i run with my dog(s)..not as much now with my older dog and I am currently trying to train my pup to run with me. My older dog is such an awesome running partner....she never cuts me off, she is always focused, and is always in tune to where i am and where i want to go....

And the only reasons she is this way, is (1) because we worked sooooo hard on leash training and (2) Because running itself is her "life reward" - so much that she will come and nudge me to go out running, lol....

When I went through obedience traiing with my dogs, i was taught that when dogs are on leash they should be in tune to you...so if you turn suddenly, they shouldn't keep going in the direction you were going, but instead, should turn WITH you....this is what my older dog does. She doesn't stray....unless she needs to go potty. My other dog (who is just a year old) hasn't quite figured it out yet, so we go for "training" walks so that she can get used to being on leash (and with the Halti) and being in tune with me. I have treats for her in my treat bag...and every time she voluntarily looks at me and not stray off somewhere else, she gets a treat. When we start out she is oblivious to me, but i might say her name and she looks and then gets a treat....Pretty soon, she is voluntarily looking at me like every two seconds just to get a treat. And - the nice thing is she is walking on a SLACK leash....and next to me. All this in one session. Of course, it is going to take us several more training walks before she gets it totally, but once she figures out who she is supposed to pay attention to, we will work on cutting down the frequency of the treat.....and pretty soon, she won't need treats at all.

To switch to running....and keeping the focus, you go out on your "training walk" but change up the speed you go...fast walk, slow walk, run, sprint, trot, etc....and praise the dog every time they keep up.

This is what i did with my older dog. And i get compliments and questions of how i got her to be so well behaved from lots of folks.... So now, she understands that when we go for walks she has more freedom to roam and sniff, but when we run, it is time to focus. And the best part is she looks forward to going.....it is her life reward..a time to spend with her human, lol

Also, as far as leashes go...a good 4 foot leash is perfect...they can't get to far in front of you, it isn't too heavy to carry, and you are more easily in control if necessary. Anyway, that is just what I did Good Luck.