Hi we have a one-year-old black Lab, Sierra. I came on here a while ago because she pulled like crazy and I couldn't stand to walk her. Thankfully, she's doing much better! Anyway, now that she's doing better walking, I am hoping to train her - and myself! - to run rather than walk. This is completely new to both of us, and I wondered if anyone has ideas on the best way to start us out? I know we should start slow - if I pick up speed at all now, Sierra just full-out runs, and I can't keep up with her! What's the best way to train so that we can keep the same speed, and get in the right shape, to go on runs this summer? Any advice is good! Thanks so much.
I'd start by training her to keep by your left or right side at different walking speeds - really slow, normal pace, and flat out striding along. That might give her the idea that she's supposed to stay in one spot and to keep level with you, adjusting to your pace. Vary between speeds. Once she's got that I'd then add in slow running (really slow) till she can do that without bubbling over, then add in some strides of faster running. This gradual approach will help her to build up her fitness slowly too.
