscle group it is laying over. I really like the easy walker, it gives me lots of control over my 75 pound dog who could easily pull 100x his weight, but if I need to switch for his health, so be it. Anyone have any suggestions? sorry, this is an image of the Easy Walk - but I have no idea how to resize it!

I am so very jealous of those of you who can run with your dogs. My old hound mix is more interested in sniffing than running (and gets tired after a mile anyway) ... and the other two dogs are pugs, not a breed known for their long distance running. Enjoy it. I envy you people every time I see it.

I currently use a "Gently Leader" made by the same company as the easy-walk harness. It fits over the nose so I have very good control of my two 65 mutts. Although it looks a bit like a muzzle (and non-dog owners think it is one), it isn't and allows the dog complete freedom of movement (until she pulls, at which point her nose goes toward the ground and she slows down instinctively). It is very safe, and allows you to control dogs of any size. Also, my dogs have learned to associate it with running, which means "no sniffing until after the run!". I also use an adjustable leash that I found at PetSmart that allows me to clip it around my waist. This way I can run hands-free. Good luck!

Wow, I really like the harnesses they have on sporn. Thanks Joe! Eric - running with my dog is great, I wouldn't trade it for the world. But here are 2 downfalls that may make you feel better - 1. I'm so used to running with him, that when I can't take him I get very lonely and 2. I never get a good indication of my time since there's so much stopping for sniffs and pees (at least for the first mile). Cagery and Jeff - Thanks so much for you suggestions. I think I will definitely try out the waist leash in combination with something else. My dog hates his gentle leader (thinks it's some kind of medieval torture device) but your post has given me an idea - perhaps if I reserve the gentle leader just for running, he'll grow to have a postive association with it? Hmmm, might be worth a try. Thanks again!

http://www.tugnomore.com/ check it out!

That tug-no-more thing looks funny. I don't think I would be comfortable running with something around my butt like that! I have a 17lb boston terrier that pulls like she's in the Iditarod and when I take her jogging I try to just use her regular collar. She can only pull so much until she coughs a bit and then she gets the hint. I have heard no-pull harnesses don't really train them not to pull, but just keeps them from pulling while they have them on...so I have been reluctant to use one.

That tug-no-more thing looks funny. I don't think I would be comfortable running with something around my butt like that! I have a 17lb boston terrier that pulls like she's in the Iditarod and when I take her jogging I try to just use her regular collar. She can only pull so much until she coughs a bit and then she gets the hint. I have heard no-pull harnesses don't really train them not to pull, but just keeps them from pulling while they have them on...so I have been reluctant to use one.

That makes sense. We've already put a lot of time in training him not to pull and for the most part he passed his "loose leash" walking test with flying colors. 99% of the time he is right by my side when we're walking or running - I don't let him go more than 2 inches in front of me. My issue with needing so much control is that if he decides to dart after a bunny he can really yank me. I feel like it's more comfy for him to be harnessed and just makes me feel secure...if that makes any sense at all.

I usually just use the flat collar that she normally wears. I started her on a prong collar and really worked on her not pulling at all before I switched to the flat collar. I am lucky in that she is a fast learner and only took a couple of sessions of stopping every time she pulled, to learn not to pull if she wants to go anywhere. Now I can just tap the line a little and she scoots back from the end. Speaking of running with dogs, how many miles do your dogs go. I was just reading an old article in Runner's World, about a blind runner that wants to run a full marathon, but can't do it with his one dog. In the article it mentions that it is hard on the dogs paw. I have gone 20 miles before, and she is still ready to roll at the end of the run.