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Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Exercise

Running.Me and the dog.Any tips?

16 replies

VerySmallSqueak · 28/04/2013 13:49

I'm planning to embark on C25k again but this time with the dog (scruffy little terrier x type).
Has anyone got any tips when it comes to running with a dog?
My route will be country lane/country footpaths.He is a young dog,and not exactly great on the lead (but completely untrustworthy off....)

Come and tell me it'll be fine and we'll both love it.

OP posts:

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EauRouge · 28/04/2013 17:40

Lots of people run with dogs! We're looking to get a rescue dog later on in the year as a family pet and running partner for me. I don't have any practical tips because I haven't done it yet but there's loads of information on the Canicross website.

EauRouge · 28/04/2013 17:44

Bugger, wrong website. I meant this one. Also lots of advice here.

Dexidoo · 28/04/2013 17:55

I trained my collie into running alongside me- initially I doubled up on leads and looped one around my waist. Later I found a jogging lead that velcroed around wrist/arm and was coiled like a telephone line so it had give.

After a few weeks he didn't need the lead,once he got into the motion of running with me nothing could distract him. Good luck!

Mynewmoniker · 28/04/2013 18:09

You can buy wax for his paw pads so that he doesn't get sore.

He'll need to treated like an athelete with warm ups and cool downs. He'll need a nice warm bath etc after to help his muscles.

VerySmallSqueak · 28/04/2013 20:51

Thanks for your responses!
Some good tips - I love the look of that Pooch to 5k website!

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GraduallyGoingInsane · 02/05/2013 20:58

Keep it on the lead! I run two or three times a week, at least once a week a bloody dog comes bounding up and jumps at me. I don't want to play, I don't care whether he's 'friendly' and if he's barking, when you tell me he won't bite, I'll be skeptical.

I got pinned against a wall by 3 dogs whilst running a couple of weeks ago, all barking and one up on its hind legs whilst I covered my face and sobbed. Owners did call them by name but dogs didn't go to them. I was so relieved when DH shouted and threw sticks, causing a diversion. It's really shaken me and I am wary to run off road (on canal paths etc) without DH there.

Please dog owners, keep them on leads unless they can stay within a couple of feet of you and run past others without a blink.

VerySmallSqueak · 02/05/2013 21:45

Gradually I sympathise with what you are saying.That's a horrible experience.

It often worries me when I'm out walking or running and go past a place where I'm wary they may have guard dogs - as it's a rural area I'm not always sure they won't come running out of a farmyard or something.And,as a dog owner,I'm quite confident around dogs,yet I still have my concerns.

I will be keeping my little dog on the lead,since otherwise it's likely he'd just keep on running....and running....and running....

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Whojamaflip · 02/05/2013 21:52

Be careful -I'm sitting here nursing torn ligaments thanks to little dog deciding that the rabbit on the other side of the track needed chasing while we were out running last weekend. The fact that she was attached to me via her lead made no difference until I nearly squashed her as I hit the deck

A week on crutches later and I can't see me doing any running for a least another 6 months and a load of physio

VerySmallSqueak · 02/05/2013 22:02

Who you poor thing. That really is rotten.I hope things improve quicker than you're anticipating.

I am a bit worried about tripping over the dog/lead.I suppose the one factor in my favour is that I'll be walking/running to begin with and won't be going at all fast till I am more running fit.By then hopefully I'll have assessed whether I think it'll work out,and whether the risk of him tripping me all the time is too high.

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RussiansOnTheSpree · 02/05/2013 22:12

Squeak - its not the risk of him tropping you. You need to think about the risk of him tripping others. I was knocked to the ground by a dog - not on the lead of course - his owner said he just wanted to be friendly but the outcome was that I couldn't run for over a month, needed stitches and had to buy new glasses.

People shouldn't run with dogs. They shouldn't take their dogs anywhere near runners.

bountyicecream · 02/05/2013 22:20

I disagree Russian. I run with my dog 4-5 times per week. She loves it, i love it, She's the perfect partner. I tend to go quietish places and she's always off the lead. She runs back and forth to me (not at heel) but would never dream of running into or jumping up at anyone. Too many dog owners are given a bad name by the few that can't be bothered to train their dogs. A big dog needs off lead running (not necessarily with a human runner) to be able to get the exercise that they require.

VerySmallSqueak · 03/05/2013 00:01

Russians my dog won't trip anyone else where I will be running.

I barely come across a soul where I go,and if I do they are always dog walkers.

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austenozzy · 03/05/2013 06:53

i use a horse's lead rein. the clip is a heavy duty version of a dog lead one, the lead itself is twice as long, they last forever and they cost about three quid. in fact i use it all the time so the dog can jump into our stream for a wash off and a drink after walkies and i don't have to jump in with her!

GraduallyGoingInsane · 03/05/2013 16:49

See I like dogs, I do. We are currently toying with whether we have the time for one with both my and DH's work commitments. BUT I hate seeing dogs off leads unless they're in a field or a big open space. On paths or narrow canal or riversides, a dog running towards you can be scary. My SIL is very nervous of dogs, and I can get worried if they're big (we were both bitten as a child). A dog running towards you can be very intimidating - if it ran at my SIL, even tail wagging, she would be in tears.

Take your dog off a lead in the park, in your fields etc all you want, but never on paths or bridle ways.

OP, I apologise for the temporary hijack! I think if you get set up with a good lead running with a dog would be great fun - it's one of my 'pros' on the 'should we get a dog' list! Plus if you run at night or in isolated areas, a dog would be very reassuring for your safety.

VerySmallSqueak · 03/05/2013 17:11

That's okay Gradually

One of the reasons for us getting a dog is because DD1 was utterly terrified of dogs off lead running towards her - to the point that she wanted me to route plan to avoid getting into that situation,so I really do know how difficult it can be and how terrifying for some people.

It'll be nice to have company but my little dog would be utterly useless for my safety,bless him!

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dementedma · 05/05/2013 10:19

I run with a friend who brings her big dog and its a pain to be honest.it keeps stopping to pee or shit, or sniff things, and it really breaks up the rhythm. It also attracts other dogs who either want to play or fight with it. Pain in the arse.

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