Running with dogs

[sarah65]

As I get on to the longer runs I’d quite like to take my dog out with me. I’m a bit worried that she might be too much of a distraction and I really have to fully focus to get through my sessions. Any thoughts or experiences of running with dogs?? Tips welcome 🐶🐶

[VDubya Graduate]

Hi Sarah. I do all my runs with the dog, in what would normally be our early morning walkies slot. We graduated together last month, and she’s a great little running companion! I use a Canicross harness so that I don’t have to worry about her being off lead and causing trouble / b@ggering off. The harness means I have extraordinary bursts of speed every time she flushes a pheasant and literally drags me for 100 metres!! I call it canine interval training. 😂 She loves running on country tracks (out front, ears up) but gets bored very easily on pavements. When she’s bored she hangs around near my feet which is distracting & increases the risk of tripping incidents..... so we just don’t run on the road anymore.

[sarah65]

Thanks VDubya, that’s really helpful. Love the idea of canine interval training 😂😂 I have a springer who would be dragging me through the undergrowth if I was tied to her. Was hoping to have her off lead as she’s usually pretty good at following me between detours although I would be distracted checking for her.

Chickened out today though - will try next week. I have one of those leads that my husband bought and never used so i might just try it on a walk to practice .

[Hidden]

I did the programme with my border collie and more recently got a running lead because my usual route was not suitable because of the weather. We have had great fun. He’s obedient so comes if I call and he knows the route so usually just heads off to browse and sniff around. Provides me with a sense of security too; not that he would really be any use. Some of where I run is quite remote and he barks on command which might scare any weirdos!🐕🏃🏾‍♀️🐕

[sarah65 in reply to Hidden]

I think I’ll give it a go next week - I’ve been reluctant because I’m so super focussed on getting through the runs that I’ve been worried about the distraction. She would love it though and I feel bad going out without her!

[JoBell21]

My lab trots quite nicely beside me with the odd stop for a wee ( the dog not me ) and a quick burst of energy when he sees a squirrel- again him not me. It kills two birds with one stone both exercising together.

[misswobble Graduate]

I jog a bit with my borrowed dog, but he was the reason I started the programme in the first place cos I couldn’t keep up with him 😃 I can out run him now 💪👍😁

I can only run with him though when he feels like it, which is fine by me. I fear sometimes he could pull me in half 🐕