Running with a dog!

[niczee]

Just finished my first 20 minuter run on week 5. Yay! But I run with my dog and nice as it sounds, it can be a real pain. When on the lead (half the time), he stops to sniff things and pee etc. Then changes sides or gets left behind. A real distraction. Any tips??

[spoonierunning Graduate]

You need to train him to run next to you or just in front on a shortish lead.

I use the comand 'with me' so Ferd (my dog) knows that he is meant to be next to me and keeping pace, sometimes you might have to gently tug the lead if they are about to stop and sniff a daisy. I also find it beneficial to have a longer warm up walk so he can do his poo and sniff etc.

You need to be consistent, as I have a spaniel I also like to use turbo dog power when I am flagging and this is where I let him run in front and pick up the pace a bit, he knows that this is the only time he is permitted to pull, again I signal that he can go in front, I do this by slacking the lead, but you can pick a command.

It's just training and keeping it up. You need to pick which side you want them on and what comand you want to use, which could be your normal heel command or something different to signal that this is running and not walking.

I like running with my dog, I do prefer it when he can be off the lead but he still enjoys himself on the lead.

My best bit of running with dog equipment is my dicky bag to hold his poop until I get to a bin.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to spoonierunning]

Wow I'm impressed with you and your dog, well done. What a team you are.

[Becca66 Graduate in reply to spoonierunning]

Fancy coming to train my dog? He is just about okay on the lead when walking, but would never 'only pull when allowed'. I think he thinks he was a carriage horse in a former life!

[spoonierunning Graduate in reply to Becca66]

I would like to say he never pulls when he's not meant to but sometimes he does, normally bird related and he won't walk nicely at all for my husband or if we are in town.

I have a two point of control harness for when he is being naughty and in a pulling mood, it just make him go round in circles.

But when I am running with him on the lead he really is very good (unless there is a coot).

[niczee]

That's really helpful. Thanks!

[Running66 Graduate]

I've just invested in one of those dog leads that fasten round your waist. It has a slightly elasticated lead, so you don't get pulled up suddenly. Have found it very useful, especially when running. Got it off Amazon. Not expensive and worth a try.

[Running66 Graduate]

Took Mollydog out for my first road run this morning. She was very good and has caught on to the rule that when on the lead and running she stays by my side. The odd time she does get a bit ahead i give her the command 'back' and she slows down.