First, Geezer feels a need to pass along the "Top 4 Inappropriate Ways to Exercise a Dog," as issued by the British Columbia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- Exercising your dog while riding in a vehicle, either with a leash out the window or with the dog
running off-leash in behind. - Riding a bicycle with your dog on a leash.
- Skateboarding and leading a dog on leash.
- Roller-blading with your dog dragging behind you on a leash.
And we had always imagined British Columbians as industrious and sensible people. Seriously, and in an effort to do something useful, Geezer directs readers to the BCSPCA’s advice about what one should do with a dog, starting with choosing a breed that is built to handle distance runs. Most dogs, it turns out, are of the start-stop variety. Greyhounds and Labs come recommended. Beagles, not so much.
I will not exercise with my dog again after twisting my ankle while running. We were running along and he abruptly stopped to smell poo on the ground and I had to jump over him because of the momentum I had, in turn twisting my ankle. I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of riding my bike with him!! That’s just asking for an injury.
I sympathize with the guy who twisted his ankle, but I do believe you can run with your dog, training her. For instance, I run my dog at my heel, always on the side. Training him was NOT easy–my dog is a little headstrong–but he runs well-NOW. Don’t give up!