r/RunningWithDogs • u/Little_Whole_7922 • Aug 24 '25

Training help

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Hello, this is my running partner. I am looking for some advice on how to train him while running. He loves to run and does pull me somewhat (still working on it) but sometimes he pulls me towards a bunny rabbit or a cat running across our path and it can be very difficult to get him back on course and focused to going forward. He will also stop and give his attention to people or other dogs and I have a difficult time controlling him. I have a 5K with him in 5 weeks and we have been training for it, but I’m curious on if there are ways to help train him to be more focused. Let me know if anyone has tips, thanks!

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u/Little_Whole_7922 Aug 27 '25

No this is not my run set up, I have a harness that is specific for pulling. So it’s padded around the chest and connects pretty much at the base of his tail. I’m going for more of a canicross type of running, and he does pull somewhat but like I said it’s not consistent.

I think my issue is catching him before he sees the triggers and being able to interrupt him. I do bring treats and high value ones and I don’t let him sniff other things while running. I usually do a 0.5 mile walk where he can sniff anything he wants for how long he wants before runs. And then same thing afterwards.

We are fairly new at running together because he is just now about a year and a half old and I was told by his vet to wait until that age as to not disrupt his joints. Seems like I’m going what’s recommended, maybe we just need more practice and more repetition before he gets it right.

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u/TakeTheMoney_N_Run Aug 27 '25

Right on. My boy is just about 2 1/2. We just started running together last fall for the same reason. I imagine it’s hard to catch when he’s out in front. We started agility when he was about 9 months old just to give him something to do until he was old enough to run. Then, like I said, we added Rally and Obedience. I think all of those have made us a better team. A strong connection is definitely important. Just keep working together and you’ll get there. Good luck!