(Part 2) Top products from r/RunningWithDogs

We use Outward Hound backpacks and LOVE it. We had another brand, can't remember the name, that kind of fell apart.

For water, we use the Gulpy water bottle and I bait it with a small amount of chicken broth to encourage her to drink.

We use Musher's Secret on her paws to keep them healthy. I feel like it's really beneficial, especially since we're urban runners and mostly run on the sidewalk or on our levees out here (with a ton of small rocks that could cut up her paws).

Due to her leash reactivity, we use a yellow leash with the words NERVOUS printed on it. It helps, A LOT.

Finally, we do use Doggles on the few days where it's really, really windy. I don't want crap getting kicked up in her eyes, just like I don't want crap getting kicked up in mine! We get some SERIOUS smiles when she models those.

And for her human companion, I do have a couple running shirts with a dog carrying tennis shoes on them. I'm proud to brag about running with my furry friend.

We are running partners. I know he needs to go #2 before he does, just like with a kid. Kids and pets are very regular and predictable. That’s important because we plan around his daily #2’s since it messes with flow (and it’s probably pretty uncomfortable for the dog too).

We have commands for safety and comfort. “Run” means just that with no deviations. Must stay to my right, parallel, or a half step behind. Never in front. “Go sniff” is his release command to do as he wishes, like during a run break or at the end. Corners and bends are preceded by “turn.” It alerts him enough to stay glued to my side whether it’s left or right. “Fast” is used before speed work intervals.

“Leave it” is used for distractions like squirrels, dogs, cats and birds.

“Stop” is just that, for red lights etc.

“Back” is good when he gets a little headstrong and wants to lead.

I treat him like an athlete, watching his nutrition, weight and hydration. “Water” is used - and he drinks on command. But again, it’s more about me knowing what he needs before he does. We have paw protection when it’s hot and chaffing cream as needed. Rest days are important.

Enjoy the journey!

One of these right? They're pretty awesome. Worked great for my super excitable husky. I like hooking up a dual sided leash with one end attached to the chest d-ring and the other end attached to her actual collar.

If you want something longer lasting and waterproof, I highly recommend glowdoggie. Their customer service is awesome, too.

The only downside is they're hard to carry in a pack if you're going somewhere where it'll be dark later, because they're always on when they're in the 'wearing' position. But they're great lights and run on AAA batteries so it's super easy to replace. And the colors are great too.

I also highly recommend hurtta's reflective vest or even just their harnesses with the reflective stitching.

http://www.amazon.com/Springer-Dog-Exerciser/dp/B0017NM4OE

This is the one I have. It doesn't specify a weight but I imagine the weight is really there to ensure people aren't biking with small dogs who can't handle it safely. If your dog is fit and active I am sure it will be fine.

The one thing a will note though is that dogs aren't built for extended periods of running so I will alternate my speed so my dog is mostly trotting with bursts of sprinting. It can be tough to go slow enough at first, haha. I've gotten very familiar with my granny gears!

I use a Dean and Tyler harness.

Quite pricey, but super strong! They are designed for strong working dogs, and can take any amount of abuse. They also have a little handle on the top, making it easy to quick grab your dog if you need. You can also get different reflective patches that stick on the sides (I have 'Roadrunner' on mine!)

I can't remember the specific name, but it looks like this one (though in a larger size.) The ones where it hooks in the front worked better than the ones that hook in the back, in my opinion.

[harness] (http://www.amazon.com/SENSE-ible-No-Pull-Dog-Harness-XSmall/dp/B000AOTOC6/ref=sr_1_15?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1454004695&sr=1-15&keywords=anti+pull+harness)

Edit: I also use a hands-free leash when I run, or have been for about two months now. Works great with the harness.

We have a few of these. https://www.amazon.com/Trixie-Waist-Belt-Medium-Sized-Large/dp/B0057FZLDY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601752&sr=8-3&keywords=trixie+belt

We like them because they don't rely on the strength of a plastic buckle. The strain is around your back/waist in a complete loop of one piece of material.

We use these carabiners as well, they seem OK. I can't remember what size though - https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Size-1-S-Biner-Carabiner/dp/B001E8EV3Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601841&sr=8-8&keywords=carabiner&th=1

While I think it's better in the long run to correct unwanted behavior, my dog was such a leash-puller that I bought an "Easy Walk" harness. The lead attaches to the front of the harness, so if he pulls he turns to the side. It's impossible for him to pull on the lead because he'll completely change direction. We run with it daily and it's great!
Easy Walk Harness

I second this! I use this in combination with this harness for my very strong 73 lb lab. He has been using it for a year and a half and has never broken out of the leash, not even once. Not even during one of those zoomies (FRAPS).

There is a harness design that I love because it doesn't put pressure on the neck, it doesn't rub under the arms while they run, it stays on well and is lightweight.

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I have a bulldog that his chest is bigger compared to his body and this is perfect for him because the front strap is adjustable: https://www.amazon.com/EzyDog-Premium-Adjustable-Reflective-Stitching/dp/B004PGJM7C/ref=asc_df_B004PGJM7C/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241991316466&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10322319662246494285&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012551&hvtargid=pla-400948038405&psc=1

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My other dogs have a more standard build. This harness is a similar design, but without the chest adjustment: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005S6WHZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this bowl:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0081XICJO/

(The small one, plenty even for my 70 lbs dog). It condenses easily, or clips to the leash. It's much less bulky than the 'collapsible' silicone bowls.

> Is that a RoadID on your dog?

Same concept, but it is from an Amazon vendor

I used to let Willie drink from streams but then he got Giardia. So, now I carry one of these collapsible silicone bowls and fill it with water from my hydration pack.

I use the Stunt Puppy waist leash. Its bungee-ness makes for a much smoother run!

Size Right. Been using it for all our dogs with no problems.. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017NBCC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s77GAb1Z0A5R0

They're EzyDog Quick Fit. Mine wear size large, but I had to tighten it almost all the way, so they'd probably fit in a medium too. There's a measurement guide on the Amazon link. They fit into the medium part for the neck measurement, and the large part for the chest measurement. These have worked out well for us, but they still chafe a little bit. They can wear them for 5+ miles with off leash when we're in the woods, but their armpits look a little irritated after ~3 miles on leash. It was worse when I first started using them. I think their skin gets used to them after a while. I show the brindle one and there's no visible irritation or hair loss from the harness on her.