My Forum

ta

How competitive is this club?

I've told my OH if we moved house, he has to meet people and he's thinking of joining as he's started running more.  However, he's quite quiet and doesn't want to join anywhere cliquely or uber-competitive.  I know it's a bit of "go and see" but it never hurts to ask...

The great joy of running with a dog is being out with them, letting them run free. 

My two dogs would never get enough exercise if they were tied to me.  I put the work in and they have good recall, despite being breeds that aren't expected to.  Train them with a lab who is food orientated and a whistle...as coming back is an abstract concept so it is easy for them to copy.

People who keep their dogs on leads, not allowing them to properly socialise with other dogs from a young age make life really difficult for themselves (dog can't run away and goes into protect mode) and look so bored and frustrated.  Can't bear seeing them, so sad.

The only exception to this is road running, where they must be under control i.e on a lead but is it really fair to expect that much wear on their pads?  

 Puppies under one shouldn't be taken running at all.

I run with my dog and use a walking belt and leads from snowpaws.co.uk,which is cheaper than the canix stuff and less than a pair of trainers and dead comfy.  Go lots faster with a tow!

 However, if the dog is a pup, it shouldn't be running or towing.  It's bone growth plates aren't properly formed and it can lead to bone issues when the dog is older.  

 Harnesses are so much kinder than the dog yanking on it's collar.

My Sport Jock is lovely and no bounce, none. 

 I would say get fitted tho at somewhere that does it by eye, not measurement like Bravissimo or John Lewis.  I'm now 2 cup sizes bigger...