Does my dog like going for runs?

[pkulak]

I've got a two-year-old lab. He's calmed down a bit since he was a puppy, but he's still a lab and he still has energy to spare. I go for a short (2.5 miles or so) run several times a week, and I usually bring him with me. Lately though, I've been wondering if he actually wants to go, and was hoping someone here would be able to help me work this out. If it's too much work for him, or it makes his joints or paws hurt, the last thing I want to do is keep dragging him out there with me.

Here's why I think he does want to go out with me:

1. He's a lab.
2. He gets all winey with anticipation when he notices me putting on running gear.

That's pretty convincing, but here's why I'm starting to doubt it:

1. He freaks out when I get his harness on him. You have to chase him down a bit to get it on, and then he just freezes like a statue until he forgets he has it on. He's done this forever, and I always assumed it was the vet association from when that's what it meant about 90% of the time. Now, however, when the harness goes on it means "run". He hasn't been to the vet in months. Yet he still freaks as much as he did right after he was fixed.

2. Sometimes he hangs a bit behind me until we get about halfway on the run, then runs out in front and starts causing his usual problems with pulling. It reminds me of one time when I went on this horseback guided tour. All the horses really just wanted to hang out in their stables and not have to take tourists on their canned rides. They would walk very slowly on the way out, and would basically refuse to do anything other then a slow walk. Then, on the way back, you would have to fight to keep them out of a full gallup, since they had home in their sights.

Anyway, that's a lot of writing for a simple question. Any help figuring this out is greatly appreciated!

 

[Zoom]

Have you checked to make sure the harness isn't rubbing anywhere and causing discomfort?

 

[Punkygirl0101]

My friend's dog is the same way with harnesses..and she had to train him out of it by giving him a treat while putting it on and making him associate the harness as a good thing.

I personally would believe he likes the runs, AND he NEEDS them! Being he is a lab and has a lot of energy, a run is good for him and it sounds like he LOVES the run, but something else is bothering him before going on it.

 

[xpaeanx]

I would def check the harness while it's on him and have someone walk him around a bit while it's on... it could be too tight somewhere, or maybe pinching while he moves...

also, what do you run him on? I've had dogs with sensitive pads, and if I didn't keep them on the grass they would slow down a lot.

Most dogs love running, and going places with their owner. So, I would guess it's something else and not the running that he doesn't like.

 

[adojrts]

Sure could be the harness but I would also have him checked by a vet.

It could be a lameness, your right horses will work faster at the end of their exercise to end it faster so they can be left alone. That is very common with race horses that are hurting, they pull a lot (more than what is considered to be normal pulling in race horses) and try to end the morning gallops or jogs (harness horses) by going faster.

 

[lucyloo2]

I would definitely check his harness to be sure it isn't rubbing or pinching him somewhere Also have you checked his paws for rawness? My friend and I run with our dogs, and her dog's paws started getting raw, so she bought her some booties and now she's fine.

 

[SmexyPibble]

I would check if the harness is making him uncomfortable in any way. If not, try to make it a happy thing. Treats, praise and make a big deal once it is on. Labs can't resist you hopping around squeeling. They have to join into that activity! He will associate this play with his harness.

If he still just hates his harness, why not use a regular collar?

 

[wishbone]

Also, try to put harness without leash on him while at home so he would feel comfortable having it, just check for something might discomfort him.

 

[noludoru]

Also, try to put harness without leash on him while at home so he would feel comfortable having it, just check for something might discomfort him.

What!? And here I thought you were going to suggest a bark collar for him.

 

[Anubis]

I dare think he's a thinking animal that would rather not leave the den unguarded (specially if it's hot outside) and really doesn't appreciate the reason you go out running and come back with no prey.

 

[pkulak]

I dare think he's a thinking animal that would rather not leave the den unguarded (specially if it's hot outside) and really doesn't appreciate the reason you go out running and come back with no prey.

Haha!

 

[pkulak]

I tried yesterday without the harness and just the collar. He seemed a bit better about it, but nothing significant. On the plus side, he didn't pull any more than he does with the harness, which is all it's for, so I'm going to stop using that thing.

I think you guys may be on to something with the paws. He's had some issues there before. One actually had to be surgically repaired when he was a pup, though this was before I started taking him on runs. I think I'll make a vet appointment just to check it out before I take him out again. Then maybe booties.

 

[pacopoe]

I was also wondering how long you've been running with him. It's hard on growing bones/joints to do a lot of running and he may be experiencing pain. Normally it's not advisable to do those sorts of activities until the growth plates are fully formed (I think around 1.5 years, correct me if I'm wrong). Do you have the option to run on soft ground?

But it sounds like it's the harness that's the issue and the mental association. I think it's normal for dogs to lag when leaving the home and then to speed up on the way back. If you run the same route every day he's just letting you know he's knows it better than you!

For the pulling, switch to a prong collar for the run if it gets too bad but, if it's manageable, stick to a flat. Harnesses actually promote pulling (think: sled dogs) so it's good to make the switch now!

 

[xpaeanx]

For the pulling, switch to a prong collar for the run if it gets too bad but, if it's manageable, stick to a flat. Harnesses actually promote pulling (think: sled dogs) so it's good to make the switch now!

I know everyone has their preferences, mine for pulling are a head collar, or the halti harness(you clip to the front of the harness not the back)

 

[CharlieDog]

I was also wondering how long you've been running with him. It's hard on growing bones/joints to do a lot of running and he may be experiencing pain. Normally it's not advisable to do those sorts of activities until the growth plates are fully formed (I think around 1.5 years, correct me if I'm wrong). Do you have the option to run on soft ground?

But it sounds like it's the harness that's the issue and the mental association. I think it's normal for dogs to lag when leaving the home and then to speed up on the way back. If you run the same route every day he's just letting you know he's knows it better than you!

For the pulling, switch to a prong collar for the run if it gets too bad but, if it's manageable, stick to a flat. Harnesses actually promote pulling (think: sled dogs) so it's good to make the switch now!

Yep, Ozzy pulls like a freight train if he has a harness on and we are walking or running. Prong collars prevent that. They have to be introduced carefully, and if you are prone to falling down while running a lot, I wouldn't advise it because of the risk of majorly correcting your dog. Which isn't fun for either party. However, a harness does pretty much eliminate the risk of damage to the trachea.

 

[smkie]

NOt a believer in harnesses...Glad you gave the collar a go.

 

[xpaeanx]

NOt a believer in harnesses...Glad you gave the collar a go.

I've never heard anyone against harnesses....prong collars, shock collars, spray collars, certain types of leads, but not harnesses..... may I ask why?

 

[lucyloo2]

I tried yesterday without the harness and just the collar. He seemed a bit better about it, but nothing significant. On the plus side, he didn't pull any more than he does with the harness, which is all it's for, so I'm going to stop using that thing.

I think you guys may be on to something with the paws. He's had some issues there before. One actually had to be surgically repaired when he was a pup, though this was before I started taking him on runs. I think I'll make a vet appointment just to check it out before I take him out again. Then maybe booties.

Good idea to get him checked out. It took a little getting used to for my friend's dog, but she doesn't mind her booties at all now! She is a big Weimarainer so she looks pretty funny/cute in her little booties! LOL!

 

[pkulak]

I was also wondering how long you've been running with him. It's hard on growing bones/joints to do a lot of running and he may be experiencing pain. Normally it's not advisable to do those sorts of activities until the growth plates are fully formed (I think around 1.5 years, correct me if I'm wrong). Do you have the option to run on soft ground?

But it sounds like it's the harness that's the issue and the mental association. I think it's normal for dogs to lag when leaving the home and then to speed up on the way back. If you run the same route every day he's just letting you know he's knows it better than you!

For the pulling, switch to a prong collar for the run if it gets too bad but, if it's manageable, stick to a flat. Harnesses actually promote pulling (think: sled dogs) so it's good to make the switch now!

I didn't start running until he was about 1.5, I think. I know full well how much both of my dogs (we also have a Basset/Lab) are prone to hip dysplasia, and have been very careful.

The harness is actually the kind that clips on to the front and is supposed to prevent too much pulling. "Halti harness", I guess it's called. If I put a dog sled type thing on him I'd be in real trouble!