When I first started thinking about getting a dog I spent a great deal of time trying to decide what kind of dog I should get. As a long distance and trail runner I wanted a dog that would enjoy running with me, and that would offer me some peace of mind when I was running in the woods. This meant getting a dog that has a bit of size, likes to run and after some conditioning would be comfortable running longer distances.
After doing a lot of research I settled on a German Shepherd. I got Avy as a 9 week old puppy and was pretty convinced that she was the cutest German Shepherd ever. What followed was weeks (and months) of getting to know each other, puppy training and exploring the neighbourhood together.
Once Avy was a year old it was time to introduce her to running. Excited for our first day out on a jog I put on my running shoes, got Avy’s leash and headed for the door. I didn’t have plans to go far – everything I had read about running with your dog cautioned me to start with short distances and slowly build them up. I just wanted to get a feel for running with a leash in my hand.
Two blocks in to the run – yes, you read that right, two blocks – I was ready to turn back. It seems my awesome German Shepherd who LOVES to run when off leash on a trail, at the dog park or with her pals or at the beach, absolutely does NOT like to run on leash. She quickly decided my pace was too slow, gave me what can only be described as an indignant look and promptly tried to herd me along by nipping at my knee. I tried not to be offended, after all she’s a Shepherd and herding is her first instinct. Instead I calmly corrected the behaviour and started off again.
Another indignant look and this time she sat down as if to say “if that’s as fast as you can go I’m done”. A few starts and stops like this and I had enough…we turned around (and I swear Avy gave me a nod of approval as I turned back toward home) and decided to give it a go another day.
Sadly Avy still hasn’t adjusted to running on-leash. She’s getting better and will go shorter distances on a leashed run, but they definitely aren’t my favourite runs. The trails are another story – as soon as she’s off leash she’s the best running partner in the world – checking in on how I’m doing, running ahead and generally having a great time.
For now I will stick to running with my human friends when I’m out on the road or in area’s where dogs must be leashed, and Avy and I will stick to what we both love to do together – trail running and hiking. So far it seems like a reasonable compromise.