Running with the dogs

I understand why people don’t run with their dogs. This takes quite a bit of training. I didn’t understand this before I got a dog and foolishly thought this would be a great way to exercise my dog and feel safe when I am out at night. Holly runs with me, but she doesn’t enjoy it. It is her job. She prefers to sniff, and she can’t do this while we run. I do find it helpful if we walk for about ½ hour first, and then start our run. I have though for quite awhile that Kasey would be much better at running because he just wants to move. He wants to go FORAWRD and FAST! I was home from school today, so I decided to be brave an attempt a run with him. I wear the treat bag and the clicker. When he is in the heel position (head at my left knee) I click and treat while I am slowly jogging. Speed with come with time. I am trying to shape this behavior. When we started out, I was worried that we wouldn’t make it to the end of the black without both of us wiping out. He kept going around my back (silly herding dog) and cutting me off in front (stupid dog). I tripped and stopped a couple of times. I did have the gentle leader on him. By block two, we were much better. This is the blessing of the clicker. Every time he was in position- click and treat- because let me tell you that after a coup0ld of blocks, “good boy” wouldn’t have made it out of my mouth. Overall I am pleased. It wasn’t as easy as with Holly, but he isn’t as old or as solid on the leash.