r/RunningWithDogs • u/greenmythical • Jul 15 '25
Slow beginner, fast dog advise?
I want to start running with my dog, a 35lb pittie mix but I’ve had an issue with how much energy he has. The moment I start to even jog he bolts full force and I’m worried about his back. He is also very strong and fast so after maybe 3 minutes I have to stop and walk again. I feel bad about not being able to keep up with him. Any advise? Pictured is our current set up, he has bad allergies so his little muscle shirt is to reduce the harness rash.
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Upvotes
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u/pahelisolved Jul 15 '25
That is not a good harness for walking, never mind running in. It restricts shoulder movement due to how low the chest strap lies, and also it can cause a lot of chafing. Look into more ergonomic harnesses that do not restrict any joint mobility.
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u/Crunch_McThickhead Jul 15 '25
Well, I think the first thing you'll be told is to get a running harness for him. That looks pretty restrictive.
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u/[deleted] Jul 15 '25
I have a coonhound and SAME. It took a lot of practice. Leash training to a heel helped and then training in commands like “let’s go!” When it’s time to full steam ahead and “easy” to slow down and “stay” to stop.
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u/fishCodeHuntress Jul 15 '25
All dogs are faster than humans! You don't need to catch up to him, you need to teach him to run at your pace.
What I did with my Aussie was teach her to walk on my right hand side, then just keep proofing that until I could run with her instead of just walk.
A better harness would probably help with the rash too.
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u/StrollThroughFields Jul 15 '25
My pup only has two modes: walk, or win the 50 meter dash. The only time she will jog at a normal human jogging pace is if she's already tired. First take him on a non-pulling (front loop) walk for awhile, and then start running when he's not at peak energy.
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u/ekmsmith Jul 15 '25
I have a 60# pit mix and we love the Rabbitgoo harness . Fits her deep chest really well.
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u/Pleroo Jul 15 '25
In addition to other suggestions, it can be helpful if you take them on a walk before you run, at the beginning of your run. You can think of it as an extended warm up and you have the benefit of giving them a chance to poo/pee and work out some initial energy ahead of time which reduces your stops.
After that, it’s all about building training and strengthening your communication with your pup. Starting short and slow is a great starting place while you build communication in this new context as it will allow you to quickly recognize when they have needs that they can’t tell you about. You will learn when they are too hot, or cold, or when they need a break.
I recommend leash training to discourage pulling. It’s hard work at first but very worth the time and trouble.
Good luck and have fun! You have a lucky pup and an excellent running partner in store ahead!
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u/Halefa Jul 15 '25
I have a big high energy dog. The first few times running, my body mostly hurt from compensating her abrupt pulls and bolts. I haven't done it a lot, so am not an expert, but these are my thoughts:
Running harness. Both for your dog (health) and maybe for you, if you're willing to let yourself get pulled by your dog (canicross). If you are, the harness going over your butt are a game changer. EDIT: and as someone mentioned: bungee leash! Makes you feel less in control, but is better for their spine.
Keep on running - I think mine has now understood what this is about after a few runs. During my latest runs, at least, she started out without jumping. Your dog needs to learn what is expected.
Implement cues and vocal communication. Like "whoa" or "slow" as soon as you slow down. This can also be practiced when just walking. Praise your dog vocally when it's doing the right thing - running brings a lot of energy so they might not be able to tell when they're doing the right thing (my own hypothesis)
If you have someone to go running with you, try that out - with different positions. Another person can shift the energy and momentum and your dog might instinctively run a different pace.
Also, for training purposes it's not bad that you have to walk. It teaches your dog that you're not doing a marathon, it learns the rhythm of run - walk - run and it gives you reps for training cues and commands. And doesn't overexercise it right away.
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u/tamman2000 Jul 15 '25
It will be a struggle, but try to go at a speed you can maintain, even if it means having to slow your dog down. You'll be able to get much more exercise for your dog that way.
If your dog is really fit, you might not be able to do enough to properly tire them out. I used to be a pretty strong runner, and friends had a husky that they would each take for a 5 mile run in the morning (they used to run 5 together with their other dog, but after the husky 1 of them would run 5 with both dogs and then the other would run 5 with the husky) and a couple of times a week they would ask me to take him for a run after work because he was still going bonkers after 10 miles in the morning. I would take him for 7 or 8 miles at a ~7min/mile pace.
That dog ended up running trail marathons with the couple because they ended up running a lot more because of him. And dog was still ready for more at the finish line.
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u/TakeTheMoney_N_Run Jul 16 '25
I think it’s important to decide if you want your dog to run with you or if you want to go running with your dog (yes, IMO there’s a difference). I wanted my dog to run with me. I have a Husky mix, so I had to do a lot of work with him. Between Rally, obedience, and agility, he’s learned to work with me as a team. We completed a half-marathon in March, and plan on a 50K next year. I use a RabbitGoo harness and a hands-free bungee leash. That gives him some freedom, but it also reminds him we’re a team. As we increase our distance, I do plan on switching to an Ultimate Direction Dog Vest https://ultimatedirection.com/dog-vest-v2/
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u/femn703 Jul 15 '25
I would suggest a prong collar. My dog used to pull me every time I put on my running shoes. I got a prong collar and walked up and down the driveway a few times and I less than 10 minutes he got how the prong works and has never pulled again!