Running with a dog

kitinboots
kitinboots Posts: 589 Member
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
this week I'm dogsitting for my ex, with the dog he got as a puppy when we were together, 3 years ago. He was a very badly behaved puppy and drove me up the wall.
Anywho, before the dog was handed over to me, I googled 'running with dogs' and the articles all seemed to talk about the right lead and keeping the dog close. This would be almost impossible with the dog in question, as he's still quite free-spirited. So I took him walking along my usual running trail the first 3 days, letting him off the lead to explore and run back. All went well although he did hang back a few times.
Today I let him off The lead and started running. He ran with me, in front of me and back to me, but never left me. We both ran together the whole way. I didn't have to call for him or anything. It was fantastic. They say that dogs make great running companions but I had no idea how great. And he was nicely tired afterwards. It helps that he's a huskie/collie cross. I'll be asking to take him running in the future.

Replies

  • brittanydaniel79
    brittanydaniel79 Posts: 226
    That's pretty great! I bet that was an awesome feeling :)
  • brattyworm
    brattyworm Posts: 2,137 Member
    I'm not quite up to being able to run far or fast yet, but my dog and i do go on walks and he loves every minute of it. If it werent for him there are some mornings I wouldn't get up and do a walk. But I just can resist those cute brown eyes that say ppplllleeeaaassseee let me go sniff the hood...
  • igora_soma
    igora_soma Posts: 486
    I'm guessing he was better behaved because you treated him well! That's awesome, I wish I had a dog to run with too :)
  • sundancer1966
    sundancer1966 Posts: 478 Member
    That is great!! I love taking my dog with us when we go the park to do our walk/running training. I think our boy loves it more than we do. They are pack animals, and dogs naturally are nomads. So, running with you is what he was born to do and will bring you both closer together and stregthen your bond.

    We had to bring in a trainer for leash agression and other bad habits, and we were retrained to understand how he sees things. It was wonderful and taking him with us is a joy.

    Enjoy your runs with him!!
  • DannyMussels
    DannyMussels Posts: 1,842 Member
    I prefer to put a few sausage links in my back pocket, then find the biggest dog int he neighborhood, untie him and start running.





    jk. That's good the dog doesn't run away and it was fun for you, and the dog learned to behave after a few years.

    Reminds me of the other day I saw a dog trotting down the road by itself, stopped and crossed the street also. He was a smart dog.
  • My1985Freckles
    My1985Freckles Posts: 1,039 Member
    Husky/Collie! I bet that is one gorgeous dog!
  • 99Tinkerbell
    99Tinkerbell Posts: 384
    I would take my german shepherd with me but she doesn't play well with others. She learned to climb my fence and she bites other dogs. I now can't let her out without supervision in fear of her biting another dog. She is not aggressive at all and doesn't care about the humans. I talked to several people and most say they think she is trying to protect her territory. Although now she has extended her territory all the way to the neighbor's across the street.
  • kyylieeeeee
    kyylieeeeee Posts: 197 Member
    I'm jealous of you! My dog is a useless lump. The whole family loves hiking, except for the dog. No matter how many treats we bring to entice him, he goes a mile in and puts on the brakes. And seeing as he weighs 140 lbs, it's not like we can fight with him or pull him along. He won't walk anywhere, let alone run!
    My boyfriend and I take his 7lb Pomeranian running or hiking all the time. She loves it, and is super easy to carry when she gets tired!
  • XFitMojoMom
    XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
    I tried that with my Weimaraner. Well, an 80+ lb dog tethered to my waist and he sees a squirrel... Let's say we never did that again.
  • Cinnamonie
    Cinnamonie Posts: 138
    Running with a dog is great. That sounds like a wonderful bonding experience both for you and a great tiring experience for the dog! Just a note about running with dogs, they will keep up with you even if they are tired, so just be careful in the heat because they will run themselves out and it could be quite dangerous....have fun!
  • tlzidon
    tlzidon Posts: 79 Member
    My dog is available for all runners, lol.

    I haven't ran with mine, but have biked with him before. He recalls pretty well, so I do let him off lead to run with me while I bike. he loves it when I race him down the street and he usually still wins. He is a herding dog (Australian Shepherd) so that probably keeps him wanting to stay with me when off lead. It is great to have a friend along on a run and I know mine would always be willing no matter what the weather is like outside :)
  • kitinboots
    kitinboots Posts: 589 Member
    Running with a dog is great. That sounds like a wonderful bonding experience both for you and a great tiring experience for the dog! Just a note about running with dogs, they will keep up with you even if they are tired, so just be careful in the heat because they will run themselves out and it could be quite dangerous....have fun!

    That's good to know. The husky in him means he's not too comfortable in the summer months, and although the temperature has dropped I did notice he stopped to drink in the river more than when we're just walking. I did hear that even though they seem perfectly capable, dogs need to train to build up to longer distances just like we do. But seeing as I'm only doing a slow 45-60min myself he managed perfectly fine (and still had energy to try dragging me through town on the way back from the trail)
  • kitinboots
    kitinboots Posts: 589 Member
    Husky/Collie! I bet that is one gorgeous dog!

    He is, he's 50kilo of black fluff with the most amazing White-tipped tail. Very handsome.
  • brattyworm
    brattyworm Posts: 2,137 Member
    Running with a dog is great. That sounds like a wonderful bonding experience both for you and a great tiring experience for the dog! Just a note about running with dogs, they will keep up with you even if they are tired, so just be careful in the heat because they will run themselves out and it could be quite dangerous....have fun!

    My vet says its ok to give them gatorade (or similar sports drink) to help their electrolyte levels as well. I do this in the summer time, since I live in the desert, to help ensure mine doesn't get heat exhaustion or heat stroke or anything.
  • Cinnamonie
    Cinnamonie Posts: 138
    Running with a dog is great. That sounds like a wonderful bonding experience both for you and a great tiring experience for the dog! Just a note about running with dogs, they will keep up with you even if they are tired, so just be careful in the heat because they will run themselves out and it could be quite dangerous....have fun!

    My vet says its ok to give them gatorade (or similar sports drink) to help their electrolyte levels as well. I do this in the summer time, since I live in the desert, to help ensure mine doesn't get heat exhaustion or heat stroke or anything.

    Good to know, also! I feel like mine wouldn't drink it (very picky lol) but definitely a good option!
  • brattyworm
    brattyworm Posts: 2,137 Member
    i usually only give him a small amount.. he wont drink a whole bottle so i just share mine... lol. and i dilute it some too. but i can't say if yours would, mine will eat anything... he loves raw potatoes... so........ good luck with that.
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