So, I thought I would start early with Baboon. Maybe the reason Annie and Brady pull so hard is because I've never trained them otherwise. Since Baboon is still a puppy I can start now to teach him how to walk/run with me (and his forever family).
We started slow. Going out every day on the leash to get the mail, to go to the bathroom (him, not me). Eventually we walked beyond the front yard and through the neighborhood. The hill in the neighborhood was a bit tiring, but the flat stretch out of the neighborhood was better. We walked 1.5 miles a few times before I took him on his first real run.
I had to adjust my pace a little, keep Baboon focused on moving forward, but we had fun! He frolicked along side me and kept looking up with his bright blue and brown eyes. He got a little tired on the way back to the house, but made it the whole way! I was so proud of him. He didn't pull, he stayed straight and at the end knew which house was ours and ran straight in.
Of course, then I felt guilty for not running with Annie or Brady. First Brady for a 1.5 mile run dodging dog legs. Then Annie for a fast 1.5 mile sprint hoping no squirrels crossed our path. So, in the end, a good 4.5 mile run for the day. Will I run all three dogs on the same day again? I hope I'm smarter than that.
Since Baboon's first run we've increased his walk up to 2 miles, but while he is still growing that is as far as we will go. I like 2 miles.
Baboon on his Leash
