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  1. #1
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Hates running on leash

    Bubba is about to turn 2 so I've decided to start phasing in some on leash running. I used to be an avid runner, but put it on hold once I got Bubba because I didn't have enough time to consistently give him the exercise he needed and also go for runs myself. Bubba is in great shape & can run all day at the park, beach, etc, but he HATES running on the leash. Since I'm pretty out of shape at this point I've never asked him to run for more than 2 miles, and only at a 9/10 minute mile pace. When we get home he is still full of energy. Basically he just lags behind me as much as possible and I have to actively pull him along with me, no matter how much I let the leash out or how much I slow down. If I start to walk though, he charges ahead. It does not seem to be a fitness thing.

    Any advice on how to get him to enjoy running, or at least deal with it?
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  2. #2
    Senior Dog windycanyon's Avatar
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    How has he been taught his leash work? Most of us are taught heel on leash at a normal pace, slow and fast paces (so we change it up and the dog has to learn to adjust). Is he comfortable walking on loose leash or does he want to be in charge there too? Maybe he's had too much freedom/ choice (which actually is great for developing joints, but not for what you are wanting here..). He may just not understand why you are running now, and insisting that he's on leash.
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  3. #3
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    I agree that he probably doesn’t understand what is happening and what you want. Maybe try to train a specific command and position that you would like him in and reward it. Start a little bit at a time until he gets the hang of it. Sometimes using a specific collar/leash combo that you only use for that activity can help them understand it is different than a normal walk, too.
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  4. #4
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    He's pretty average at walking on leash otherwise. It's been our most difficult area and we've spent the most time working at it, but at least now he's able to walk comfortably without pulling constantly on just a martingale. He has certainly never lagged behind on regular walks, that's never been the issue. He honestly acts like he's super tired, but I don't think that can be it because when we get home he still has energy.

    Maybe I'll try some around the block jogging training sessions.
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  5. #5
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Is it cruel to do the training sessions and short easy runs with a prong on? That's what we've always used for loose leash walking, but I felt like it was mean given that he didn't seem to enjoy the running. That being said, I know that he is fit enough to do these runs, so I don't feel like I'm forcing him past his physical level.
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  6. #6
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    What type of surfaces are you running on? Hard, paved surfaces may be a little uncomfortable for him and hard on joints. Along with the above mentioned suggestions, try on softer, grassy surfaces.
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  7. #7
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Wanted to give an update here. There hasn't been any improvement on Bubba's desire to run He knows the heel command and we have been practicing it on all our regular walks to reinforce it, but just refuses to stay at my (very slow) pace when running. He lags back as far as the leash will let him and I have to pull him along. I haven't been straining him, we are still only running 2 miles at a 10:30 pace (literally the fastest he will run at and I still have to pull him). He's in great shape, plays at the park for hours everyday, could play fetch for hours, swims at the beach. He doesn't normally mind running on pavement. When I'm in our driveway doing stuff I throw the ball for him and he'll race after it again and again. It's making me worried that there is something wrong with him, but I don't really want to get saddled with a high vet bill for nothing. I tried using other collar/leash combinations like a harness but nothing can get him to run faster.
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  8. #8
    Senior Dog
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    Whenever either of mine lags behind on the leash, it's because something is bothering them. (Sunnie = back, legs; Dan = legs)

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  10. #9
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    Can you find a safe off leash area to practice having him run WITH you and make it fun, so the leash isn't a factor?

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  12. #10
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JenC View Post
    Can you find a safe off leash area to practice having him run WITH you and make it fun, so the leash isn't a factor?
    good idea! if he has good recall maybe some trail runs?
    Or if you have someone you can run with (with or without another dog but with another dog may be ideal)

    I was just talking to someone else about this yesterday. Running on leash is very boring to some dogs. they don't get to stop and sniff (as they would as a slower pace) and it's not fast enough to be fun (cani-cross style helps these dogs). I had a foster who did lazy 5k's with me and Rocky but once adopted started hiding from his owner when she got dressed for a run. So she just stopped taking him (she was pretty relaxed about the issue).

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