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Running with your dog (Read 716 times)

    Hi Everyone, I'm new to RA, a recent convert from CoolRunnings, and currently in Week 6ish of C25K. I've been doing my running at the gym on a TM but eventually, probably post-C25K, I would like to move my runs outside. I have an 18 month old boxer/lab mix with a TON of energy who I would like to train to accompany me on my runs but every time I've tried she drags me along too fast...she does fine walking on a leash, but as soon as I start to jog she thinks it's a game to see who can run the fastest (uh...hands down, she's the winner). Curious what others have done to train their dogs to run with them. Once she's running OK on a leash I'll probably take the leash away and let her run free but at the moment she's not quite disciplined enough to stay with me.
    2009 Goals:
    PR 5K (Ha, current 43:10)
    Run a 10K
    Meet Seasonal Weight Loss Challenges
    Complete my first Sprint Tri
    Purdey


    Self anointed title

      Mine just seems to stay with me. Although I have to leave her at home for anything longer than about 8 miles or she starts to drag towards the end. Great way to tire her out though! Btw mine is a yellow Lab..... called.... "Purdey".

       

       

        Welcome Smile I had the same problem when I started running with my dog. He would jump up and try to keep me from running, then he'd realize I wasn't stopping and race ahead pulling my down the street. Slowly he learned what to do. I used alot of praise when he'd trot beside me and then stop the minute he'd pull ahead. Eventually he understood. I also used treats (he'll do anything for treats) at the beginning and tapered those off. I run very slow right now so for him (bernese mountain dog) it's a good pace. A Boxer mix obviously has more energy...haha. Maybe try to tire him out first (fetch or whatever you usually do) ...good luck and have fun!!
          My pup is now 15 months old and runs with me several times a week. He's awesome now. We had a lot of struggles when he first started. He would pull, chase leaves, dash in front of me (I've gone down twice because of him). The biggest problem now is other dogs and peeing on everything. I ended up getting the "gentle lead nose harness". It works great! He doesn't pull me anymore at all. It's taken months and months of snapping him back saying "leave it" and "heel" over and over again. He's finally realizing that running is business and not playtime. You have to be firm and consistent with them and it will pay off. There's nothing more irritating to me than those people with little dogs on those cable leashes that let them rule the world. Roll eyes good luck! MTA: I also want to add, the more you run with your dog, the calmer they will become.
            I just got a 9 month puppy and am going through the same stuff. She has a ton of energy but doesn't focus at all. She goes after EVERYTHING. I got a 9 dollar harness at walmart with padding that goes underneath her legs and it has dramatically improved her pulling. 3 people in a span of 2 days recommended it to me. She is still a bit all over the place, but it is much easier to keep her on track. I cant wait to get her to learn to heel! Good luck Smile


            Giants Fan

              I would love to train my dog to run with me, not sure I have the patience. He is a 9 month old mutt. Sweet dog, super high energy...maybe my next short,short run I should try and take him....you guys have me thinking its possible.

              "I think I've discovered the secret of life- you just hang around until you get used to it."

              Charles Schulz

                My dog used to be totally "WHACKY' when I took him for runs (usually take him a few time per week and my son takes him on the other days)..... Then one day my wife bought a GENTLE LEADER, which attached to the leash but wraps around his neck and also his snout.......then with one simple tug, you can gain control (because it tighttens around the snout and they give in FAST).....You wont believe how much more calm he will be with the Gentle leader....I recommend you go to the pet supply store and have them show you one....It wll make a HUGE difference in how he acts...My dog is part pointer and part Springer..tons of energy and he really can be contrlled with the Gentle Leader...JohnA

                Champions are made when no one is watching


                1983

                  I run every day with my 2 dogs, one lab and one golden retreiver. The golden stays glued in position, just to my left and slightly behind. The lab likes to be a little in front. I keep them each on a regular leash. For the lab I use a standard chain choke collar. I don't need one with the golden. It is all in the training....I'm not a dog trainer or even pretend to know much about it. But I do know that it requires repetition, repetition repetition with a good dose of consistency thrown in. If I don't run for a while the lab kind of forgets his place. It just takes a couple of good corrections with the choke collar and he figures out what his limits are. It might help to talk with someone who understands dog behavior so that you make sure that what you do and how you do it fit within the parameters of how dogs process things.
                  Favorite quote: Stop your crying you little girl! 2011: Mt Washington, Washington Trails, Peaks Island, Pikes Peak.
                    Please check with your vet before running with your dog. Keep in mind that they are wired to please - they can't tell you that their belly hurts or that they are tired or that their hip is sore. Also, you have state of the art shoes and they are literally running with bare feet. Finally, remember that they don't sweat, so the only way to regulate heat is to pant. So, while they are trying to gulp oxygen to keep up with you they are also trying to cool down.

                    2008 Goals

                    Run Jax Bank 12/21/08 under 4 minutes (1st marathon)
                    5K 23.99
                    10K 50.40
                    1/2 1:52
                    Manage injuries so I can stick to training plan
                    Make healthy food choices


                    1983

                      Please check with your vet before running with your dog. Keep in mind that they are wired to please - they can't tell you that their belly hurts or that they are tired or that their hip is sore. Also, you have state of the art shoes and they are literally running with bare feet. Finally, remember that they don't sweat, so the only way to regulate heat is to pant. So, while they are trying to gulp oxygen to keep up with you they are also trying to cool down.
                      Good points! When I get up in the morning and the dogs are panting already (from heat and humidity) they stay home even though they are begging to go. Vets can also usually recommend someone local who can assist in the training. Mine did.
                      Favorite quote: Stop your crying you little girl! 2011: Mt Washington, Washington Trails, Peaks Island, Pikes Peak.


                      jfa

                        My dog has gone over 800 miles with me this year. I swear by the "Sporn" harness that eliminates pulling immediately. He didn't like having anything on his nose like the gentle leader. Dog's bones are still forming up until 2yo so they should not go far if they are younger than that. I have a whole seperate hydration plan(stashing gallons of water on the route before hand) for my dog in addition to mine on every run. Imagine wearing a fur coat and not being able to sweat in the heat, this is what your dog is up against. Talk to your vet about it and take it easy on your dog(s) in the heat. If done correctly and smartly though, your dog could be the best running partner you can have! Smile

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         

                         


                        Giants Fan

                          Thanks for the good tips on what type of leash/collar to use. I will look at those. I'm thinking no dog by my side until fall when it cools down. I know he's hyper, but just laying out on the deck with us, throws him into panting. He doesn't do well in the heat. Of course, as I'm writing about my super hyper dog, he's napping next to the couch.

                          "I think I've discovered the secret of life- you just hang around until you get used to it."

                          Charles Schulz

                            Thanks for all the tips everyone. Unfortunately Nikita can't use a gentle leader (she has big floppy jowls that get pinched up with a gentle leader, but thanks for the tip on the sporn halter, I'll try to check that out. The heat is definitely a factor, for both the dog and for me, haha, but I will be sure not to run with her in the heat. I'm not worried about the distance factor, partly because I'm not running very far right now, only a mile and a half or so, but also because she has run after a jogger that ran past our house....and followed the woman home 2 miles away, then turned around ran back!! I think I may attempt to take her with me this weekend and see how it goes. Thanks for everyone's advice!
                            2009 Goals:
                            PR 5K (Ha, current 43:10)
                            Run a 10K
                            Meet Seasonal Weight Loss Challenges
                            Complete my first Sprint Tri
                              You're running with my dog? Leave Coco alone.


                              jfa

                                ps: MidWest Runner- Love that avatar !

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

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