Debby

I'm planning on running as part of my exercise routine. I'd like to make Biscuit my jogging buddy. He has always done very well on the leash. I've had him on a leash since the day we got him and he has never resisted it. The only time he acts incorrectly is when I jog. If I start running, he gets excited and starts jumping up on my backside. I don't know how to correct this without stopping the stride. -and once I start back running, again, he just starts jumping again. If I walk, he is fine, and walks nicely.

Also, he is updated on his shots, but how old should he be before I start taking him to the nature park, nearby?

techie

Probably close to full grown if he is running on dirt.
Others with more experience should be answering this.
techie

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I HAVE BEEN KISSED!! by sheplovr
Dogs rule!
"I've got the do: you?"
A dog's love is pure!
Lucy 1999 - Oct.6,2012.
Always in my heart.
Now owned by a female beagle, Rascal

Debby

He's about 9 months old. Time flies. I'd like to run on the street, but we live out here in the country and there are a couple places out here that have mean dogs running loose. So there is no way I would even let my dog be unattended, even in our yard...those dogs have wondered down here before. So, I plan on going to this nature park to do volunteer work and I'd also like to start running there. I have no idea what their trails are like yet.

techie

Bump

__________________
I HAVE BEEN KISSED!! by sheplovr
Dogs rule!
"I've got the do: you?"
A dog's love is pure!
Lucy 1999 - Oct.6,2012.
Always in my heart.
Now owned by a female beagle, Rascal

Sugardog

Is Biscuit the eskie in your avatar?

With his age, the biggest concern is whether his growth plates are closed. Putting too much stress on the joints of a puppy who's growth plates have not yet closed can cause all sorts of issues, from deformities to serious injuries, or making them more prone to injuries later in life.

I know for big dogs, it can take 2 years before the growth plates close. For a medium to small dog, I would say a year to year and a half. If Biscuit is in that size range, just make sure you are aware that his plats might not be closed yet. I wouldn't recommend anything more than some light jogging for now.

As for the behavior issue, train him to jog on leash the same way you taught him to walk on leash. Get the rewards out, and reward nice walking again. Then speed walk a couple strides and reward if he doesn't jump and stays along side you. Increase the number of strides before the reward. Then start increasing the speed. If he jumps, try to ignore it and just keep running and reward him when he stops jumping and begins to jog along side you again. If the behavior seems to be self-reinforcing and ignoring doesn't seem to work, then take it a step further. Say "oops!", stop running, and totally ignore him for a minute, don't even look at him. Then go back to rewards for a few strides of speed walking with no jumping.

In a nutshell, just remember that he doesn't know what you want him to do. You have to teach him, the same way you taught him what you wanted him to do when you walked. Dogs aren't always the best at generalizing behaviors.

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Debby

Yes, that is him in the avatar, but that was a picture from July. He will be a year old in April, so I will wait to make sure he is at a safe age to go jogging. It would be very light jogging, I'm way out of shape and over-weight. lol

When I leash trained him, there was not much to it. He always did OK on it. He's never struggled or fought the leash. Probably because almost every time we have been outside he has been on a leash. I don't have a fenced in yard, so every time we go out, has been on a leash. I never had to really teach him. The only time he has ever struggled is when I have tried to approach an automobile. He freaks then. I had to get a harnass because he was wiggling out of his collar. THEN, good luck catching him. lol.

Thanks for the advice. I did not know that about growth plates. I was more concerned about diseases clinging to the ground from sick dogs roaming parks. ...Even though he has all his shots. But now I know that I need to wait for his little body to be ready.