Running with dogs

ashleyxxxo
ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anybody do this? I would love to run with my dog, I just need to train her. Shes a german shepherd, golden retriever mix, and absolutely energetic and smart. I don't think she'd have any problem going for a run with me. Accept she pulls on her leash.. Any suggestions? Are there any groups on here with people that run with their dogs?
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Replies

  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Have you put up a post in 'my dog pages' forum? Lots of doggie people to ask.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    How far do you run? And how are her hips?

    My little dog pulls on a leash. I can cope with it for the first bit of the run - but really need to be quite quickly in a place where I can let her loose, because if she pulled me the whole way round, I'd find that intolerable.

    There are waist belts you can get to 'hook' your dog on rather than holding the leash with your hands. And have you tried a 'gentle leader' or a 'halti' to reduce the pulling (used to work wonders with my old GSD).
  • astraldream
    astraldream Posts: 39 Member
    Does anybody do this? I would love to run with my dog, I just need to train her. Shes a german shepherd, golden retriever mix, and absolutely energetic and smart. I don't think she'd have any problem going for a run with me. Accept she pulls on her leash.. Any suggestions? Are there any groups on here with people that run with their dogs?

    If she pulls, you ideally need to firstly train her to walk and jog by the side of you, a dog running at speed with you is more likely to pull you off your feet than at a slower pace, so for yours and everyone else's safety her knowing the commands is needed first.
    It may be she already knows the commands but the excitement of running with you just overwhelms her in which case using something that gives you full control of her in a kind none harsh way is an option. I use dogmatics, they are a headcollar which doesn't ride in to the eyes. I can walk, or jog four great danes total weight being nearly 300kg.
    Another thing to remember is if the dog is young jogging for a long period of time is not good for the joints. And just like us they need to build up their fitness and stamina.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I run with my Weimaraner. Here are some things to bear in mind.

    I use a K9 bridle, which stops him pulling too much - at the start of the run he's quite excited and more likely to pull, but we soon settle down into a rhythym.

    Build him up gradually. And if he's under 1 year old, his bones wont be properly formed yet, so running's not a good idea for pups.

    Always check the paws afterwards for cuts, stones, glass etc.

    Make sure he gets plenty of water before and after (or run by a stream or some clear water that he can enjoy en route)

    And dont forget your poo bag!
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    How far do you run? And how are her hips?

    My little dog pulls on a leash. I can cope with it for the first bit of the run - but really need to be quite quickly in a place where I can let her loose, because if she pulled me the whole way round, I'd find that intolerable.

    There are waist belts you can get to 'hook' your dog on rather than holding the leash with your hands. And have you tried a 'gentle leader' or a 'halti' to reduce the pulling (used to work wonders with my old GSD).


    I run about 3 miles at the time being.. She is about 1 year and 5 months old. I play frisbee with her a lot. And take her swimming, so she is in pretty good shape. Shes about 45 pounds so she doesn't have a lot of weight on her hips.

    She does have a gentle leader, but she absolutely hates it. She refused to even walk when its on. I guess I should just keep working with her on a leash.
  • ldg323
    ldg323 Posts: 101 Member
    I run with my dog. We are doing the C25K program together. We finished W8D1 last night. It's amazing how much better physically she is. She wasn't bad before, but now I can really see how much more energy she has. We are running a 5K on August 25th and are both very excited.

    Here's a website for some tips.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-238-527-0-0,00.html

    As long as your dog is healthy and over a year old, he can absolutely do it! I did take mine to the vet JUST to make sure there weren't any issues before I started. Just like I did for myself. But I'm a worry wart sometimes!!
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    I run with my dog. We are doing the C25K program together. We finished W8D1 last night. It's amazing how much better physically she is. She wasn't bad before, but now I can really see how much more energy she has. We are running a 5K on August 25th and are both very excited.

    Here's a website for some tips.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-238-527-0-0,00.html

    As long as your dog is healthy and over a year old, he can absolutely do it! I did take mine to the vet JUST to make sure there weren't any issues before I started. Just like I did for myself. But I'm a worry wart sometimes!!

    what an awesome website. Thank you so much!
  • ldg323
    ldg323 Posts: 101 Member
    You are very welcome!

    You inspired me to start a group. I just created it and you can search for running with dogs. Please join! This could be a great inspiration to you, me and possibly others!
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    that is a great idea! That group was definitely missing!! I will for sure join
  • smbyrd13
    smbyrd13 Posts: 52 Member
    I run with my golden (when it's not 106*F out!) and I have found that using a "gentle leader" works best. She's 3 and has a ton of energy. She'd always pull on her leash until we started using this and it has been a life (and arm) saver.

    http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Gentle-Leader-Headcollar-Black/dp/B00074L4W2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343229404&sr=8-1&keywords=gentle+leader

    EDIT****
    Guess I should have read the other replies first! It took my dog a while to use the gentle leader and every now and then she still tries to get it off. We started with just short walks using it and keeping the leash short enough so she's right by our side. I usually hold her leash and my husband is on her other side so we kind of block her in on the sidewalk. If we don't, then she keeps trying to rub her face in the grass. Just takes time and practice!
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    I run with my golden (when it's not 106*F out!) and I have found that using a "gentle leader" works best. She's 3 and has a ton of energy. She'd always pull on her leash until we started using this and it has been a life (and arm) saver.

    http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Gentle-Leader-Headcollar-Black/dp/B00074L4W2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343229404&sr=8-1&keywords=gentle+leader

    EDIT****
    Guess I should have read the other replies first! It took my dog a while to use the gentle leader and every now and then she still tries to get it off. We started with just short walks using it and keeping the leash short enough so she's right by our side. I usually hold her leash and my husband is on her other side so we kind of block her in on the sidewalk. If we don't, then she keeps trying to rub her face in the grass. Just takes time and practice!


    okay good! I am glad I am not the only one for this to happen. At least there is hope for her! haha
  • tabinmaine
    tabinmaine Posts: 965 Member
    I do all of my runs and walks with my Cocker spaniel cross, I have trained her with a small dog electic collar and she runs off leash beside me the whole way... I just carry her beeper....

    There is absolutely NO way she will let me out the door without her when she sees running shoes on my feet, my work shoes she just lays down on the floor " mommy is leaving again" haha
  • Owlie45
    Owlie45 Posts: 806 Member
    Please do not use a head collar. Many dogs have had neck injuries because of them.
    Head collars were built for horses who have very strong necks. Dogs have very weak necks compared to horses.
    A prong, zip or flat collar will work.

    Everytime the dog pulls go a different direction, repeat this until the dog stops pulling and is watching you to see if your going to turn again. Start jogging, you may need to repeat the turning.


    And its 18 months before you should start jogging with a dog not one year and its actually recommended at 24 months but 18 is the earliest.

    And you cant judge hip conditions based on how much weight is on them. Skinny dogs can have bad hips. The only way to tell is by taking the dog to the vet and having xrays done. And German Shepherds are notourious for poor hips and since the dog was byb it would be complete luck that the hips are good.



    Sorry I'm a dog nut. Spend way to much of my time reading up on them.
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    Please do not use a head collar. Many dogs have had neck injuries because of them.
    Head collars were built for horses who have very strong necks. Dogs have very weak necks compared to horses.
    A prong, zip or flat collar will work.

    Everytime the dog pulls go a different direction, repeat this until the dog stops pulling and is watching you to see if your going to turn again. Start jogging, you may need to repeat the turning.


    And its 18 months before you should start jogging with a dog not one year and its actually recommended at 24 months but 18 is the earliest.

    would a head collar include a gentle leader? And that is very good advice. I will try it! She will be 18 months on the 11th of august so I will try to get the leash thing down until around that time, maybe with just walks. Do you think that would be okay?
    Here are pictures of her:
    http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/x0xblondexbrunettex0x/?action=view&current=Cola.jpg
    http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/x0xblondexbrunettex0x/?action=view&current=beautifulcola.jpg
  • Owlie45
    Owlie45 Posts: 806 Member
    Please do not use a head collar. Many dogs have had neck injuries because of them.
    Head collars were built for horses who have very strong necks. Dogs have very weak necks compared to horses.
    A prong, zip or flat collar will work.

    Everytime the dog pulls go a different direction, repeat this until the dog stops pulling and is watching you to see if your going to turn again. Start jogging, you may need to repeat the turning.


    And its 18 months before you should start jogging with a dog not one year and its actually recommended at 24 months but 18 is the earliest.

    would a head collar include a gentle leader? And that is very good advice. I will try it! She will be 18 months on the 11th of august so I will try to get the leash thing down until around that time, maybe with just walks. Do you think that would be okay?
    Here are pictures of her:
    http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/x0xblondexbrunettex0x/?action=view&current=Cola.jpg
    http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/x0xblondexbrunettex0x/?action=view&current=beautifulcola.jpg

    Yeah that should be fine. She is beautiful.
  • bizorra
    bizorra Posts: 151 Member
    What is the reason for waiting until the dog is 1-2 years old?

    I have a mixed breed (we think maybe bull mastiff/lab cross, but really aren't sure) who's about 9 months and 50lbs. I've been jogging with her for the past month, and taking her for bike rides even longer. When we're on the bike, we use a padded harness so nothing pulls on her neck/face and I let her set the pace - sprinting for the first ten minutes then a decent trot. For jogging, we use a halti harness that just makes it uncomfortable for her to pull - when she pulls it squeezes her nose, but if I try to correct her the force is through the collar. We've gotten in to a rhythm where she doesn't even use the full length of the leash. I've been doing couch to 5k with her, and I'm not at all a fast runner.

    This dog is SO HYPER and honestly without the runs and bike rides I think she would implode from energy. We can go for an hour bike ride and she still wants to play fetch when we get back!!
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    It's tough running with younger dogs because they are so ADD when they are young. My lab used to really pull on the leash so I trained him to walk with a pinch collar and he eventually stopped trying so hard. Now he just wears a regular collar with no problems. So first train your dog to walk on a leash without pulling and stopping to smell/pee on everything he passes using the training method of your choice. Then running should come easy.
  • ldg323
    ldg323 Posts: 101 Member
    I've read it's OK to begin running with them at 12 months, but as I suggested on the group post, make sure to get your dog checked by your vet to get the OK.

    It takes a while for them to get used to running just like it would for a person. So I wouldn't start out with a 5K the first day.......lol

    As for leads, I'm not an expert so I can't comment. My border collie doesn't do well on a leash at any speed unless it gets GENTLY wrapped around her hips. It sits there with no tension at all. Once in a great while I have to pull her back, but those times are few and far between. My other dog does fine on a plain leash.
  • Sharon_73
    Sharon_73 Posts: 189 Member
    I have a very energetic 7 month old Pointer/Beagle.Walking with him is very enjoyable that I am looking forward to having him as a running partner! I was hoping to start him in agility training to get him ready to run when he is old enough.
    I already find that the older he gets, the longer we walk so the exercise benefits are already great!
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
    I have a GSD, and since his hips are getting weaker, I don't take him running with me. But he absolutely loves to sprint for a block or so. First he dragged me along, so I would stop. That more than anything taught him "my pace, or walk". He is also much better on a long retractable leash or even off (in the park, with no one around - his social skills are not up to par, but give free reign, he runs perfect heel).
    You can try a halti for more control, but if your dog tends to stop suddenly, causing the leash to yank before you stop too,, that would probably end up hurting her.
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    I live in an apartment so I try to get her outside as much as possible. I also have to walk her constantly when she has to go out. We worked a system with a retractable leash where when she starts getting to the end of it I call her and she comes back retracting it again. (She listens really well) This way she doesn't pull me and she feels like she is free. The leash she just drags me haha, its awful. The gentle leader she absolutely hates and constantly stops to try and paw it off.
    I ran with her one time.. at first she drug me, so I stopped and started walking and whenever she started pulling I would commant "No" and stop. And give slack to the leash. If she tried moving forward again id do it again. When she stopped I would try walking about and kept repeating. She finally got so she wouldn't pull and I could jog with her. The next day I tried again and she was back to square one..
    I think I just need to keep working at this pace until she gets it.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
    That's the thing wits shepherds, they figure out what to do to get their way, unless you are really, REALLY consistent.
  • SaundraU
    SaundraU Posts: 77
    I run with my 2 Doberman Pinschers, we do over 4 miles daily. (One is 8 mnths the other 13 weeks and is on a plan with my vets supervision - while running is generally not advised it also depends on the dog, the xrays, the care, etc.)

    Okay first to train not to pull: 1st I use a front buckle harness (collars and back buckle harnesses encourage pulling).

    Start at a walk - the moment your dog pulls STOP, do not move forward. Let the dog hang out, as soon as the dog lets any slack in the leash call her name and reward her with a treat for coming to you. You will have to be very consistant with this. My 1st dobe learned in a week or two of doing this. The more we went out the less he pulled.

    My second dobe I had to motify it. Since she would never put any slack int he leash I had to STOP. Wait a few to see if she would slack on her own. If no then I turned and walked the other direction till she pulled, repeat process.

    The 1st few times you may not get far but with consitancy you will over time.

    We now walk 1-2 miles, run 1-2 miles, and then walk again for about half a mile. When we get home the 2 dobes begin rough play till breakfast is ready.

    I also swim both my dobes for additional excercise.

    Also when we run the 2 free run on flexi leads in front of me unless there are people, then my male is at a heel at my side. The youngest is still learning this so she is brought to a short leash where she can't causse any issues on the side opposite of the other people.
  • jilliew
    jilliew Posts: 255 Member
    German Shepherds are smart, and she should learn fast to not pull if you're consistant. You might have to start at square one every time for a while, but one day - poof! I'm a big believer in Cesar Milan's "calm assertive energy" policy. We adopted that dog from an abusive situation and he was nervous, anxious, and uncooperative, but with consistency, excersize and staying calm (not allowing him to get me frustrated), we managed to straighten him out in pretty short order, I though.

    I was doing C25K with my boyfriend's shepherd cross, and it confused him SO much (walk, RUN!, walk, RUN!), but it was so good for him. It kept him from getting ADD on me, and gave him mental excersize as well as physical (which working dogs need, too!).

    Anyway, I eventually got him up to running beside the bike without incident - which was amazing considering he was skittish about new noises, including the sound of the bike gears changing. I think running/biking/roller blading with your pooch is one of the best bonding things you can do with them, and it's good for both of you!

    EDIT: I am also interested to know why you shouldn't run with dogs until they're older? I understand not running FAR with a puppy, or making sure you're not going faster than they're capable of running (especially the little pooches) but almost-year-old big dogs (like labs or shepherds or the like) love running. Surely herding dogs and working dogs were bread to be runners and should have no problem keeping up with a jogging person...?
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    That's the thing wits shepherds, they figure out what to do to get their way, unless you are really, REALLY consistent.

    Yeah, they are such loyal dogs though. Great for the owners. But I do have a question for you about them being territorial and how to get past that. My puppy played all the time with other dogs. And recently the dogs she was friends with she just happens to feel like she has to be dominate over them now. Have you had this problem? And if so how do you fix it?
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    German Shepherds are smart, and she should learn fast to not pull if you're consistant. You might have to start at square one every time for a while, but one day - poof! I'm a big believer in Cesar Milan's "calm assertive energy" policy. We adopted that dog from an abusive situation and he was nervous, anxious, and uncooperative, but with consistency, excersize and staying calm (not allowing him to get me frustrated), we managed to straighten him out in pretty short order, I though.

    I was doing C25K with my boyfriend's shepherd cross, and it confused him SO much (walk, RUN!, walk, RUN!), but it was so good for him. It kept him from getting ADD on me, and gave him mental excersize as well as physical (which working dogs need, too!).

    Anyway, I eventually got him up to running beside the bike without incident - which was amazing considering he was skittish about new noises, including the sound of the bike gears changing. I think running/biking/roller blading with your pooch is one of the best bonding things you can do with them, and it's good for both of you!

    EDIT: I am also interested to know why you shouldn't run with dogs until they're older? I understand not running FAR with a puppy, or making sure you're not going faster than they're capable of running (especially the little pooches) but almost-year-old big dogs (like labs or shepherds or the like) love running. Surely herding dogs and working dogs were bread to be runners and should have no problem keeping up with a jogging person...?


    Ohmygosh, I couldn't imagine taking my dog on a bike. I think she would murder me haha. How in the world did you train them to do that?
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    When dogs are young their bones are still forming properly, so running too much can damage those.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,292 Member
    That's the thing wits shepherds, they figure out what to do to get their way, unless you are really, REALLY consistent.

    Yeah, they are such loyal dogs though. Great for the owners. But I do have a question for you about them being territorial and how to get past that. My puppy played all the time with other dogs. And recently the dogs she was friends with she just happens to feel like she has to be dominate over them now. Have you had this problem? And if so how do you fix it?


    Mine's a rescue, totally not socialized. At first I thought he had dominance issues, turns out it was mostly fear, and some protectiveness. He fights like a pro and will take a dog, or person down in under 3 seconds. Witha lot of work reassuring him, we are at a point where he is not openly aggressive anymore and will play with select dogs.
    Your problem sounds more like she is insecure over something, maybe a similar status dog, or an injury you dont know about. My guess is she's trying to maintain/establish status. If she's got snippier with you too, I'd definitely have a vet check her out...
  • ashleyxxxo
    ashleyxxxo Posts: 41 Member
    That's the thing wits shepherds, they figure out what to do to get their way, unless you are really, REALLY consistent.

    Yeah, they are such loyal dogs though. Great for the owners. But I do have a question for you about them being territorial and how to get past that. My puppy played all the time with other dogs. And recently the dogs she was friends with she just happens to feel like she has to be dominate over them now. Have you had this problem? And if so how do you fix it?




    Mine's a rescue, totally not socialized. At first I thought he had dominance issues, turns out it was mostly fear, and some protectiveness. He fights like a pro and will take a dog, or person down in under 3 seconds. Witha lot of work reassuring him, we are at a point where he is not openly aggressive anymore and will play with select dogs.
    Your problem sounds more like she is insecure over something, maybe a similar status dog, or an injury you dont know about. My guess is she's trying to maintain/establish status. If she's got snippier with you too, I'd definitely have a vet check her out...


    She is good with me. And she is great with people. Its just other dogs. She plays well with my parents border collie she grew up with and deals with a lot of the time but she has no problem being dominate there. It just seems to be dogs in the dog park and even when on a leash. With bigger dogs then her she doesn't mess with them, but smaller ones she does. I thnk your right with the status part though, that makes sense.. I jsut wish she wuold stop lol
  • kakklespakkle
    kakklespakkle Posts: 118 Member
    If your dog needs to be on a lead, I strongly recommend a harness rather than a headcollar or neck collar. The reason I say this is that if you or the dog has to stop suddenly, there is no stress or jerking on their neck. I used a Sporn harness when my dog ran alongside the bike, and I tend to use it when we go for any long walk where I know he will be on the lead most of the time - not because he pulls very much, but because it feels like a more comfortable walk for both of us that way.

    http://sporn.com/training/mesh-non-pull-harness/

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