running with dog (Page 2)

Love running with my BF's dog. She is a 2-year-old mutt of some sort (I think lab/shephard) but small, weighing in at only 30-35 pounds. We've gotten up to 2 miles so far, breaking her in slowly.

All this talk of dogs has me Jonesing for one again. If I weren't unsure about where I will be doing my PhD I would have one by the end of the week!

Found this guide on Livestrong: http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/557713-the-best-dog-breeds-for-...

Sadly, my 11 year old border collie, who has been a perfect running companion for years, is now getting arthritis and comes back from runs limping.  Mommy won't let me take him on long ones any more.  But, other than that- he runs off leash.   never chases a squirrel, bunny or other dog.  Stays away from the Javelina and snakes.  Listens to my commands.  "Turn right", "Turn left", "Go straight", "Cross".   He stays to my right on the shoulder and never runs on the road (any more- that took a while).  he's just the best.  In his younger years, there was no limit to the distance he could run.  I recall one day when I went 23 miles.  He came home, and was eager to go out with my wife, who jogged another 3 or 4 (she's not as crazy as I).  

We've got a new 2 year old dog now (after we put down our sweet old 16 year old dog, who used to be a pretty good running partner in his younger days).  The new one doesn't listen so well and pulls on the leash back and forth constantly.  I've got to train him.  It's gonna' take a while.  Let's see if he's got what it takes.  Open to training tips.

We have a 2-1/2yr old Lab.  She's done a lot of 3mi jog/walks with my wife over the summer.  The runs I've taken her on have been no more than 1.5mi yet.  In those runs I've taken her on, I've run on the low end of my normal Z2 pace.  This varies from 7:45-8:00/mi depending on the day.  She's had essentially no problems with these shorter runs at that pace.  Do you all alter (ie, slow down) your pace when running with your dog?  Or, would you instead keep your pace and just run the dog shorter (until he/she can keep up for greater lengths)?

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Found a photo of my dog after his 1st 4 mile trail run in June. Fall has arrived in FL and he really wanted to run today but it was only a short easy run day for me. 

I run with Ali, my 3 year old golden retriever as much as I can.

All my research pointed to not running the dog until she was at least 1 year old. It is too hard on their bones and joints to run them before they are fully grown. Between the pavement and the distance it is just not good for them. 

If we have a lot of time off of running she has to build mileage just like I do, so if your dog is not used to running don't expect them to go run 3 miles right off. They will most likely do it but it can hurt them.

I don't run with a leash unless I have to but my dog responds very well to verbal commands and will stay right where she would be if on a leash when I tell her to. For me I like to keep her on my left. I run facing oncoming traffic, this puts me between her and any cars that come our way. I can move closer to the line and push her off on to the shoulder when I see a car coming. If she was on my right I wouldn't have as much control over her darting across the road after something and into traffic. 

To train we started with a leash. I say stay away from the harness idea until they are well trained. I use a choke collar as advised by a local dog trainer. The collar is not intended to choke them it is intended to get their attention. Ali's choke collar is metal and makes noise when it tightens up. It hangs completely slack 95% of the time. If she starts to walk too far ahead it will start to tighten, as soon as she hears that noise she backs off a bit. If I need to correct her or get her attention away from an oncoming dog or something I can give a quick tug on the leash and just the sound of the collar tightening is enough for her to pay attention to me so I can correct her behavior. I have never choked her or kept consistent pressure on the collar, just quick pulls when necessary to correct or get attention, the rest of the time the collar and the leash are slack. It works great!

Anyway, my dog is awesome, very smart and very eager to behave and she likes routine so we really don't ever have any disciplinary issues. But I raised her from a pup to be that way and don't let her get away with stuff she knows she isn't supposed to do. I subscribe to the dogs are pack animals and they need a strong leader idea, if the owner will take that role both the dog and owner are happier and more at ease. Because we both know what the expectations are we get along famously and she is truly my best friend, we are always happy to spend time together and she never frustrates me. 

So OP, I would hold off until your dog is a bit older, then start them slow and with the proper technique from the start and you will enjoy many happy miles together.

I wanted to get my cat a leash so we could run together.

My husband vetoed the idea

Yours or the dog's?