running with my dog

[fishie]

pup is 6 mo now and quite big (retriever / gsd husky). I know not too much exercise too young, couiple of walks a day atm. I'd like to take him running.

How to start? When? Has anyone tried elastic leads? I was thinking only half an hour for him, on a lead, as a separate thing for him and me, so our own walks and runs as usual.

[minimu1]

It is not recommended to run with your dog yet sorry to say I would wait until 18 months if a large breed.

However not too early to start training! Off lead get a toy or treat in your hand and hold it at full length away from your body and get the dog to walk beside you at heel position but at arms length away. you do not want the dog to run too close to you but this will teach the dog to run alongside you but giving you space.

However if you want to canix then you want the dog in front of you so you can also train this position.

[Laska]

Ditto - to protect his joints I'd avoid until around 18m too.

[fishie]

18m even for 20mins? don't mind waiting at all. will have a go at arms length although am not main walker, dh is at home.

he is lovely dog, what do you all think re mix? I've always had smaller mystery breed rescue dogs before.

[Scuttlebutter]

Fishie, when you are ready, take a look at the Cani X website, which sells the harness for running (leaving you hands free) and gives details of different events around the country.