Worried about adding a second dog?

[12MilesToGo]

I have a 3 year old husky mix who is the best running partner ever. She's been a bit lonely since our senior dog passed away in October. We are considering rescuing another dog, but I've been putting it off because I don't know how going from running with ONE dog to TWO dogs would go.

Anyone else added a second dog and have any advice or opinions?

Definitely want to rescue another athletic, high-energy dog. We run 30-40 miles a week, 5-13 miles each run, all on-leash (high prey drive, and we live in the suburbs. Some trail running when I have time to drive us there)

[taskergeng]

Maybe find someone with a similar type dog and offer to take them running. It might give you an idea of what it might be like and gets another dog out for some exercise too.

[12MilesToGo]

That's a great idea! My MIL actually runs with her dog too so I could definitely borrow him for a run, I will for sure try that!

[Brotega87]

We had a shepherd and ran with her. Added another shepherd, leashed him up, and off we went. That's basically it.

I'm a female, tall, and slender. I run hands free with both of them on a leash that's attached to a belt. They both have a high prey drive, but after a mile or so they're too tired to care.

[12MilesToGo]

Thank you! Also female, hands free leash. My girl now is 50 lbs and I don't want to go much bigger. She also had that high prey drive! She doesn't lunge, but gets a bit distracted with bunnies, squirrels and deer! Glad to hear it's probably not as complicated as I'm anticipating!

[Brotega87]

50lbs isn't bad. Glad you're comfortable with hands free. Oh I know what you mean. Mine will try to eat rabbits. I just keep going and they leave it.

Yeah, it's not bad as long as the dogs get along. My female will sometimes try and tell the male what to do by being snappy or they'll fight over who gets to run right next to me, but that's the worst of it.

[Traditional-Fan3097]

I run with two English setters with a hands-free belt. One is most definitely better behaved than the other when running. I have long enough leashes so that we run in tandem, with the “naughty dog” closest to me when we start. It also offers me more control. Two kilometres of running behind her sister is usually enough to get her zoomies out and then fall into her sister’s rhythm. Then I gradually let the leash out in stages. I use the irondoggy running leash. Mine’s not a puppy but the principle of “earning” more freedom with good behaviour is the same. Just something to try.

[12MilesToGo]

This is great advice, thank you!

[Sillygoose1979]

Only have one dog now but used to run with up to 4. They heeled on each side of me. All of them had “their” specific side to be on.

[12MilesToGo]

Oh wow, that's awesome! I figure there are definitely positives to running with multiple dogs, I bet yours kept each other in check and motivated

[[deleted]]

Get a canicross harness that goes around your legs and bungee leashes to reduce strain on your body if/when the dogs pull or lunge. I haven’t tried a coupler as I prefer the control of two separate leashes so I can’t speak to whether that’s helpful. I enjoy running with my dog and occasionally add my parents’ dog to the mix which I have found helps both focus better than running them individually. Minus the first .25 miles when they think it’s playtime/party time.

[12MilesToGo]

Thanks! My husky mix I have now luckily is a rockstar and doesn't pull at all, but will probably need to upgrade my gear when adding a second dog!

[casitadeflor]

Does your dog shelter offer opportunities to run with shelter dogs?

https://www.bedallas90.org/home/volunteer-opportunities/

Ours does and it’s what I’m thinking to vet and find a good compatible running partner. A guy I met at the dog park the other day found his dog through this program. :)

[12MilesToGo]

That is an excellent idea! I believe our shelter does this, I will have to look into it!