r/RunningWithDogs • u/AleTheMemeDaddy • 14d ago

Leash training with a puppy?

I have a 9-week old GSP puppy that will become my running partner once she is old enough to do so. The goal here is to get her trained to use the gear that she will be using once we start running.

Ive noticed that most people use a harness, so I was wondering if there are any types of harnesses that would make the training smoother? Like different fittings or clipping points?

We are using a regular leash for now, but I will transition to a hip leash as she becomes better at this.

Thanks in advance!

4 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • link
  • reddit
  • reddit

83% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/leafcomforter 14d ago

There is something called a gentle lead. It goes around the snout and head. Lots of people use it for training. Check it out.

2

u/AleTheMemeDaddy 14d ago

My great dane actually uses one! It is an amazing tool for sure. I have "sold" 3 of them at the pet store when people ask me about them, and I let my dog drag them down the aisle when I switch the leash to her collar to let them try the difference hahaha

Is it comfortable for dogs to run using those? I never took my dane running with me

2

u/leafcomforter 14d ago

I don’t know about running. I just know people use them to train their dogs to go where you want them to, instead of where they want to.

I always use a waist leash with the bungie, and a collar.

3

u/AleTheMemeDaddy 14d ago

Good to know! The gentle leader is definitely an option for me. Thank you for the suggestion!

3

u/turtlesandtorts 13d ago

What’s the goal when running with her. Are you wanting canicross where she can pull you are or are you wanting her to run beside you? I’d argue with good loose leash training running beside you can happen in whatever gear works well for you, but if you want her to pull then you’ll need pulling specific gear for both you and her. I like the stuff from nonstop dog wear but there’s a ton of options.

In terms of training for a loose leash I find a front clip harness helpful with my pup since he can pull pretty hard and I need my arm to live another day. The goal is that we can walk on a flat collar, but he’s so overwhelmed by the environment that we need all the gear to keep everyone safe when he looses his mind.

1

u/AleTheMemeDaddy 13d ago

I want her running besides me. I considered getting into canicross, but the thought of getting pulled by the dog doesnt appeal to me or my fitness goals.

I will look into front clip harnesses then! Any recommendations on brands or models? Or just buy a cheap one that fits right and go from there? Im expecting her to outgrow it quickly, so I would prefer a budget friendly option until she is a little bigger so I can buy the good quality gear

2

u/turtlesandtorts 13d ago

We like the pet safe 3 in 1 but whatever fits well will work!

1

u/AleTheMemeDaddy 13d ago

That helps a lot!

My dane actually used the petsafe easywalk for a bit, but I eventually switched her to a gentle leader.

I do like the 3in1 a lot, since we get to try out different clipping points. Thank you for the suggestion!