I go out for a run 3 x mornings a week for around 30/40 mins. I plan to take Storm with me (who is currently 9 months) when she turns a year. Has anyone got any tips they can share about anything related to running with your dog. Harness to buy? How you should ease them into it? Is there anything I can do now e.g. Practice lead walking a certain way to make it easier when we start. She is a bit pully at the moment. My fault as she does mostly off lead walking and recall is really good so guessing I need to work on that. TIA
I jogged (very slowly ) with my dog for years. He was a wonderful exercise buddy. I just used a normal tracking harness and leash slipped through the belt of my waist pack - instant hands-free. I'd say the best thing you can do now is perfect on-lead/loose leash walking and getting her used to you making quick movements and having to follow you. A lot of good high value treats, getting her to really pay attention to you and making it a fun game. My dog and I did these silly "doggie dancing" classes, but the lessons were great for working on lead but not just walking in a straight line - backwards, sideways, figure eights, abrupt stops, etc. If you'll have obstacles, get used to those as well while still walking. The worst thing I ever did with my dog while running was simply going around a lamp post. I went right, he went left and the resulting impact actually broke the metal coupling on my leash it was so hard. I was horrified and my poor dog was thankfully ok physically but it really scared him. He never tried to go on the opposite side of a lamp post from me again, but there were much kinder ways to have learned that lesson. Poor guy. Also get her used to the idea that when you are "working" (or in your case running) that you don't stop to wee, sniff or greet other dogs or people. This is tough with a younger dog. Finally, be aware of the risks. Even at a year, be thoughtful about running 30-40 minutes with a young dog due to their joints. Off road (dirt) or sand (beach) would be better than asphalt. Intervals or hill hiking/jogging better than flat out running for the full time. But this is a much-debated topic around here on the forum and some people will say not to run your dog at all, regardless of age. I loved going with my dog and didn't have a clue about all the joint issues back then - we just started going when he was about 16 months old. He also had two torn cruciates at five years old and I suspect our good times may have contributed to that. Knowing that will have a big impact on how I'll handle the jogging/running question with my next dog...it's something I'm still trying to figure out!
I am looking to do some moderate exercises with Scout (4 months old now). Do you use a special leash/harness when you run? I don't want to do to much with him but feel some moderate exercise would be good for him.
Jumping on to this topic... My puppy is nearly one...lately we've been doing more running during off lead walks in the bush... Is this better for young growing bones, then on lead?
Off lead is definitely better than on lead, assuming your dog isn’t staying at heel off lead! The problem with on lead running is that it’s you setting the pace, not the dog. This means your dog will be moving at an unnatural pace for them, and that puts pressure on their joints. I run trails around the 10km mark with my older two and it’s almost all off lead. If I happen to include a small section of road then they’ll obviously go on lead for that and so having good lead walking skills is paramount for those sections. Road running is dull, though, so it’s only ever to get from one bit of trail to another. I keep considering trying Cani-x with Shadow. This uses a special harness and lead which allows the dog to pull you a little, normally using a waist belt. I still wouldn’t want to use this for long distances, though, because of the same concerns about joint issues when the dog can’t run at a natural pace.
I am just hoping to do short work outs nothing over 2 miles really and not everyday. Just something to give him access, get him out of the house, and something we can do together that I hope he will enjoy!
