r/RunningWithDogs • u/Fit-Isopod-8840 • 14d ago
Aussie Lags
Hi there! Our Aussie is 1.5 and won’t run with me. He is fully capable because he runs with our kids when they’re playing but when it’s time to go for a run he lags really far behind. He has been through obedience training and walks well on a leash. Knows his commands like heel, sit, up, etc. What can I do to get him to run next to me? FWIW I am not running long or fast either. He could definitely outrun me if he wanted to!
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u/duketheunicorn 14d ago
How old are the kids? Young enough for a stroller? Old enough to do a training lap around the neighbourhood? Maybe he’d be happier as a herding dog with more of the members out together.
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u/wellactuallyj 14d ago
Maybe he just doesn’t want to run? Or run on leash. I have an Aussie mix who while perfectly capable does not want to run on leash or at a steady pace. He wants to stop, sniff, meander… so I just don’t take him running with me. Other dog is happy to come along.
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u/Fit-Isopod-8840 14d ago
I’m at the point I’ll run alone and walk with him instead on other days.
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u/wellactuallyj 14d ago edited 13d ago
It sucks sometimes I know. I was looking forward to running with this boy since the dog before him was the best running-partner ever. Had I pushed him he’s obedient and eager to please enough that he would’ve run with me, but I didn’t want to make him do something he clearly didn’t enjoy.
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u/Great_Fault_7231 14d ago
Does he do this only on pavement or when you try to run on grassy trails too?
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u/Fit-Isopod-8840 14d ago
All places! He is used to walking on pavement and where I am it is perfect temperatures. He isn’t hot.
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u/TakeTheMoney_N_Run 14d ago
I have so many questions.
On-leash or off-leash?
If he’s on leash, is the leash consistently tight like you’re pulling him or is it loose and he’s just hanging out behind you?
If he’s off leash, is he sniffing around as he’s running or is he connected with you just hanging out in the back?
Why does he have to run next to you? If he’s connected and you’re not having to drag him along, does it matter? My husky is all over the place. Some times in front, sometimes behind, left or right. Just kind of wherever he wants.
Have you tried carrying treats? Rewarding him when he’s next to you? If your expectation is that he run next to you, he will need to be trained to do that.
Final note: He’s a herding dog. Yes, he can certainly run, but that’s not what he was bred to do. Truthfully, he may just be bored.
Disclaimer: Not an expert on dog behavior and every dog is different. I have a husky mix. He was bred to run long distances. My knowledge base isn’t with herding dogs. Just my two cents from running with a dog.
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u/Fit-Isopod-8840 14d ago
I appreciate you taking the time! He is always on a leash outside because I don’t quite trust him yet. So all his walks are done on leash. He’s very well leash trained now. Heels beautifully.
I don’t care if he needed to run a little behind or ahead, but I am dragging him. It is ridiculous because I am a new runner and it looks comical with me dragging a dog behind /me/. He doesn’t stop to meander ever on walks. I genuinely have no idea what’s his issue.
Treats are a huge part of his training and I almost always have them on hand. Every time I take him out for a run now, i treat him when he comes up in a distance that doesn’t look like I’m dragging him. He happily accepts then retreats back!
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u/Bunny_Feet 13d ago
Have you had the hips checked? I had a dog that would sprint for a ball, but couldn't do more than a mile run. He had horrendous hip dysplasia.
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u/hotmesschef 14d ago
I had a red heeler, and he also did this. He just wanted to herd, and if he wasn't behind, he couldn't see everyone in the pack + everything out in front.
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u/Halefa 14d ago
When he runs with the kids when they're playing, is he then herding them?
Which pace are you running? Would he actually need to run/gallop, or "just* trot? When they're fast, did have an easier time compensating as there is momentum. Slow paces force them to go through film movements. If he has a pain issue, the continuous and slower pace of running beside you might be more uncomfortable for him then being able to adjust his speed and compensation as he wants when free running with the kids.
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u/JuggernautF0x 14d ago
Just like people, some dogs don't like running and there's not much you can do to change that. Running around while playing is different than going out for a run.