Running with dogs

[tooearlytobeup]

Ive recently started running very slowly in an attempt to get fit. My dog keeps me company.

Im struggling with the practicalities. For example where do you put the lead? I tried hanging it around my neck but when i was running in the dark I realised this would make it very easy to grab me so probably not very safe.

How do you carry phone, poop bags (especially when full) and run too?

How do you manage to call the dog back to you when out of breath?

So far we have only run on the beach or in a field so the dog is off lead. Is it ok for a dog to run on pavements or is it bad for their joints ( 17 month old springer btw) if its ok would i be right in thinking a harness would be better than a collar?

[SpicyPear]

It's not going to be what you want to hear, but what you need is a bum bag

[Scuttlebutter]

You could take a look at the Cani X website which is all about running with dogs, and runs loads of events, provides advice etc.

A lot of people who do this regularly use a Cani X lead - it's a handsfree lead which attaches to a belt and is a sort of bungee cord to make sure there are no jerks or shocks to either of you. Again, the Cani X website has loads of links etc.

DH runs regularly with our greyhounds. He doesn't use a Cani X lead but this is because the greys run very nicely on the lead, though he has been muttering for ages about getting one. He does this in addition to their main walk so by and large they usually have poo-ed earlier in the day when they go for their main walk, though he always carries a poo bag just in case. His regular route is a little bit of pavements to our local park then it is either grass or gravel type park park paths. Lots of stops and build it up slowly and carefully, and avoid running when it is hot weather. Most of the Cani X events are held at places like racecourses, country parks, or on Forestry Commission trails. DH likes running anyway so was fit/experienced before starting this, so no issues with training for him. His running tights are the ones with a little zipped pocket at the back or if it is a bit colder he has a running jacket which has pockets.

[SpicyPear]

I've see cani x before and wondered what it was I'm more than a little bit disappointed that it's just running with your dog, it sounded so glamourous and exciting.

[toboldlygo]

I use a waist belt and a bungee lead so the dog remains attached to me and they actively run ahead and pull. If you're expecting the dog to run next to you either loose or on a loose lead a collar is fine but most dogs will soon get the hang of running up front and you will need a well fitting harness (not a standard pet shop offering - try Manmat, Kisi Canine, Snowpaw store, Culpeppers, Country Hounds etc for sled dog supplies. I use Manmat but highly recommend Kisi for custom made gear). Never attach a bungee line to a collar, it can result in whiplash type injuries.

As I use a waist belt I can tie a couple of poo bags to it and also my car key on a carabiner clip. Phone goes in the little back pocket of my running tights as I use Runkeeper to track our progress.

Not too much running on pavements, a short stretch to and from the footpath is fine but cross country is best for both human and dog.

BTW the sport is called canicross, Cani-X UK is the name of a company that organises canicross events (and are not actually one I would now recommend, contrary to what I've written here before, sorry).

[toboldlygo]

Canicross is a natural precursor to things like bikejoring which are infinitely more exciting.

[Scuttlebutter]

But if you are a handsome, fit DH running with a beautiful and slightly bonkers greyhound then it is glamourous - and highly exciting since though she runs beautifully on the lead, all bets are off if she sees a squirrel when she immediately transforms into a ninja jump jet!!

[tooearlytobeup]

Unfortunately the dog is a LOT fitter than me so I dont need to worry about him building up to it

I will look at that website and those leads, thank you (by the way Scuttlebutter the lady I pm'd you about previously has been talked out of the pup and is looking elsewhere)

I think jacket with pockets is the way to go, i suppose i can fold normal lead up in there, but Im still flumoxed with the bag full of poo

[tooearlytobeup]

Ah I missed posts! I'm as slow at typing as I am running. I think off lead is probably the way to go until I am fitter (currently 35 and fat with no serious excercise in last few years)

Dog on harness pulling sounds good but would that confuse him? We have only mastered not pulling on the lead within the last few months.

[SpicyPear]

If you get a waist belt you could get one of these for poo.

I am having a good old chuckle imagining the staffie's face if I strapped her up and started running... It would be a combination of , and . What she doesn't know is that I did run before I killed an ankle falling in a pothole

Scuttle, I think you should post some pics of hubby and grund in action!

Please come back and update tooearly. The puppy is showing early signs of being a runner so I might consider if my latest physio works out.

[tooearlytobeup]

My dogs face was a bit the first time too. He couldnt work out why I was running away from him when he was trying to give me his tennis ball

I think I may have to buy one of the poo carriers. I never thought I would write that sentence.

[Scuttlebutter]

Spicy, i take masses of pics of DH when he does 10K races - I always go and cheer him on. Have lots of pics of him on FB, so PM me if you want to marvel at his rugged good looks . We usually take lots of pics too of all the dogs when they are offlead e.g. at greyhound field but we don't seem to take any when it is just DH running with Minx. Hmmmm. Think we may need to add some to the portfolio! Actually, now she's had her spay, he is building her up very gradually to do the 5 K run at one of our local parks every Saturday morning. Loads of dogs take part - it is called a Parklife Run, and I think it is a national scheme so may be worth having a look at.

[anchovies]

I only ever run with mine off lead so have never tried a bungee lead or any of the alternatives. I usually just clip the lead round my waist and have running tights with a back pocket which is where phone, key and poo bag go. I love running with my dogs but can often be seen muttering and swearing under my breath when they show off running in circles around me when I'm huffing and puffing up hills :)

[anchovies]

Obviously I don't put a full poo bag in my back pocket Mine know to go in the first 30 seconds before we set off while I'm getting organised!

[TwoFacedCows]

i went running with mine, off lead around a field. as I started running my two dogs started looking round and looking really i think they thought i was being chased!! haha. little sods.

[alp]

I run in woods off lead with our springer although she just trots about looking like I'm holding her up.

If I run with her in a lead she pulls my arm (yet to get waist belt) which ends up hurting by the end (my arm!)

I am missing the running at the mo as she is injured after getting caught in some barbed wire. It's not as much fun on your own.

To answer original Qs. I wear a gilet type thing with pockets and just hold lead in My hand.

[paddythepooch]

Hi. Am keen to try this. Will def be embarrassing though dd is a lurcher. Somewhat quicker than me! Any ideas on how old pooch ought to be? He's c11 months now. No one knows as he was a stray.

[ChocDee]

I would never dream of running with my pooch since I am far too lazy! But bike riding on the other hand? GREAT FUN!

My very high energy dog has a very special bike ride squeak. Once when we first set off, and the second pleasure squeak comes after 3 km when I hit a 2 km down hill stretch through the woods. He gets most put out when I go too slow up hills. I try and explain to him that after 8 km I am ENTITLED to go as slow as I bloody well want!

I love it, and I have never been a bike rider in my life before I got this ball of energy in the house. It is superb exercise and it has really changed my body shape. Love it. Love it. Love it!

[Merle]

I'm glad to find this thread, as I came on here to begin one.

I have been looking at the Canix site. All the equipment seems very expensive - is it worth it? I don't mind spending on decent kit, but it seems a lot, even so; nearly £100 for the delux waist belt. Seems a lot for a few pieces of nylon, sewn together?

[Merle]

Shall I just go for the Canix? (bumping)

[SrirachaGirl]

We run in the woods. There are some good off-leash trails in the Provincial Park near us with natural obstacles, jumps, foot bridges, gullies etc. It's wicked fun we like to pretend we are horses. I have a slim fitting running jacket with pockets where i stash my phone/key and I also wear (sorry) a bum-bag with treats, poo-bags and pepper spray (in case of coyote encounters). My dog is a Springer too and I don't run with her on-lead until she's worn out a bit...She's like a race horse leaving the starting gate and gets VERY excited. My top-tip is to carry lots of treats and recall her to you randomly...she'll quickly become Velcro-dog. I also keep a treat in my hand when we're running past other dogs and reward her after she's gone past without stopping to pllay (she gets plenty of other play opps. on ordinary walks). You will get FIT...it's a bit like having a small, hyperactive personal trainer

[toboldlygo]

The Canix-UK kit is a rip-off, IMO. Try Kisi Canine for waist belt and lines - I also listed a few other companies upthread. After lots of experimentation I use a Kisi belt for me and Manmat lines and harnesses for the dogs.

[tooearlytobeup]

Mmm seems bumbag is the way to go. Haven't worn one since the '80s. Is fluorescent still good?

We are still sticking to offlead at the moment. Tried on lead yesterday for a bit because I ran with a friend and her on lead collie and although he was suprisingly much better than I expected, it was obviously less fun for him.

He won't go far from me anyway, keeps checking where I am and comes immediately if I call [proud mum emoticon] so a lead or treats aren't really needed.

I'm heading shopping for clothes with pockets tomorrow and think we will wait before splashing out on harness etc.

"it's a bit like having a small, hyperactive personal " I hope so! I've actually gone up 2 dress sizes since getting the dog! My dreams of long walks were foiled by a dog who pulled badly on the lead and would rather stay in one place and chase a tennis ball If this doesn't work I'm swapping him for half a dozen huskies

[Merle]

Thanks toboldlygo. You've made the decision for me. I'll have a look at their sites later. I'm off to do a Parkrun now, without the pooches.