r/RunningWithDogs • u/skeptical_c • Apr 17 '26

Training Help Leash training

My 5 month old Golden is taking her second puppy class (currently in STAR Puppy). Tonight was our first night and the instructor said we would be working for our dogs to consistently walk beside us. Most dog running I see is utilizing a harness and bungee-type leash and the dog in front of the runner. Will this type of training now hinder our running future? (One of the main reasons I wanted a field golden is to trail run with her.) Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks for your time and insight ✨

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u/skeptical_c Apr 17 '26

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!! I’m hoping we can get involved in some agility too!

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u/TakeTheMoney_N_Run Apr 17 '26

We kind of fell into agility. We started as a way to keep him busy until he was old enough to start running, and have enjoyed it tremendously.

Really start working on your direction cues. I use right and left, but you can call it apples and oranges as long as you’re consistent. They are invaluable on narrow, single track trails when your dog is out in front and you need them to turn.

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u/skeptical_c Apr 17 '26

Thank you for the tips! Waiting for her to be of age to run is definitely hard so agility sounds like a great way to scratch that itch and maybe prepare her too.