Running with your dog

[trinena]

I have a 100-lb lab that goes for 1.5-mile walk/runs with me, and I use a Gentle Leader with her. She's four years old and very strong, and a trainer with the humane society suggested the Gentle Leader. Retractable leashes are not good for training, especially big dogs who want to dominate you, so we've always used a 6-foot leash, but I still had trouble walking her - I'd finish the route and my back would be sore from tugging her back so much. The Gentle Leader makes it impossible for her to dominate me by tugging forward on the leash. I love it. It's saved our walking relationship.

If we had one of those handsfree leashes, she could seriously injure me if she ever jerked in a different direction than I was heading.

Roxy

I forgot to mention that we combine our hands-free leash with the gentle leader for our very strong tibetan mastiff/husky/mal mix. it helps with getting his attention as well due to people fear issues. our prof. dog trainer/behaviorist introduced the combo to us & it's been very helpful.

warning: our dog once has managed to drag me horizontally with the gentle leader on - when some brilliant person threw bread pieces right in front of my dog and I as we were passing by and the Canadian geese looked like they were attacking us as they surrounded us. I think he thought he was saving us both but i lost some skin that day.

& Tuckervill - I totally don't get that last comment you got either!!!

[Tuckervill]

Ouch. I'm sure the Weimaraner could pull me, too. I sure don't want to try it!

Karen

[crazybikinchic]

Yes, I have a tip! Tuckervill, you should take more responsibility for your dog and be sure to always secure the leash to the collar.

I don't get it. I thought it was a bit rude myself.

[jesvetmed]

I second the gentle leader if you have a puller. Works great with a little practice (aka, getting used to it by your dog ).

Always remember -- they are not in shape unless you've kept them that way, so work up slowly! (Just like when I run! )

[Zen]

When I take my dog on trail walks I just wear a regular belt (around the waist, not like a pants holder) and use a carabiner to attach her leash to the belt.

[Dogmama]

I run with my 85 pound German Shepherd. He wears an Easy Walk harness (made by the gentle leader people, I believe). The leash clips in front of the dog (on the chest) as opposed to on the back and it's great for dogs who pull and who won't wear a gentle leader. I'd never go hands free with him - he could easily pull me off my feet.

OK, for conditioning, I would assume that your dog is over a year old and in good health, has had recent vet check ups, etc. As Jesvetmed said, don't go out & pound five miles the first day. Be sure to run during the cool part of the day - it's difficult to tell if a dog is becoming overheated & sometimes you won't know until you have an emergency.

Leashes - I use a four foot leash to keep Zack right by my side. I'd never use a flexi because he could easily hit the end of it "full-tilt-boogie" and I'd have to let go. Plus, I don't want to carry that big bulky plastic thing. Finally, a flexi just teaches a dog how to pull on the leash - something I do not need to teach Zack.

I love to run with Zack. I never worry that I'll be hassled. When we get home, he sleeps (yea!). He's 2 1/2 years old & still full of energy. A tired puppy is a good puppy!

[witeowl]

I obviously wasn't the OP, but I have to thank trinena for the "buddy system" leash recommenation. I use it in conjunction with the gentle leader. (I already had the gentle leader). It has made our runs so much more pleasant - both for me and for our dog!