Phoebe is my very active 2 year old cattle dog. She is my little “go girl” I like to run, she likes to run, so we make a good pair. Over time with her and her predecessors I have gotten a couple of tips to make running, or walking with your best friend a bit easier.
1. You can get a “tie out lead”, it’s longer and has an adjustable clip so that instead of keeping the leash in your hand or on your wrist you can wear it around your waist and have your hands free. This will also keep your gait more even, since it is easier to swing both arms equally. Your legs and arms like to work together so if your arms swing is uneven your stride will probably be as well.
2. A friend gave us a collapsible nylon water dish that clips to Phoebe’s collar, great for long runs, a hydrated dog is a happy dog!
3. Same friend, thanks J. gave us a cool collar, it has a freezable insert and really helps keep your dog comfortable on a warm day. (I think I want one for me!)
4. This is a safety tip. I have said before that I’m not a leash-law Nazi, but people really need to know that their dogs will come when called and how they react to other dogs. Phoebe and I have had some close calls with aggressive off leash dogs. Pepper spray is an option, but you may hit your dog. Another friend suggested a travel size bottle of hair spray, it won’t hurt either animal, but will (hopefully) discourage the attack. If this doesn’t work, don’t try to hold on to your dog or get between them, your dog will have a better chance if you allow her either to run free or defend herself. You can’t outrun a full sized dog, so don’t try. Don’t make eye contact, don’t turn your back, back away slowly, upwind if you can. If you have a sweat shirt, wrap it around your arm and use it as a shield. That being said, there is no perfect answer for this, so please, people with aggressive dogs, please keep them under your control!
5. If you run with more than one friend at a time, get a buddy lead splitter, you clip your lead to the center and it attaches to two collars, this will keep you from getting tangled leads. (More than two dogs, you’re on your own (-:)
6. Last tip, better for both of you, try to run where there isn’t a lot of vehicle traffic, it isn’t good for your lungs or your dogs.
Keep moving, stay well!
Sandra
