Taking a dog jogging?

[GinaB]

I want to take Beastie jogging (although haven't old her yet. I can't imagine she'll be impressed) as she has become a bit..well tubby would be the only way to describe it! Her food is cut right down and she is walked every night but it doesn't seem to be enough! So we're on a get fit mission! (I need to improve my cardio as well as I get breathless v.quickly)

So how do I start? What kind of lead should I take her on etc?

 

[sloulou]

you can get these types of things:

http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/item--Mikki-Jogger-Lead--jogging-lead

but as far as I know it would be better to jog around a park with her off lead, because jogging on lead is enforced exercise, so she can't stop for a breather if she needs to? But then if she won't exercise is prob better that she is forced than doesn't get it

 

[GinaB]

It'll be me needing to stop for the breather never mind the Beastie! Lol Hmm maybe will try jogging off the lead and see how she goes. I could walk to the park with her on the lead then jog her off it...good plan Batman!

 

[sloulou]

Lol - see how it goes... I can't jog - am far too unfit... need to start doing stuff tho....

 

[GinaB]

That's why I'm doing it, alos doing Race for Life on 1st June so it's an incentive! I'll also be taking Tina and Cindy pup jogging too if I'm feelnig brave

 

[prose]

I jog with Stella, a mixture of off lead and on. I prefer off lead, obviously, where I tend to dictate the pace; on lead, she sets the pace. Years of being the 20lb and under World Squeaky Ball Fetch Champion

have made her super fit. She can easily jog five miles doing eight-minute-miles, all without needing to put her tongue out. If she's not in an energetic mood, I let her go as slowly as she wants. (Because of her smooshy BT head, I don't jog with her when it's hot out.)

I would try power-walking with Beastie first or running one minute, walking one minute, and build up steadily. Most dogs love to run, though, especially when the terrain is interesting. I put Stella in a harness when we do on-leash running, as it's more comfortable for her when she gets cocky and starts pulling me, Husky-style. If you plan to run with Beastie on her lead, I would put a harness on.