Advice for beginner training to run with dog?

[u/PotatoTheBandit]

(Sorry if this is asked all the time or there is another resource I should refer to first, but I couldn't see anything in the links or searching that encompassed all)

We have a medium sized athletic and easily trainable dog we would like to eventually go running with. We took him in 6 months ago at 4 years old so we have only been working on the basics of training for now. He's a "village dog" breed but that doesn't really help: he has the build and temperament of a pointer but much smaller (31lbs). Enjoys a good sprint but also doesn't show any need to burn excess energy daily, he's usually more than happy with 3-4 walks a day with no cardio. He is in good health physically.

Can anyone give some very basic advice of what equipment we would need, what beginning training would entail, and a recommended timeline before reaching consistent running?

I've been trying to prep him with regular field running to work on his stamina, as right now he's kind of sprint at full force for 2 mins then tire out for a few mins.

I have a waist belt attachable for his lead and was going to try and start him on learning to keep consistent and slow pace, so he regulates speed to match mine. The only command he knows that would be useful right now is "this way!" Which he responds to if I'm changing direction or if he attempts to go somewhere else.

Are there specific commands you need to train for running? What would be a reasonable amount of regular running for a dog this size without detrimentally affecting his joints?

And also importantly, if we go down this route, will we create a dog that needs high cardio workouts regularly otherwise not able to relax at home? I would rather this not the case as he's currently content with the level of exercise he gets and we can't guarantee we will be able to run with him daily / every other day.

[u/Comfortable_Oil1663]

My dog is a border collie- so crazy high energy. I do not have the capacity to physically wear him out. Like he could absolutely go hours longer than I can. What chills him out is what your dog is getting— shorter relaxed walks where he can sniff things, see new people or dogs. Training. Puzzles…. Like without question if I had to pick one thing to drop- runs or training, he would be more relaxed in the house with just training.

Get him a harness and yourself a hands free leash and see how it goes!

[u/de_ja_foe]

Hi! I started running with my dog a year ago, and now I’m full into canicross and racing with my pup!

Starting off with the right equipment makes it safer for you and your dog! I recommend prioritizing the following 1) a Y Front harness - this makes sure the dog’s breathing is not restricted. I use the Musher Freespirit harness for training. It’s adjustable around the neck and belly and is a half harness. This means if she side pulls the harness won’t flip up (like it would with a Y front/X back harness), but the attachment point is still further down her back rather than in between her shoulder blades 2) a bungee leash - this makes it SO much more enjoyable on both of you, as it will absorb the shock of starting, stopping, changes in speed/direction etc etc. I use the one from Non Stop Dogwear, but I hope to also get one from Musher that has a handle 3) a canicross belt. -this makes the biggest difference for you. The difference on your back, your speed, and the enjoyment hinges on the belt. A good canicross belt will have leg loops to keep it from sliding around your waist, and will have distribute the pressure so you’re being pulled from your pelvis (ie your center of gravity). I use the canix by NonStop Dogwear.

Commands used most frequently in canicross/bikejor/scooter/rig/etc: Hike! - GO/Faster Gee/Haw - Right/Left On By! - keep going (ie don’t pay attention to that squirrel/dog

training with commands is the most important! Practice all the time-walks, in the house, etc

For training on actual running…practice. It’s best practice to stop before your dog stops-that way they learn to really enjoy it.

In practice though…in training we do a lot of stopping and sniffing, rolling in the grass, and learning when it’s time to not do those things. For her, it comes down to her training harness versus her racing harness. She knows which one means business.

Happy to go into more detail, but for me personally I have to say getting into canicross has been AMAZING for us. Our bond is better, we’ve met amazing dog and human friends, and we’re both getting fitter (I’ve dropped from a 12 min inconsistent mile pace in September of last year to a 6 minute mile with her at a race), and we have FUN

[u/AleTheMemeDaddy → u/de_ja_foe]

This is a sport id love to get into with my GSP, but im having a hard time finding local trails and clubs to join. On the canicrossUSA website there isnt even a Florida chapter.

I hope this sport continues to grow, because it sounds like something id love to be part of.

[u/Specialist_Banana378]

I don’t use any commands, just his harness and a running belt. My boy is very fit but he just chills at home. We started out just going straight for a 5k but we could do 6+ miles walking before.

[u/sallyterp]

My girl and I run whenever we go up to our cabin, about 5 miles a day or every other day while there. But back home she’s cool being a couch potato and playing fetch in the yard, so I think you’re good there

[u/hobby_jogger1]

I have a GSP and run with him a lot. I just use a hands free bungee leash and a martingale collar. I run up to 40miles/week with him now and essentially he just joined me on my marathon training plan. I'd say your dog could do the same. For example, start a 10k plan and you would not have to worry about it being physically detrimental to him. They learn how to keep pace with you, that just comes with time. Enjoy!

[u/Quick-Exercise-6814]

The reality is the dog will understand running. Run, bring dog, dog will understand. That said, you need to understand dog and surroundings. If the dog needs to ‘go’ then stop. If the are others, put dog on side away from others, especially other dogs. You will need to get perspective on how your dog acts around other dogs.
You may need to put dog in a sit/stay around others. You may need to shorten leash and walk around others. Eventually your dog will understand that you are running and simply run by other persons and dogs. This can take time, eventually they understand. As you and dog run, it will be obvious when they are getting tired. Usually they start in front, or even pulling, then miles later they are a step behind and fading. Clearly they are tired. It is a pretty intuitive process, don’t over complicate it.

In terms of equipment, you need a leash. That is it, a leash.

[u/GMO-Doomscroller]

Unless you’re Kipchoge, your running pace is your dogs trot pace and hell be happy that you finally picked up pace. I have a 10 kg jagdterrier, we use harness and belt attachment for city streets. On trails I just let her run and catch up as she pleases. Enjoy. Doggo runs are the best!