🐾 or not?!

[K8Ket]

Does anyone run with their dog? I’ve got a waist lead but I just don’t know if to risk taking her with me. Any tips anyone?x

[Hidden]

I have done the programme with my dog; mainly off lead, on trails so that he can enjoy himself too. Like people, dogs have varying levels of fitness so worth thinking about her training needs too. I wouldn’t recommend running with a dog under 8 months and obviously some breeds are more suited than others

I have a collie and he walks at least 5 miles a day (well the humans do that distance so he probably does double)so I knew he was fit. Obviously collies are big on stamina as a working breed.

He always runs with me and we have done some long distances. Having him with me also gives me confidence running in remote places. He wouldn’t hurt a fly but will bark on command!

I like having his company and he doesn’t expect conversation 😊

This time of year when it’s so muddy I often run with him on the waist lead. Obviously you have to train them to keep moving forwards and there are inevitable toilet stops. It’s no good if at all slippery if you have an enthusiastic running mate. you have to be confident that your dog will not chase rabbits etc and pull you over.

There is an organised event called canicross that might be of interest too! 🐶 🏃‍♀️

[K8Ket in reply to Hidden]

Hi Helen many thanks for your reply....I have a 18 month old Sproodle as she’s very energetic when walked out in the fields, I’m just not sure how she’ll be around the streets on a lead, running then slowing. I’ve always wanted to run with her, but she does seems to want to stop and sniff every blade of grass and lamppost!

I guess there’s only one way to find out!x

[Hidden in reply to K8Ket]

Yes give it a go! Maybe try and find a route where she can do her thing whilst you concentrate on your runs at least to begin with. Springers are good working dogs with lots of energy and poodles are clever so should be up for training. She will enjoy the mental stimulation as much as the physical exercise. Let us know how it goes🐶

[K8Ket in reply to Hidden]

Thanks all. I’m going to walk her on the waist lead tonight and then try out on W1R2 tomorrow night! I’ll let you know how we get on x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

There are plenty of dogs running on a lead at 5K parkruns, not so sure if dogs run with their owner at longer distances such as 10Ks, 10 miles or half marathons, I wonder if a dog has ever ran a marathon with its owner 😊🏃🏾

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

My doggie does long runs with me and hardly breaks into a sweat!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Hidden]

👍 🏃🏾

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

My friend’s dog does trail ultras 🤣

[Wannabewhipet]

Hello, I take my dog with me - she is 8yr old and a collie x kelpie - she’s a working sheep dog, so she’s very good with commands etc, I have had her off the lead most of the time as we are in a very rural spot - I have a regular lead / harness set up for when I’m on roads which she is used to from her walks - so clip her on if there are cars about - I’d say give it a go - I think then that I’m doing a job as well as doing my run! Good luck ps I’m thinking of getting a hi-vis jacket for her so I can take her out at dusk/night with me after the school run etc.

[Hidden in reply to Wannabewhipet]

Collies are the best!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Wannabewhipet]

A bit dodgy taking a dog on a long run with you unless it's just in a park running a 10K or more in laps, running a marathon on roads, even with the dog on a lead would still be a bit dangerous.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Why?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Hidden]

There is always the danger of a car hitting the dog if both you and the dog are running fast, just imagine a bend, you and the dog are running facing oncoming traffic, there is a bend in the road with thick trees, a car or lorry comes round that bend travelling at 50mph, well, you could be in a very dangerous situation, I was out a walk one day recently and that is what happened, luckily I threw myself into a hedge, the car which was only going at 25mph veered to avoid me, I was never in any danger but if I had been running with a dog and the car was going twice as fast it could have caused an accident.

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

I am so sorry this happened to you; sounds scary!

With a dog, I can run on remote trails without fear (as a woman). Where I go on the road, I mostly find pavements and where this is not possible I find long stretches with good visibility, always making sure I’m on the correct side of the road.

Also my dog is very well trained as my running companion. If a car is coming, I say ‘off the road’ and he gets on the bank. However as a clever dog he usually does that before I tell him

I think planning and training is everything (as usua)

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ps I would never run on a windy road with poor visibility , with or without a dog

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Hidden]

👍 🏃🏾

[K8Ket in reply to AlMorr]

That does sound dangerous scary!!

Fortunately I won’t be running fast 🤣

I’ll also be on well lit pavements, wearing hi viz and flashing lights, both me and CoCo!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to K8Ket]

👍

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

I take my collie too (also working collie with loads of bounce!) He goes off lead where safe and I just use an ordinary lead if needed like if traffic or a lot of walkers.... (uncommon here!) If I want to concentrate more on running I don't take him as he is a distraction!!

[Hidden in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Lots of collies here!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I tried once with my lab. It was a health risk. Never again 🤣

[K8Ket in reply to Tasha99]

🤦‍♀️Why????

[Hidden in reply to K8Ket]

It’s a Lab 😂

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to K8Ket]

She ran in front of me, tried to jump up at me, kept crossing my path. Too happy and playful 🙄🤣

[K8Ket in reply to Tasha99]

Hmmmm that’s my worry!

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'd say it depends where you're running and how confident you are with your dog.

Mine's 32 kg of Border Collie Bernese Mountain Dog cross, so while I'm happy to walk-jog with him off the lead on our very quiet country lanes, I don't fancy being attached to him when I'm running properly, especially as pretty much everywhere here is either uphill or downhill.

Doesn't help that he tends to get overexcited when he sees me running and hasn't quite understood that he doesn't have to herd me back home!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

🐑🐑🐑🐑🤣

That’s so cute

[lizzyloolooloo]

I run with my 7-year old bearded collie, with a waist-lead; she wears a light-up collar. She’s the perfect companion, trots along with me, barely breaks into a pant! And pulls me up hills 😊

[K8Ket in reply to lizzyloolooloo]

That’s good to hear! If mine does that I’ll be chuffed x

[SmilelikeImeanIt Graduate]

I’ve done the odd run with my borrowed cockapoo. She’s really well behaved and we are on a big open space with wide trails so off lead most of the time. She starts off running widely and well in front and gradually gets closer to me as she gets tired. By the end (20 mins) she was crossing in front of me constantly (confused I was still running 😂) as a hint to stop. It was nice to take her but a little bit distracting.

[RunWillie Graduate]

I started C25K with my cocker Willie. I ditched him at week 5. However, I’m trying again. Willie doesn’t love to run on a lead so it’s a work in progress. I’m not sure he will ever be my full time running buddy 🐾❤️🏃‍♀️Agree with @helenwheels it’s all down to training and probably breed.