Walks well on leash but jumps on owner when he tries to jog.

[ke4itn@otelco.net]

My Pitback (Pitbull/Ridgeback) mix is 7 months old. She does well walking on leash but when I start to jog she starts getting excited and jumping on me. I have to discontinue the jog. I also want to get her to where she will allow me to ride a bicycle while holding her leash, I haven't dared to try that yet since I can't even jog with her. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Larry

[LetsPlay]

Hi Larry,
a 7 months old pup has a lot of energy that's for sure. When dogs try to initiate play they start bouncing around (mainly with their front paws). It might look to your dog as if you are trying to play with him.
Have you tried to make him really tired before you start running? For example have a long fetch play with him and then take him for a walk/run?

One thing to keep in mind is that puppies up to 12 months of age should not be exercised too much as it is bad for their joints. If you are going for a big run it might be best to leave your pup behind until he is a bit older.

John

[ke4itn@otelco.net]

Thanks for your reply John, I didn't know about too much exercise was bad for young dogs joints. I was not going for a long jog as I myself lack physical conditioning. We try to walk on leash about 30 minutes per day. I will try to tire her out before this I try this approach again. She likes to leap, maybe I should see if she like the flying disc, frisbee as we call it her in the states. Thanks so much!
Larry

[Annie]

hi There,
we didn´t start running our dog next to the bike until she was at least 1....but when we did, we first trained her with us riding a kids bike
Not a tiny bike but small and low, and we could easily stop ( or fall off) and be able to control her on the lead tight in by the side. When we moved up to a big bike it went really good, though only one time she got hit by the bike. The other problem we had was she would stop very suddenly for a poo mid ride. I had to watch her warning signs and be prepared to drop the leash or brake suddenly! After a year of really slow controled lead running( allways slow) now we can without a leash have her in the heel position while we cycle everywhere...she loves it
good luck, but wait a bit till your dog is older.
Annie