I was just reading the “best dog to run with” thread, and didn’t want to be a complete wanker and dump on their parade, but I’d like to express the view of this runner/triathlete and say that the best dog to run with is NO DOG.
I have a great springer spaniel, paid over $1000 on obedience training, and have the best pet I’ve ever had. But despite the fact that my dog is as trustworthy as a dog can be, I would never run with him if we have the chance of encountering other runners, walkers or cyclists. As perfectly behaved as he is, ALL dogs on occasion will not behave as expected, and it is not fair to anyone else to have to put up with a dog interfering with their recreation, or perhaps even endangering them. I’ve seen “well-trained” dogs knock kids off bikes, trip runners, dart in front of cars, you name it. And the thing that makes me sick is that everyone always says “he/she has never done something like this”. Horsecrap. Even if it’s true, as a pet owner you should be smart enough to know that this will eventually happen.
I’m sure everyone reading this who runs with a dog will dump on me - that’s fine. And I’m also sure that everyone that runs with a dog believes that their dog is the most well-behaved, well-trained pet, that they are not like the “other” irresponsible pet owners, and that their pet has no chance of injuring or interfering with others - I can assure you that you are wrong, even if you have it on a leash.
That’s my opinion, you don’t have to like it, but I’m guessing I’m not the only one who feels that way. And no, I’m not ranting because of the idiot who actually brought her lab to a 5K race and had it trip me with a mile to go, costing me a PR. No, I’m not bitter. Not me…
I have belts that attach to my dogs leashs, allows for hands free running, and an occasional unplanned fartlek…and best of all, provides joy to two of my best friends in the world. Its a shame not all dog owners are responsible in your area. But no dog running is not the answer.
I think that people should be shot if they run without their dogs on a leash. I crashed on my bike at a mere 28mph b/c that well trained dog that has never ever chased anything really wanted to sniff my front wheel.
Maybe I misunderstood but are you saying the lady with the lab was in front of you for the 1st 2.1 miles of a 5k and you were running a PR? After about 1 mile of 5k pace my lab would be looking for a place to lay down.
Hey Prof V I think you are right and it got me thinking. I just put my car up for sale because there is a chance that when I am driving down the road tonight some untrained driver, who has never got in an accident before, might run into my car. Also I think I will stop eating because there is a chance I will choke to death, even though it has never happened before.
You’re ragging on people for running with their dogs? Man, get a life.
Next to seeing my wife and 2 little kids when I come home from work, the highlight of my day is running with my black Lab. I’ve logged thousands of miles watching that tail wag.
We’ve never hurt a fly, and I never worry about anybody starting any trouble with me when I’ve got my big buddy with me.
My dogs have never bitten anyone, but what if they did (if I don’t have them on a leash)? Then some kid or person may have serious scars since I didn’t leash my dog, too inconvenient for you.
I guess one could make the arguement, “I’ve never crashed when I drink and drive, so why should I stop?” (I have friends who think like this)
When my son got hurt, I got e-mails from 2 teachers, one had a young son who had his ear beaten mostly off by the neighbor dog, and another told me of their young daugter who had a piece of her cheek removed when a dog bit her. Dogs bite. Even in freak, never-before-cases. A dog can have a bad day too.
How many people have dogs that bite and say “Dammit, that fleabag is always biting the crap outta somebody!”
If you’re gonna run, leash your dogs. It’s no big deal. The good thing about the way the law is being enforced today, is if your dog bites someone, you might as well as have attacked the person yourself … the law is treating dogs as an extension of the owner. Your dogs bites, you pay financially and could face jailtime.
I wouldn’t give up running with dogs, but I would definately leash them (It’s the law anyway … at least where I live). I ride in the country and get chased by 3 different large farm dogs. They never really do anything but run alongside the bike, but if one of them was having a bad day, they could tear me up pretty good. I pay very close attention.
What’s the big deal with leashing your dogs? I’m not following that.
ALL dogs on occasion will not behave as expected, and it is not fair to anyone else to have to put up with a dog interfering with their recreation, or perhaps even endangering them. I’ve seen “well-trained” dogs knock kids off bikes, trip runners, dart in front of cars, you name it. And the thing that makes me sick is that everyone always says “he/she has never done something like this”. Horsecrap. Even if it’s true, as a pet owner you should be smart enough to know that this will eventually happen.
My kids do all these things you point out, should I keep them locked up in their bedroom also?
If your kids are knocking other kids off bikes, biting people, charging at people, darting in front of cars, etc … maybe they should be kept locked in their room.
I always thought a leash was for mutual protection. Protection for the dog, and for protection of everyone else.
I think it depends on where you’re running. I do a lot of my running and biking on the lakefront path here in Chicago. There’s 2 lanes and a little bit of a “shoulder”. It works pretty well if 1) cyclists stay in their lane and 2) runners/walkers stay to the right. Unfortunately, this rarely happens consistently in the summer leading to a lot of collisions and near-misses. On this path, I think running with a dog would be really stupid, as even on a leash one couldn’t stop the dog from darting in front of oncoming cyclists. Yet there’s always someone who does it. Same goes for kids - it’s amazing how many parents let their kids wander obiviously around the path, often almost getting run over by bikes or rollerbladers.
I’ve got nothing against running with dogs, but a little common sense goes a long way.
I really could have guessed the responses I would get from “dog” people before I started this. Too predictable!
MY dog never runs in front/misbehaves/is unpredictable. Some other peoples dogs are, but of course mine isn’t.
Other “things” on occasion pose hazards similar to those posed by irresponsible dog owners (not like me of course) therefore my dog is not a problem.
I have news for you - you’re dog IS a problem, it is NOT a child, and you are probably NOT any better than the average dog owner. Walking a dog IS different than running with one. If a dog decides to take off while you are walking it on a leash, you MIGHT be able to control it. If you are running with your leashed dog and it takes off, it will knock your skinny runner’s ass to the ground. You may not like what I’m saying, but this wanker speaks the truth!
Maybe I misunderstood but are you saying the lady with the lab was in front of you for the 1st 2.1 miles of a 5k and you were running a PR? After about 1 mile of 5k pace my lab would be looking for a place to lay down.
Out and back course - on my way back. Then down. “Oh my god, he’s never done this before”. If I hear that one more time I may soil myself.
It is very interesting that you use such encompassing terms in your descriptions. Based on your logic, specifically that ALL dogs will do what they are trained not to do, there are several thousand blind individuals utilizing guide dogs in our country that are just counting the days until their dogs runs them in front of a city bus? I remember just the other day seeing a guide dog dragging a skinny assed blind chick down the road when he bolted for no apparent reason . . ah, no I don’t. However, if I were a drug courier, I would be somewhat consoled by your commentary as I could expect those dogs at the airport to occassionally do what they are trained not to do (i.e. not catch all the drugs on the wankers arriving from across the pond). Then again, if that trained drug dog happened to bolt in front of me for no reason and trip me (as ALL dogs are prone to doing), my drugs might fall out anyway . . .
I wish you lived near me as I would make a point of running by your house each day with my dog
Prof V…quit sticking a bratwurst in your shorts and the dogs will leave ya alone…seriously…quit your crying…if one in 20 are a nuisence, there are 19 worth it…and yes…I have had dogs chase me, every ride, its part of being a cyclist and runner…just like gravel and glass.
you didn’t limit your initial response to “civilian owned dogs” or “non-service duty dogs,” but used the term ALL dogs if I’m not mistaken. Therefore, I am trying to follow your logic in a practical sense and have never once interjected personal claims specific to my dog. I know it is easy to make a blanket statements and back them up my avoiding specific questions regarding the logic by making personal attacks so I’ll give you a break. I have started to draft a letter to the National Association of Blind Persons (or whatever it is called) informing them of all the potential time bombs at the end of their leashes . . . after all it is only a matter of time???
