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Running with a dog that pulls… and everything else you want to know about running with dogs

I want to start with a disclaimer, lest anyone think I’m some super-serious runner: This morning, I ran for just shy of three miles without walking. That’s the longest I’ve ever run without walking at some point in the middle. My goal is to run a 5k this Sunday without walking (we’ve done a ton of 5k races, but I’ve always, always walked a few minutes in the middle). That said, I’ve set my sights on finishing a 10k and have downloaded the C210k training app for my phone. It actually starts with the C25k trainer, which marks my third time through that program.

My point: I’m no running pro. Nor am I a vet or a medical pro or a nutritionist or a trainer or anything other than a writer. This post is for informational purposes only and just chronicles my experience. The reason I’m writing this is because I have gotten SO MANY questions about running with Cooper that I thought I could assemble them into one monster “running with dogs” post.

If you’ve sent me Qs about running with your dog, I hope I addressed them here. If not, or if this sparks more questions, please do leave them in the comments so I can provide the best info possible!

OK, lace up those sneaks and let’s get going!

Running with a dog that pulls... and everything else you want to know about running with dogs
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How do I train my dog to run with me?

Just like you train your dog to do anything else: slow and steady! You have to start with your dog’s fitness level. Way back when I did my first round of C25k, I was in terrible shape and recovering from a year of chemo. I was in worse shape than my pups, probably, but we started ever so slowly. I highly recommend that app (thank you, Erin, for the initial recommendation) as a starting point.

Taking a big step back, though, I think it’s super important to train your dog to walk well with you first (see the next big point), so if your walking skills aren’t yet solid, go back to that basic foundation and start working on loose-leash walking. If you need to review some tips to achieve that, check out these two posts:

Loose Leash Walking from Victoria Stilwell

How to Teach Loose-Leash Walking from Karen Pryor

OK, so speaking of which…

Running with a Dog That Pulls

Without a doubt, the number-one question has been: How can I run with my dog that pulls?

Cooper keeps a loose leash. He’s usually slightly ahead, but he’s got his automatic check-in down pat. He is a great walker.

Except for when he isn’t.

When he isn’t = when we spot a dog, a bunny, a squirrel, some weird patch of wind, a person surprising him in any way (getting out of a vehicle, saying hi, etc.) OR when he anticipates those things happening. That last one is the real problem for us because he knows where every single electrically-fenced-in dog is in the three mile radius around our house.

That said, the rest of the time he really is great. He’s better, actually, when we’re running because he has a purpose. His ears are back. He finds his pace. He just goes, and he loves to run more than anything.

So, for us, our reality is this: We ensure our equipment works great. We run routes we know inside and out. We always have an escape plan. And when he starts to pull? We just “power through,” which is basically reeling him in tightly and sprinting past the perceived threat as quickly as we can.

That’s my best advice for reactive pulling. If your dog only pulls when threatened, well, you can and should keep desensitizing to those threats and then accept some degree of pulling when you’re out for a focused run.

If your dog is just a puller on leash, the best option is to go back to basics: Go back to those loose-leash walking tutorials and work on that like crazy because, for some dogs, running increases that desire to pull (“C’MON LET’S GO, HUMAN!!!!”) so you have to have it down pat.

Gear for Running with Your Dog

I mentioned ensuring our equipment works great. I honestly can’t stress this enough. If you’re running with your dog, your running gear is critical to your and your dog’s safety.

No matter the dog, no matter the distance or terrain, no matter the weather, I strongly recommend running with your dog on a harness rather than a collar. It’s safer. It alleviates pressure on your dog’s neck, and since he’ll be breathing hard, that’s extra important. The type of harness is up to you and your needs.

Cooper has a ton of different harnesses. He has one we use primarily for hiking and another that has saddlebags. The one with the saddlebags is his absolute best harness, and he walks and runs with purpose with that thing. It’s way too hot right now to use it, though. So, we’re currently running with this para-cord one because we’re going so early in the morning that I wanted something reflective, and it’s light without much body coverage to cause him to overheat. Some people prefer front-clip harnesses for runs. They’ve never worked for Coop because he pulls really freaking hard in the opposite direction to counter the drag. Choose what’s best for you and your pup.

As for the leash, you don’t need bells and whistles. I wish with all my heart Cooper could get accustomed to a waist leash so that I could be hands-free, but we’re not there yet. Right now he’s using just a thick, six-foot nylon lead. Nothing fancy. It works perfectly.

All that said, I prefer and recommend metal hardware instead of plastic. Plastic snaps, the end.

There’s a ton of other running gear for dogs out there. If it’s too hot or too cold, you might want to look into boots. Coop has a set we use when the roads are salted. Sunscreen is another great product to consider. Beyond that? If you’re a distance or trail runner, think about water on the go, and everything else is sort of extra that you may or may not need–just use common sense!

And poop bags. Everyone needs poop bags.

Best Dog Breeds for Running

“Can I train my fill-in-breed-here to be my running buddy?”

Probably, but maybe not. Some dog breeds are predisposed to running (just like some are predisposed to water or herding), but not every individual of those predisposed breeds will like/can do the activity. And, I honestly don’t think this is the right question to ask with a few exceptions: Like, your basset probably isn’t going to complete a 10k with you, and it’s really unsafe to run with brachycephalic dogs like pugs and bull mastiffs.

In my opinion, the right question to ask is: “Can I train my dog to be my running buddy?” And you should ask that question of your vet.

Here’s why: Focusing only on your dog’s breed ignores individual variations. You want to make sure your dog’s hips and joints are healthy and his heart is good, and those aren’t breed-specific health checks. Thinking at the individual level, Emmett was a pit mix and wouldn’t run unless it was to a cupcake. Cooper is a pit mix and wouldn’t stop running if we didn’t make him.

You’ll see all sorts of advice on the internet–get a Weimaraner for trails and a Vizsla for long runs, etc.–that may or may not be good advice for you and your dog. That said, if you’re looking to adopt a new dog, be sure to tell the shelter staff that you want a running partner! They can point you to the dogs in their care who will be the right fit, regardless of breed!

When is it too hot to run with your dog? Or, when is it too cold to run with your dog?

General, often-touted rule of thumb: Hold your bare palm to the cement for 15 seconds. Too hot or too cold to do that? It’s too hot or too cold to run with your pup. That said, use common sense. If you have the right gear, you can run in the heat or the cold. Heat requires extra precautions against overheating, so shorter, less-intense runs during the coolest part of the day, or purposefully choosing courses that are shaded can help.

Honestly, though? This is a common-sense issue. If you’re not sure if the temps are too extreme, just assume they are. Better to be cautious than sorry.

How long can I run with my dog?

Sort of like the question above, this depends so much on the weather conditions and your dog’s fitness level. Start slow, like with the C25k program, so that your dog slowly builds endurance, then be cognizant of your running conditions.

Cooper, for example, started the C25k program with me several years ago. We completed it, then lost our momentum. When we started back up, he was in better shape than I was, and then he started to train with John. One of John’s big bucket list goals was to run a marathon, so he first did the C25k program with me years ago, and he downloaded that same app but in the marathon version. It started incrementally and gradually built distance and duration. He took Coop along from the beginning, though at some point in the training Cooper topped out at eight miles. And that’s the key: John recognized that 8 miles was as far as Cooper could safely go. Would Cooper go longer? Yep. If John let him, Coop would run until he dropped, but… We monitored his recovery after each run, and that was the point we identified as far enough for him. I do believe he could probably complete a half marathon with John, and he definitely would if given the chance, but we’re also cognizant of the fact that he’s turning eight this year and we need to protect his joints. Will he run more? Maybe. We’re going to start him with chiropractic care soon and may do a sports medicine consult, but we’re happy with him at eight miles (unless it’s too hot, obvi).

The Bottom Line: Running with your dog is an awesome way to bond!

I don’t particularly like to run. Sometimes I hate it. Most of the time I don’t even want to go. Then I harness up Coop, and his tail starts to wag. His ears go back. And he is happy–genuinely, joyfully happy–which makes it worthwhile.

The only thing you need to do to start is to lace up your shoes, leash up your dog, and head outside. No fancy gear required.

If you need a little more inspo, here are a couple posts I’ve written about running with Coop:

Healthy Dog, Healthy(ish) Me: Will Run for Tacos

Lean, mean running bean

Otherwise, get out there and have fun! And if you still have questions about running with your dog, leave ’em in the comments below! Or, if you think I’ve missed anything here, please add your tips!

BTW, I’m thinking about trying some trail running with Coop, so if anyone has any suggestions there, I’m all ears!!! 🙂

Cooper’s Allergy-Friendly Diet, Routine, and IHT Update

Of all the things I’ve ever written about in this space, Cooper’s IHT is the topic that gets the most questions by far. Every single week I hear from someone whose dog started tremoring, they googled the condition, and found our story. While it makes me feel good that I can provide a resource to folks facing the same thing with their dog, it also makes me sad that so many dogs are experiencing this.

The second-most-repeated question is, and I’m paraphrasing here: What is Cooper eating these days? I think the other way people find this space is by googling something like: HALP OMG my dog has allergies! Or: why is my dog so itchy? Or: seriously, wtf is wrong with my dog’s skin?

So, I’m hoping this post can be a bit of a resource. If your dog doesn’t have IHT or your dog doesn’t have allergies, feel free to skim (you never know what might spark a great idea for your pup!) or come back another day. If your dog does have IHT or your dog does have allergies, I’d LOVE for you to weigh in on your diet and routine in the comments. This community grows so strong by sharing our experiences on how best to care for our beloved family members.

Cooper's Allergy-Friendly Diet, Routine, and IHT Update

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PLEASE NOTE: I’m not a vet. I’m not a vet tech. I’m not involved in any useful medical field in any way. I’m not a dietitian, nor am I anything skilled in any way other than being a writer who obsessively researches ways to take better care of my dog. So, please read this post from that place, knowing I’m sharing my experience. My first recommendation in all things health, diet, routine, and behavior is to see your vet.

How we manage Cooper’s health with diet and routine:

Here’s why I’m lumping together a conversation around allergies and IHT: I theorize that, in Cooper at least, the two are related. I believe that his weak immune system contributes to both, and that when his allergies flare up, his IHT flares up, as well. This is simply a correlation, of course, but an example of this is right now. His eyes are pouring goop, and I can see his ears starting to get itchy… and he’s had two tremors in the last week.

This post isn’t specifically about his bobble-headedness, but if you want to learn more about that, check out these two resources:

What this post is specifically about is how we manage Cooper’s health through his diet and routine. It relates to the IHT and it relates to his allergies because, for full transparency, if he didn’t have those conditions, we’d probably have a much simpler, much cheaper routine. So, here we go:

Diet

We are generally strong proponents of healthy eating around here, and that includes the animals. For a long time, we cooked for Cooper. IF you find your dog is experiencing food sensitivities or allergies, I strongly recommend talking to your vet about an elimination diet. It’s a massive pain in the ass. Truly, a nearly-impossible feat to accomplish (WHY are there half-finished sandwiches on sidewalks?), but it was so, so worth it for us. We figured out many of the things that were causing him big problems and were able to cut them out completely. No more bloody stools! Yay! 🙂 If you’re interested in home cooking, here are a couple resources:

That said, we’re not home cooking for him currently. At some point during our home-cooking adventures, The Honest Kitchen launched a line of limited-ingredient foods. One of the formulas was nearly identical to what we were home cooking, and we gave it a whirl. Thankfully, it worked out, and he’s been happily eating The Honest Kitchen Brave ever since. It saved us a TON of time, though it’s more expensive than cooking, but the time, oh lordy, the time it took to cook… That said, IF he ever needs to switch for any reason, I’m grateful we now know what to do!

Supplements

We’ve tried a zillion supplements, and the key is finding ones that don’t have flavoring from his allergens (like, so many come with beef liver flavoring, which he simply can’t have). So, here’s what he’s on now, how often, and my favorite resource for each:

It looks like a lot, but it goes pretty fast, and we actually share the probiotic and the coconut oil with the kitties, too. (Maybe a post on their routine? Let me know if that’s of interest…)

Exercise and Training

Cooper gets a ton of exercise. He runs with John. He “runs” with me on occasion in nice weather if it’s not too hot but it’s slightly cloudy so as not to be too sunny and I don’t have anything better to do. We hike weekly. I want him lean and strong, so we make sure he gets a ton of physical exercise.

But.

Since this is Cooper we’re talking about, training is important, too, since he flips out when we’re out and about if he sees a scary person (in other words… a person…) or dog. So we do tons and tons and tons of training with him, which sort of is counter to the healthy diet and exercise because it takes a lot of treats. If it’s stuff around the house or yard, or when we’re out and know we won’t see anyone (like, if it’s raining), we use a dehydrated fish treat. If it’s any other scenario–like, there might be people or dogs around–we use squeeze cheese.

Yep.

Exactly what you’re imagining.

It’s easy to carry, easy to dispense, and extremely high-value for him. It’s also disgusting, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Vaccines and Meds

Recently, someone commented that I’d turned my dog into a druggie who was going to die of cancer. Why? Because I give him Apoquel AND I vaccinate him. I want to be super-duper-crystal-clear here: YOU have to decide what’s right for YOUR dog. You should make those decisions in consultation with an expert and by conducting your own thorough research (i.e. not relying only on the first result in a Google query).

That said, yes, Cooper takes Apoquel daily. His skin used to crack and bleed, now it doesn’t. I get that there are side effects, but as with any medication in the world for pets or people, it comes down to weighing potential side effects against potential benefits. In the case of Cooper and Apoquel, the benefits tipped the scale.

He’s also on a flea and tick medication about 10 months out of the year. We hike a lot. We live in a tick-dense area with high incidences of tick-borne illnesses. I’m not willing to let his compromised immune system try to do battle with something as serious as say, lyme disease, so we prevent the risk.

Same with vaccines: I vaccinate Cooper. I believe strongly in vaccines for people and pets. I think that fear and opinion have clouded the science-based discussion around vaccines (another post for another day perhaps???), but it’s the best choice for our family. Plus, Cooper goes to doggy daycare and we do occasionally board him at the same daycare. It’s for his protection, and for the other dogs at daycare.

Other Considerations

I’ve heard amazing things about veterinary chiropractic care recently, and I’ve also been interested in integrative medicine–combining traditional with western medicine, including food and supplements, etc.–and found a practice nearby that we’re going to try very soon. If you guys are interested, I can share our experiences with that.

In conclusion…

I hope this sparked some ideas for you and your pet. If your dog suffers from allergies or IHT, know that I’m here for you to bounce ideas! It’s taken literally FIVE YEARS of trial-and-error to nail down this routine, so I sure hope this helps someone with similar struggles.

If I didn’t cover it all, or if you’re left with questions, please do leave them in the comments below!

Thank you so much for spending your time with me reading all this!! I appreciate you so much!

Does my dog really need a dental cleaning?

Yep! He does!

OK, then. See you next time! (:

Just kidding… but, yeah, your dog probably does need a dental cleaning.

Today, Cooper goes in for his first full dental. The crazy thing is that Cooper will be 7 years old next month, and this is the first time he’s truly needed one.

Does my dog really need a dental cleaning

(OK, that pic is from a couple years ago… Cooper SMILES when he’s happy to see you. Our pet sitter friend, who he loves, snapped this gem!)

When Coop had his annual exam in October 2015, his vet said that he’d need a dental the following fall. Same thing with Newt. So, when I took them both in October 2016, I was surprised to hear her say that, actually, his teeth were still in pretty good shape, but we might as well schedule one within the next year. (Newt, on the other hand, needed hers ASAP and ended up discovering a cracked tooth.)

So, we put it off since we were dealing with Emmett’s myriad health issues, followed by Violet’s arrival.

But, I constantly flip his lip.

Do you do that?? You totally should! Every so often, flip up your pup’s lips and check out his teeth and gums. If you know, generally, what they look like, it’s easy to tell when something isn’t quite right.

And that’s exactly what happened.

His front left canine had some serious gunky discoloration along the gum line. And, while we were poking and prodding his other teeth, we noticed a small, hard lump just on the inside of his upper lip. Hmm. So, we called the vet and got his appointment scheduled ASAP. Today.

The plan: A full dental cleaning, along with an aspiration and possible removal of the lump. (trying not to panic… trying not to panic… trying…)

Cooper’s never been under anesthesia before, so they’re doing a full work-up first to make sure he’s a good candidate.

Our animal hospital is AAHA accredited–one of the reasons we chose it, to be honest–so there are a few things I know and feel comfortable with him going through this for the first time.

AAHA hospitals have to meet a series of mandatory standards, then earn points beyond what’s required. So, for today, I know that for the anesthesia, a trained tech will monitor Coop with required equipment throughout the entirety of his anesthesia. That allows for him to be closely monitored while he receives a thorough clean under the gumline, plus any extractions (which I reallllllly hope he doesn’t need), and then the aspiration and possible removal of this mystery lump. So, the whole time, he’s carefully monitored by focused, well-trained staff. They also have mandatory procedures for surgery, pain assessment and management, and protocols for recovery, like delivering oxygen in a number of different ways, if it’s needed.

These are the types of things I focus on when I’m trying not to panic…

It’s recommended, of course, that dogs get a full dental once a year. You and your vet will have to decide if that’s the best course for your pup. With Emmett, he had a dental every other year and definitely needed it each time. Lucas got one every two or three years because his teeth were in better shape than Em’s overall. Cooper truly hasn’t needed one until now, and he’s almost seven.

Every dog and every situation is unique.

So, does your dog really need a dental cleaning at the vet?

Probably.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, “Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, and is entirely preventable.  By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease.”

If nothing else, take a couple minutes this weekend to flip your dog’s lip. Look at his teeth and gums. If you spot anything off or gunky or smelly, call the vet. If all looks well, add it to your calendar to check again in a couple weeks.

As for me, I’m going to go pour over the AAHA website again to refresh myself on their anesthesia, dental, surgery, and recovery standards so that I can focus on the good care he’s getting rather than all the worries…

Happy Friday, y’all!

Healthy Dog, Healthy(ish) Me: Have I Mentioned I HATE Running? (Alternate title: Will Run for Tacos)

Here’s what I’ve discovered about exercise: It is really, really hard to get in shape, but it is really, really easy to fall out of shape.

Unfair.

Seriously, though, it took me and Cooper (well, me… Cooper’s fine…) two times through the C25K training app before we (I) were able to complete a 5k. Then life got crazy, and yesterday we (I) were totally wrecked trying to run less than two miles.

SO unfair.

I want to get back into the running habit. It’s good for me, of course, but it’s necessary for Cooper.

Do any of you love a dog like this: If Cooper doesn’t get sufficient exercise, he goes insane. Like, he blacks out, dashes around the house, pummels the cat, and bites onto corners of things.

He needs exercise to stay sane.

Side note: We’ve always said iterations of, “When Cooper grows up, he’ll calm down” or “Once Cooper matures…” or “Cooper hasn’t grown into his head yet…”

Cooper will be seven in August. I’m starting to think this is just how he is.

Healthy Dog Healthy Me

So, I signed us all up for a 5k for this Saturday. I thought it would motivate me to get my butt in gear. Of course, I signed up a couple weeks ago and only went for my first run yesterday, so Saturday might be a smidge rough. For me, anyway.

Question: Are any of you guys the person who says, “Oh, I just love running. It really clears my head!” or some similar iteration? If so, I’d love to know if it came naturally, like you just took to running, or if you had to fight and slog and struggle through the early stages to get there?

All this comes to a head because the Healthy Dog, Healthy You challenge is underway. (I shared the start of it and my goals here.) I’ve been lurking in the Facebook group and am blown away at all the awesome progress being made by people and pets! It’s super motivating!

Even MORE motivating than seeing other people’s progress?

Coloring!

Well, OK, not coloring specifically, but here’s my deal: I need to track things. If I’m trying to establish a new habit–say, jogging with Cooper every day–I NEED to document it somehow. As you all know, I’m a paper-and-pen gal, as is my friend Jodi from Kol’s Notes.

She made these super fun, totally adorable Habit Tracker sheets to help keep me going. Instead of boring checkboxes, there’s a dog and a cat version that you get to color. Even if you’re NOT trying to track a new habit, you should totally download and color them anyway. They are just that cute.

The other big thing that will get its own post some day is the training we’re starting with Cooper. I HAVE to track our progress with that because I need to stay on top of it, for one thing, but I also need to see progress visually to stay focused because it’s going to be painfully incremental.

Snag your own:

Honestly! How cute are those?! I feel like I can have a few going at once: one for Cooper’s training, one for my running, and the cat one for the 15 minutes of play we’re trying to do with Newt each day.

Are you participating in the Healthy Dog, Healthy You challenge? Have you set any summer fitness goals for you and your pup? Do you love running (tell me your secrets!!!!!!!!!!!)? 

I’ll let you know if I survive Saturday… 😉

Healthy dog, healthy you… and the converse is true, too!

I’m granting myself some leniency here because it’s been a helluva couple months. However.

{{This post brought to you by Cooper getting up and peeing in the living room at 4 AM! If that hadn’t happened, I’d still be languishing lazily in my bed, you know, sleeping instead of writing this post! Thanks, Coop! Way to keep me on task, buddy!}}

Several years ago, I alllllmost completed the C25K training program. It’s a really great program that takes you from not being able to run at all to completing a 5K incrementally and pretty gently. I derailed at the end and kept meaning to start back up but then winter.

Anyways, I know that’s no excuse. So, summer 2016 I repeated the whole program with Cooper. He loved it. We finished it. I ran TWO 5Ks in 2016 and tried to keep up with twice- or thrice-weekly jogs.

Healthy Cooper, Healthy Me

Then I derailed in early March. No “winter” excuse this time since that’s when things start getting nicer here in Indiana.

Here’s the truth that we all know yet sometimes struggle to accept:

Exercise is super good for us. It’s super good for our dogs. It’s super good for our bond with our dogs when we exercise together.

The only drawbacks with exercise? It takes time, and it’s hard.

And both of those things–individually or together–are enough to derail the best-laid plans.

Which leads us to today.

Well, actually, yesterday…

Yesterday, Sunday, June 4: The Healthy Dog, Healthy You Challenge kicked off.

Healthy Dog, Healthy You Challenge

Started by my friend Alison at Sarcastic Dog, the challenge inspires us all to walk with our dogs for 30 days in a row. Here’s her post announcing and explaining the initiative: Getting Healthy… Again.

There are prizes (yay!) and a fundraising initiative for Best Friends (double yay!), and you can sign up and get those bullet points and some additional detail here: The Second Annual 30-Day Walk the Dog Challenge & Giveaway! Plus, there’s a Facebook group to connect and compare!

Also–because you KNOW I’m obsessed–my friend Jodi at Kol’s Notes made an ahhhhmazing sticker set for your planner to go with the challenge. Legit, nothing motivates me quite like stickers do!! Check out her post here: The Healthy Dog; Healthy You Challenge (and Free Printable Stickers) and download the free stickers! I’m working on cutting mine out and pasting them into my planner this morning… since I have all this extra time… Cooper.

Want the quick PDF download? Here ya go! 

Anyway, for the launch of the program, yesterday I ended up doing a TON of yard work and was totally beat, but Cooper hadn’t gotten any exercise. So, John and I decided to do an after-dinner family walk around the neighborhood. I put Violet in the wrap, and John harnessed Cooper (with can of cheese in tow) and off we went. We hit the 15-minute mark, which feels like a win since that was the challenge… but I know we can do better. So, I set a goal: I signed myself up for another 5k on June 24, so I better stick with it, huh? That’s only three weeks away!

Heck, the sun still isn’t up yet (COOPER), so I might as well round everyone up for an early-morning jog, huh?

How about you? Are you doing the Healthy Dog, Healthy You challenge? Do you have any summer fitness plans or goals? I’d love to hear them and share progress so we can help inspire and motivate each other!!!