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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Dog hates jogging with me

15 replies

MrsMuddlePluck · 07/12/2016 21:31

Don't say 'just don't do it' please! I've been running with him for years but the lead seems to whack the side of his head (he's a fox terrier so is small); in a harness he will slow; he is forever stopping suddenly to pee & he drives me nuts.

I don't run fast any more as I now have chronic knee problems (wear n tear due to age) so now I just want to jog gently round the block with him. He trots quickly if I walk with him so I might as well jog.

How do I make the experience more comfortable for him?

OP posts:
Noitsnotteatimeyet · 07/12/2016 22:12

Erm just don't do it? Sorry but if he's not enjoying it it seems rather mean to keep going. Stopping and sniffing is all part of a good walking experience as far as a dog's concerned. Could you not give him a proper walk and then go for a run at your own pace later?

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 07/12/2016 22:14

Put him on a harness instead of a lead to the collar?

TheCrowFromBelow · 07/12/2016 22:14

Neither of you seem to enjoy the experience
Sorry- another "just don't do it"
Walk the dog then take yourself for a run

ChardonnayKnickertonSmythe · 07/12/2016 22:14

How old is he?

You say you have been running with him for years, he might be getting old and arthritic.
I'd let him be.

trashcanjunkie · 07/12/2016 22:15

Let him off the lead?

Original poster
MrsMuddlePluck · 07/12/2016 23:58

Hmm I think I might have to face the 'walk him first', jog after strategy.

He's 'only' 7, so not old, but we have never enjoyed the experience [despite all the many articles you read about how much fun it is to run with your dog, it hasn't been great for this particular pairing!].

I just keep holding on to the idea of not having to do things twice, if I can run with him, then I don't have to go twice round the block, iyswim.

OP posts:
TrionicLettuce · 08/12/2016 00:25

If he genuinely doesn't enjoy it then its not really fair to keep insisting he does it. If he's suddenly become more reluctant a vet check is a good idea just to rule out any physical problems.

If it's just a case of your current set up not working well for either of you try changing it up a bit. You might find he enjoys it more if you get you both some proper kit (walking belt, bungee line and decent harness) and train him to run out ahead of you rather than at your side. Using different equipment on walks and jogs will also help him know when he is allowed to stop/sniff/wee and when he's "working" so can't.

Noitsnotteatimeyet · 08/12/2016 07:54

Is running round the block with you his only exercise? Does he get the chance to have a proper off lead run somewhere with lots of interesting smells. Walks are so much more than just physical exercise for a dog...

Original poster
MrsMuddlePluck · 08/12/2016 08:14

To answer a few questions: sadly he doesn't get to run around off lead as much as I'd like now.

As my kids are older teens, I've gone back to work ft. My DH works too. The teens are in & out and take him out to a small park opposite where he can run to his hearts content when they remember. Our garden is large enough that he can get exercise there & spends a great deal of his 'spare time' running round chasing lorries away from his 'patch'! Bless!

Trouble is, being quite a randy fella (despite the chop!), he does like to cock his leg everywhere. In combination with my being forced to give up serious running, I'm thinking I just need to walk fast instead of jog slowly. I used to walk for the first 10 mins so he could wee as much as he liked and then run so he was more keen once he'd done some territory marking. Now that I'm only jogging for 15mins or so, I'm trying to jog the whole way but he isn't!

OP posts:
Noitsnotteatimeyet · 08/12/2016 09:56

Running around in his garden is no substitute for a proper walk

If you don't have time to give him a good off lead run could you get a dog walker in? I know it's expensive but honestly being in the garden and then taken round the block is no life for an active dog

LikeTheShoes · 08/12/2016 10:02

If he's had the snip his leg cocking in probably more habit than need. We trained ours to only go by specific places (dog poo bins) when they're on the lead (but if you forget they get very angsty). Obviously off the lead is a different matter.

Is there somewhere you can run with him off the lead?

DoubleCarrick · 08/12/2016 10:05

My dog was impossible to run on the lead because he'd try to out run you. I started walking to the field, taking him off lead and doing laps of the field. He'd just lay in the middle and watch me go round Grin

Original poster
MrsMuddlePluck · 08/12/2016 13:36

Usually we'd go to the park so he'd run about while I did laps but now it's dark both ends of the day so it's laps of local streets which are busy roads & badly lit. He gets a better runabout at weekends.

OP posts:
Noitsnotteatimeyet · 08/12/2016 15:35

Then it definitely sounds like you need a dog walker at least for the winter months

Wonderflonium · 08/12/2016 15:54

Dogs prefer fartlek, don't they? You need to incorporate all the stopping and starting as part of your jogging routine, sounds like.

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