Couch to 5k with a dog

[Morwenna]

Is it madness to consider doing this with a bouncy 18 month old Lab? I have some time off work over Christmas so want to try to get back into running by starting couch to 5k (I used to run 5k a couple of days a week before work but then post-Covid fatigue stopped that) but I also want to start teaching my dog canicross. I’ve been working on the basic left / right / steady commands on our walks so am considering combining the two. I would mainly be on grass / tracks and I’m slow even at full fitness so I don’t think it would be too much for her. I have canicross belt, bungee lead and a suitable harness (was planning to this with my old dog but for various reasons it didn’t happen). Any tips for running with a dog gratefully received!

 

[Katieg123]

In my experience - bring a phone for when said dog trips you up and you cut up your knees to call for a lift home

Other than that dogs are great running partners! Start slow and really enforce the dog staying at your side without pulling. I tried to use the belts but find they're better for once you're both used to running together. To begin with, a leash is easier for control.

 

[MuddyMonster]

My dog is much faster than me, so I struggled as he doesn't believe in running to the slowest person's pace

But I've seen other people do it with far more success, so I say definitely give it a go!

 

[stormox]

My GSD loves running and keeps a nice steady trot beside me - it can be taught quite easily

 

[HeresHoping]

Just leaving this here...

 

[CorvusCorax]

I have run and cycled with my dogs in the past, once I've built up their fitness for it and they've gone through their hip and elbow x-rays. They clean themselves and have a sniff at the start and end and any rest stops, otherwise it is me who dictates the pace and they have to match that.

 

[Morwenna]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely give it a go. It may end in disaster but she’s got the hang of working in front of me and pulling with mantrailing and her heelwork is good when it suits her so hopefully we’ll find a way that works for us. I don’t intend to race with her (I’m definitely too slow for that) but I used to love running and it will be another tool to help manage her weight.

 

[Katieg123]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely give it a go. It may end in disaster but she’s got the hang of working in front of me and pulling with mantrailing and her heelwork is good when it suits her so hopefully we’ll find a way that works for us. I don’t intend to race with her (I’m definitely too slow for that) but I used to love running and it will be another tool to help manage her weight.

Let us know how you get on!

 

[druid]

There's a good Canicross to 5k program out there on the net somewhere. Google would probably help

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I’ve been running and cycling with my dog but he just runs next to me, which reminds me I need to get back into it…

 

[Hannahgb]

Mine come on nearly every run with me, they adore it, I use the running belts, they both run in front but to the side. They get toilet stops, but almost see it as a job and go into work mode with it. Its the best fun having them there with you, have done several running events with them, true stars of the show at them!

 

[Annette4]

I would not recommend in a high animal area with a high prey drive dog ‍♀

We did mostly round the streets when we first started which was fine but I learnt a hard lesson about doing a reccy of new routes before taking the longdog for a run.

 

[Morwenna]

We’re now on week 2 and so far so good. She’s getting the hang of running alongside me or in front of me rather than jumping up at me. She’s still a bit bemused by the whole thing but given her reaction when I put her harness in I think she’s enjoying it.