find it annoying running with my dog

Okay I don't know how many people run or jog with their dogs, but I am so irritated by my puppy. We will be running along just fine and then she gets distracted and just stops, almost tripping me over. Has anyone else had this problems with their dogs? Do they get better to run with or should I just give up on running with her. She's about a year old, not really a pup anymore, but she is super hyper.      &nb sp;               &nb sp;               &nb sp;               &nb sp;               &nb sp;               &nb sp;    

I wasn't really sure if this was fitness or lounge, so feel free to move if need be.

Sounds like it's a training issue... not really a problem with your puppy or with running.

My parent's puppy is only 4 months old, just a month ago we were having the same issues with his puppy curiosity, but my dad has been training him and now he knows that he stops when we stop! :)

she stops when I want her to stop, she just also stops when we are mid run!

Right... so you would have to train her to keep up with you at all times.

The word that my dad has used with all of our dogs (we've had 3) is "heel", where basically the dog just follows your heel, no stopping, until you stop.

It was a pain at first, but we used a combination of treats and affection to get him to keep at our heels for as long as we would go. It's definitely not an overnight thing! :)

I agree that its a training thing. Try a toy or treat (whichever she is more interested in) to keep her attention on you.

She also could be tired. Dogs need to work themselves into activity like that just like humans. Make sure you do not over run her. At 1 she is probably not done growing (and joints wont be fully fused)and you could increase her risks of hip and elbow displascia especially if she is a larger breed.

that's a good point gem, about breed, age and activity level.

What kind of dog is she?

I think it's something that she can learn.  Praise when she's doing what you want is a great way to reinforce the behavior you're looking for rather than a correction when she's doing what you prefer she didn't.  As she gets older there will be fewer things that distract her. 

She's a mini australian shepard (25lb's), she loves to run, she usually is the one that starts running, I was refusing to do it because of her stopping for no reason and almost taking me out. But I decided that I should give her another chance at running with me instead of just running around in circles in my complex's dog park. I think you guys are right though, she probably needs to just get used to it. I just hope she doesn't trip me too bad in the meantime!

It also depends on breed as well.  Some breeds are generally better at heeling and running with their human than others.   I would run with a lab or dalmation, but not my silly beagle who will take off the other direction on a scent ...

I highly recommend the Halti - it goes over their heads and around their noses - it doens't restrict them from opening their mouths at all - and attached to the leash underneath the chin - it is self correcting - when they don't stay right beside you it pulls their head in...they don't like that so they correct themselves and walk/run where they should be - when you first put it on - your puppy will act like you are trying to kill her - just ignore the fuss completely and it's almost like magic how good it works - I love it - I dont' have to correct the behavior myself by being crabby or stern - walks/runs are for fun!!  :) 

I also have an aussie shepherd.  This is a dog with a strong herding instinct and lots of energy.  I don't know about yours but mine always wants to be in charge and is very good at thinking for herself. Try telling her to "heel" or "come along" or whatever phrase suits you every 100 yards or so. This reinforces to the dog what you want them to do and stops them from getting ideas on their own (so the trainer told me). This worked with my dog but she needed a few day's practice before she got it.

thanks for the suggestions everyone!! - i also posted a pic of her. she is so darn cute!

I would have to say it's training.  HEEL is your best friend when walking/running with a dog.  Also, do you give her too much leash?  I keep mine on a very short leash.  I had a huge problem with my dog last summer.  Being distracted, sniffing, stopping, and all that irritating stuff.  I bought my dog a doggie backpack.  Now, he has a job to do and is very intent on just taking care of that.  They seem to love having a job!

I'm sorry a doggy backpack?

Mine wears a backpack too. This one: http://www.ruffwear.com/Palisades-Pack-trade- II?sc=2&category=13

He can carry his own water and supplys on hikes.

They've got the cutest stuff for puppies... I can't wait for the summer so that we can get ours a camo lifejacket! :)

Oh yeah, a back pack :) geminmd has linked an example!  I walk with two dogs.  An 85# border collie mix, and a 27 pound terrier mix.  My big guy, Treen, he carries the back pack.  He carries 2 bottles of water, one on each side to distribute weight evenly, a collapsable dog bowl, and poo bags.  He loves it!  He used to pull the heck out of me, and now, he's much more sedate!

from my experience dogs are terrible running partners unless they completely understand you're not fooling around...

i used to jog everyday when i visited relatives in france and my great aunt wanted me to take her 2 great danes out to exercise them with me. They kept trying to tackle me.. thinking we were playing or something...  that really interfered with my running.

I just keep mine on a very short leash. Luckily, he's only about 12lbs, so if he ever tries to stop, he just gets yanked forward suddenly when the lead goes taut!

He also has a fetish for anything that dangles down, including the lead, so I have to keep it short because of that. When we go for regular walks, the first ten or so minutes are a complete tug of war.

I find it annoying when I'm running, out of breath, dying...and I look down and the tiny little puppy is just trotting along at a brisk walk. LOL.

I don't have much to add here, just wanted to comment that I have this same problem with my daughter. 

I read this thread and it just made me laugh at the similarity.

She wants to come with me, but she wants to go slow, and she wants to stop and pick up leaves, and oh Mom stop! look at those clouds, and lets walk backwards on this part.  It's cute and fun and good family time together, but it wasn't getting me the exercise I need.

Probably another case of training, lol.  Or maybe it's the breed.  I got one of those darn playful, happy, curious kids!  At least I don't have to stop and pick up her poop along the way...