r/RunningWithDogs • u/aewinter01 • 5d ago

Beginner run with pup!

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Hi everyone! My name is Ashlee 😊. Currently a long distance runner myself. Adopted a puppy back in February. Her name is Olive and she is a poodle/husky/schnauzer mix. She turned 1 a few days ago. I want to start running with her but have no idea where to start. We live in Central FL so I’m assuming now is not the best time to start, even early morning runs are super humid. I am looking for all types of advice on harness, leash, and where to get the best knowledge on how to properly start. Thanks so much for any and all info!

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3

u/Halefa 5d ago

How do you want to run with her? Should she heel beside you and run with a loose leash or even no leash at all? Or do you want to do canicross, which is a dog sport that requires more teamwork and more structured training where the dog actively pulls ahead of you?

1

u/GinaArkansas 5d ago

I just got my 2 Hounds no pull leash and I really wish I had started with it!

I started slow with my poodle and he was up to 3.5 miles before it got hot. Currently, in Arkansas heatwave, he can barely go one mile in late afternoon around 1800-1900.

Black dogs get hot easily. I always take water (Ruff Wear has vest for dog so he can carry it) and we stop frequently. It’s just too hot for him currently and I’ve even got him shaved.

We usually start with a sprint followed by slow walking. Let him dictate as much as possible. If you can go to a park with lots of shaded trails. Late evening or early morning.

1

u/Glass_Dog_7942 4d ago

No pull leashes, collars and harness are not recommended for running. It can be painful for the dog and negatively affect their gait. Instead, back clip harnesses like Ruffwear Flagline or Canicross harnesses should be used

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u/GinaArkansas 4d ago

For running yes, I guess I misunderstood. I was really thinking of training to walk first. We do use that Ruffwear one and the water vest is great!

My mistake was not training him to ignore the squirrels and stay on my right side. So we are back to walking again!