Running with a dog?

[cpgirl]

Hey guys! 

Just a quick question....and this may be a bit of a stupid one but I thought I would throw it out there and see if anyone has any advice/guidance.  I have a yellow lab and would love to run with her sometimes....I actually took her out for the first time on a run yesterday--she did pretty well for her first time I think but am open for any tips or tricks that would help us!  I was just wondering if anyone else runs with a dog and if they just use a regular collar and leash or halteez or ??? 

Thanks!!!

Laura

[Sandy]

Running with your dog is like running yourself, start him/her out slowly.  Even if you can run for 30 or 60 minutes start them out with 15 or 20 minutes and let them guide you if they want to stop sooner.  They can get just as dehydrated so allow them to drink from your bottle or bring a bottle along for them.  Watch their paws on the icy sidewalks and when it's cold, examine them when you get home.  As far as leashes, it's a personal preference based on your comfort and how well they attend to you.  When I run with my Jack Russell Terror (not misspelled) she find it easier on trails so I am able to let her off the leash.  If I take her leash off she will run off into the bush but if I just drop the leash so she drags it she stays by my side. 

Good luck and have fun, our dogs are our best training partners, always ready, willing and able.

[Danny (Diane)]

Well said Sandy, I have a Lab/Sheppard cross and I find a Haulteez really helps with control. At the beginning of the run she wants to pull but she soon slow and keeps in pace with me. (Until she spots a squirrel lol)

[The Moose1]

I put the big yellow lab on a choker and a 3' leash.  Sucker races full speed for about a mile before he starts to settle.  I've found that if I just keep doing my thing and he stays right by my side the whole time, and rarely needs correction.  5k was a huge chore for him at first, so we did 2k next time out and are slowly building back to 5k.  I like to keep him close.

Just a note:
I run on the Riverside/Bayshore trail in Belleville, and those 20' leashes or unleashed dogs drive me insane.  I'm afraid one of those little beasts are going to trip me...And I don't believe that would be the dogs fault, but the owners.  (Just a pet peeve of mine...)

[Sandy]

Agreed, when you are in any populated area or if there is traffic (bike, roller blades, strollers) dogs should be leashed and close.  We run with a lady who has a remote collar which is fine on streets that rarely see traffic but nerve racking in busy areas.  There are a number of us that run the trails of Bata and everyone understands their dog is their responsibility so I find for the most part the dogs behave and so do their owners.  I really enjoy watching the pure joy of the dogs as they romp through the wilderness.