I’ve talked about her several times before in the newsletter, but in case you haven’t had a chance to be formally introduced, I’d love for you to meet Twix 🐕
She’s our 6-year-old Golden who absolutely loves running with both me and my wife, but has a very interesting little habit when she runs — she loves to twirl circles around the person she’s running with, so that you can’t make it more than a few steps without having to untangle yourself from her leash.
You think to yourself, “she’ll only do this a time or two, she’ll get it out of her system, and then we can really start running.” But oh no — she loves to do it again and again and again and again…
Our old dog Murphy, who also was a Golden, was a great runner with me — until he saw another dog walking in the opposite direction, that is. Then he’d stop, walk to the middle of the road, lie down on the pavement, and refuse to move until the other dog ambled over to play with him. It created more than a few tense moments in traffic, to say the least 😃
Thinking about her this morning got me wondering — do you have any wild/funny/unbelievable/odd/interesting stories to share of running with your dog(s)? Or any weird habits they engage in, like mine?
I loved this subject. I am a new runner and have a labrador with which I would love to run. I need all the advice I can get. My first question is how do I get her to do the same pace as me? Is it as simple as a running "heel?" Maybe it's because she's 2 that I am having the issue of her running out of my hands. :)
I had a shepherd mix, Abby, for about 10 years, who was one of my best running partners. One of my favorite places to go was on a dirt/gravel road up to an aviation tower (because I didn't have to use a leash). She got in all kinds of extra distance as she ran up and down banks. The reward at the end of a five-mile climb is the aviation tower and the view. I'm usually fairly depleted and may sit down and rest for awhile. However, on one occasion, a herd of goats was at the tower, and chaos ensued, as Abby started chasing them. No rest for the weary! I never could figure out how or why a herd of goats was up there; I've never seen them again. Anyway, I'll never forget that run.
I really wish I could take my dog on runs! He's a rescue who we think is a Lhasa Apso, possibly mixed with some other terrier breeds. His legs are a bit stubby to keep up, but the bigger issue is just his stubbornness. We've had short stretches where he'll sprint and have fun. But when he's done, he's done. He's great at digging in his heels and plopping down whenever he's had enough and nothing can really motivate him to keep going. And yet he always seems eager for a long meandering walk just after I finish a tough run and want to get off my feet, haha.
Twix is so incredibly cute! We had a family corgi (he passed away end of 2021) but he was never a runner, a brisk walk was already enough for the little legs so I am always fascinated when people can run long distances with their dogs.
Unqualified to respond ... grew up with yard dogs, no walking required. When we moved into our house 46 years ago, we got a cat ... cats do not go for walks (or runs) ... they sleep and eat and groom so the can look beautiful!
I really want a dog!! But sometimes long days away from home didn't seem fair to a dog. So. I got a cat and the leash training is a slow process..But we're getting there.....
I love running with my Portuguese water dog, Moses. We started when he was still a puppy, and ten years later, he's still going strong. Noting your last post about being in the moment, I'm never more than running with him. He loves to go out on an all out sprint now and again, whenever we reach a trail of grass. Now whenever I want him to run faster, I say, "Grass! Grass!" and he vaults forward. Makes the run fun everytime.
I tried to run with a Scottish Terrier once. Last time. I ended up carrying the sog most of my run. Too many distractions and could not keep up with me with his shorter legs. My son and I do walk with his German Shepherd/Husky-mixed dog on the weekends. He has to be pulled along as he tries to mark each mailbox.
OMG! I love this and her...gorgeous. I have the funniest story about running with our bernese mountain dog Zoey. There was a 5K for dogs close by ~ Zoey likes to run, so I convinced my husband that I should do it with her. We get there, Zoey is all wound up and ready to go. We get about 1/4 mile in, she stops dead in her tracks, turns around and won't budge. Where's Dad she says? Then starts running OPPOSITE way (I have to tell the runners don't follow us) and bolts across the field back to the start to look for Dad. In the meantime, my husband was winding his way to the 1 mile marker to wait for us...OMG! It was just too funny. Lesson? Zoey, our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog is NOT, NOT a running dog! HA
I don't have any dogs anymore, but the ones I see on my run every day love me. Frosty is the latest. She's a golden lab. . . perks up her ears and stops when she is out with her owner. And Murphy, he's a wire-haired pointing Griffin. We've been friends since he was 2 weeks old. and the old Jack Russell who is 17. So many more--I mostly know all their names I don't know what it is, my daughter says I smell like food, but no matter where I go, dogs just gravitate toward me. I don't think their humans like it too well. . .:)
Sep 9, 2022·edited Sep 9, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson
I really like this leash. To be able to have your hands free makes all the difference in the world to my run. My dog runs out in front of me, if your dog is trained to run alongside of you, that would be even better.
We've got a Westie, though I only walk her, not run. Similar to others, she's super excited when I get home from work just to see me and, as amazing as this sounds, has learned that when I put sneakers on [usually walk around in flip-flops - Florida life] she starts to bounce and hop all over, knowing we're going out.
I have a doodle that I run with. Most of the time its wonderful, unless we see something else that breathes. So I prepare by tightening my grip and whispering no, no, no. But I have to admit the biggest problem is when we are flying along and he has to pee. So run 20 seconds, stop, pee, run 20 seconds and so on. Anyone have a clue on training other than dragging him back to a run?
I am also curious what types of leashes people use while running. Right now I have one that fastens around my waist and that keeps my hands free (to catch myself if I fall, off course)
My former roommate had a Belgian Malinois who we could rarely tire out, even with both of us being runners and hikers (6 miles would mellow the dog out, but not tire the dog out). Luckily we weren't far from a big open public park running along a river (no one could build there because it was a flood plane) where dogs could run around off leash, and it was frequented by some beautiful German Shepherds, Goldens, and a magnificent Bernese mountain dog.
The solution? After the run, we would throw sticks downstream as far as we could, so the dog to swim fast enough to "catch up" with the stick, and then swim back against the current. It seemed mean, but the dog was always enthusiastic. Honestly, I always found it was unnerving watching the dog struggle against the current, but he always wanted a another round and never really faltered, even after a thunderstorm or snow melt. 5 or 6 rounds of that was enough to tire the dog out.
I have an almost 2yo black lab, Foles. We do run/walks together. When he was a puppy we put him on a leash and would walk him on our left side only and taught him to sit (heal) next to us. Now as a 90# monster he knows his place when we run/walk. Teaching them takes a lot of work but it's worth it❤️ I'm enjoying the stories😀
My Golden, Avery, would come to a dead stop while running with me. To poo. My doodle, Ted, will lunge and knock over skateboarders while running. One day I'll get a dog to run with that has manners ;).
My old Chihuahua passed many years back and I never got another dog, and no, he never went on any runs, but we did go on walks. He loved going on walks and got so excited when the leash came out that it was near to impossible to put it on him. Invariably, he would practically pull me in the beginning of the walk, but towards the end, I had to carry him back. He was way more eager than he was capable.
My older dog would just completely stop and refuse to move when she was done moving. My younger dog freaks out when she sees a bicycle. She is very anti bicycle. Makes running with her slightly difficult.
I think it’s ironic that I am a runner and I have a handicapped dog who cannot run and can barely walk. But it has taught me patience. She stumbles along as best she can and when she is tired I push her in a stroller and she is just has happy. She has been handicapped since birth so she knows no other life than that. But if I hadn’t adopted her. She wouldn’t have a life at all as the breeder was going to put her down. She is beautiful and a full bred French Bulldog. I wish I could post a picture.
I have two breeds. Bassets hounds puzzle me- bred to track rabbits for hours on the hunt, in reality, get half a mile down the road and they lie down and request you to please carry their 50 lb body home.
I also own a great running golden. Storm can run forever ride at my side , UNLESS, he’s sees a chicken. His entire brain turns off then and he had to follow the chicken obsession. He’s close to 100 pounds of muscle so I’m sure my Amish neighbors have gotten a lot of amusement watching me wrestle him to the ground and distract him from random free range poultry.
I love goldens! I have 2 of them. We’ve ran a few times. One is more lazy than the other. I laughed at your statement about your old one laying down. That’s a true golden. They just want love and attention ❤️
That’s funny !! My Great Dane Lily is a rare one most Danes can’t and won’t run ( not good for them ). She is awesome and even pulls me up hills when she senses I am struggling . That’s priceless . The only thing she runs after is wild turkeys lol She does go left to right often won’t stay on one side of me for more than 1/2 mile lol . How do you post picture ?
I loved this subject. I am a new runner and have a labrador with which I would love to run. I need all the advice I can get. My first question is how do I get her to do the same pace as me? Is it as simple as a running "heel?" Maybe it's because she's 2 that I am having the issue of her running out of my hands. :)
I had a shepherd mix, Abby, for about 10 years, who was one of my best running partners. One of my favorite places to go was on a dirt/gravel road up to an aviation tower (because I didn't have to use a leash). She got in all kinds of extra distance as she ran up and down banks. The reward at the end of a five-mile climb is the aviation tower and the view. I'm usually fairly depleted and may sit down and rest for awhile. However, on one occasion, a herd of goats was at the tower, and chaos ensued, as Abby started chasing them. No rest for the weary! I never could figure out how or why a herd of goats was up there; I've never seen them again. Anyway, I'll never forget that run.
I really wish I could take my dog on runs! He's a rescue who we think is a Lhasa Apso, possibly mixed with some other terrier breeds. His legs are a bit stubby to keep up, but the bigger issue is just his stubbornness. We've had short stretches where he'll sprint and have fun. But when he's done, he's done. He's great at digging in his heels and plopping down whenever he's had enough and nothing can really motivate him to keep going. And yet he always seems eager for a long meandering walk just after I finish a tough run and want to get off my feet, haha.
Twix is so incredibly cute! We had a family corgi (he passed away end of 2021) but he was never a runner, a brisk walk was already enough for the little legs so I am always fascinated when people can run long distances with their dogs.
Unqualified to respond ... grew up with yard dogs, no walking required. When we moved into our house 46 years ago, we got a cat ... cats do not go for walks (or runs) ... they sleep and eat and groom so the can look beautiful!
I really want a dog!! But sometimes long days away from home didn't seem fair to a dog. So. I got a cat and the leash training is a slow process..But we're getting there.....
I love running with my Portuguese water dog, Moses. We started when he was still a puppy, and ten years later, he's still going strong. Noting your last post about being in the moment, I'm never more than running with him. He loves to go out on an all out sprint now and again, whenever we reach a trail of grass. Now whenever I want him to run faster, I say, "Grass! Grass!" and he vaults forward. Makes the run fun everytime.
I don't run with _a_ dog, I run with a pack. On any given day it might include:
My Border Collie female
My old (11) Border Collie/Corgie
My wife's Labrador
My parents Idaho Shag (enormous cow dog with floppy ears and much shaggy fur)
Four offspring of said Idaho Shag and Border Collie.
Yes, chaos usually ensues.
I tried to run with a Scottish Terrier once. Last time. I ended up carrying the sog most of my run. Too many distractions and could not keep up with me with his shorter legs. My son and I do walk with his German Shepherd/Husky-mixed dog on the weekends. He has to be pulled along as he tries to mark each mailbox.
OMG! I love this and her...gorgeous. I have the funniest story about running with our bernese mountain dog Zoey. There was a 5K for dogs close by ~ Zoey likes to run, so I convinced my husband that I should do it with her. We get there, Zoey is all wound up and ready to go. We get about 1/4 mile in, she stops dead in her tracks, turns around and won't budge. Where's Dad she says? Then starts running OPPOSITE way (I have to tell the runners don't follow us) and bolts across the field back to the start to look for Dad. In the meantime, my husband was winding his way to the 1 mile marker to wait for us...OMG! It was just too funny. Lesson? Zoey, our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog is NOT, NOT a running dog! HA
I don't have any dogs anymore, but the ones I see on my run every day love me. Frosty is the latest. She's a golden lab. . . perks up her ears and stops when she is out with her owner. And Murphy, he's a wire-haired pointing Griffin. We've been friends since he was 2 weeks old. and the old Jack Russell who is 17. So many more--I mostly know all their names I don't know what it is, my daughter says I smell like food, but no matter where I go, dogs just gravitate toward me. I don't think their humans like it too well. . .:)
I really like this leash. To be able to have your hands free makes all the difference in the world to my run. My dog runs out in front of me, if your dog is trained to run alongside of you, that would be even better.
We've got a Westie, though I only walk her, not run. Similar to others, she's super excited when I get home from work just to see me and, as amazing as this sounds, has learned that when I put sneakers on [usually walk around in flip-flops - Florida life] she starts to bounce and hop all over, knowing we're going out.
I have a doodle that I run with. Most of the time its wonderful, unless we see something else that breathes. So I prepare by tightening my grip and whispering no, no, no. But I have to admit the biggest problem is when we are flying along and he has to pee. So run 20 seconds, stop, pee, run 20 seconds and so on. Anyone have a clue on training other than dragging him back to a run?
I am also curious what types of leashes people use while running. Right now I have one that fastens around my waist and that keeps my hands free (to catch myself if I fall, off course)
My former roommate had a Belgian Malinois who we could rarely tire out, even with both of us being runners and hikers (6 miles would mellow the dog out, but not tire the dog out). Luckily we weren't far from a big open public park running along a river (no one could build there because it was a flood plane) where dogs could run around off leash, and it was frequented by some beautiful German Shepherds, Goldens, and a magnificent Bernese mountain dog.
The solution? After the run, we would throw sticks downstream as far as we could, so the dog to swim fast enough to "catch up" with the stick, and then swim back against the current. It seemed mean, but the dog was always enthusiastic. Honestly, I always found it was unnerving watching the dog struggle against the current, but he always wanted a another round and never really faltered, even after a thunderstorm or snow melt. 5 or 6 rounds of that was enough to tire the dog out.
It really makes a challenging bc it could be an adult bike or a child with training wheels. And then sometimes she doesn’t care at all.
Any advice for questions I posted earlier ??
I have an almost 2yo black lab, Foles. We do run/walks together. When he was a puppy we put him on a leash and would walk him on our left side only and taught him to sit (heal) next to us. Now as a 90# monster he knows his place when we run/walk. Teaching them takes a lot of work but it's worth it❤️ I'm enjoying the stories😀
My Golden, Avery, would come to a dead stop while running with me. To poo. My doodle, Ted, will lunge and knock over skateboarders while running. One day I'll get a dog to run with that has manners ;).
My old Chihuahua passed many years back and I never got another dog, and no, he never went on any runs, but we did go on walks. He loved going on walks and got so excited when the leash came out that it was near to impossible to put it on him. Invariably, he would practically pull me in the beginning of the walk, but towards the end, I had to carry him back. He was way more eager than he was capable.
My older dog would just completely stop and refuse to move when she was done moving. My younger dog freaks out when she sees a bicycle. She is very anti bicycle. Makes running with her slightly difficult.
I think it’s ironic that I am a runner and I have a handicapped dog who cannot run and can barely walk. But it has taught me patience. She stumbles along as best she can and when she is tired I push her in a stroller and she is just has happy. She has been handicapped since birth so she knows no other life than that. But if I hadn’t adopted her. She wouldn’t have a life at all as the breeder was going to put her down. She is beautiful and a full bred French Bulldog. I wish I could post a picture.
I have two breeds. Bassets hounds puzzle me- bred to track rabbits for hours on the hunt, in reality, get half a mile down the road and they lie down and request you to please carry their 50 lb body home.
I also own a great running golden. Storm can run forever ride at my side , UNLESS, he’s sees a chicken. His entire brain turns off then and he had to follow the chicken obsession. He’s close to 100 pounds of muscle so I’m sure my Amish neighbors have gotten a lot of amusement watching me wrestle him to the ground and distract him from random free range poultry.
I love goldens! I have 2 of them. We’ve ran a few times. One is more lazy than the other. I laughed at your statement about your old one laying down. That’s a true golden. They just want love and attention ❤️
That’s funny !! My Great Dane Lily is a rare one most Danes can’t and won’t run ( not good for them ). She is awesome and even pulls me up hills when she senses I am struggling . That’s priceless . The only thing she runs after is wild turkeys lol She does go left to right often won’t stay on one side of me for more than 1/2 mile lol . How do you post picture ?