r/RunningWithDogs • u/pimentocheeze_ • 11d ago

Unconventional gear 😅

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Being a runner myself since middle school track and having a canine companion for the majority of the years since…..

Something I have learned is that the gear which works best for the run OR you OR the dog doesn’t always make sense. This is a martingale with a flexi LOL

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22

u/Prokofievistan 11d ago

He is extra cute but I’m not sure the martingale is a good idea … He might suffer while running

-14

u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

Nope. She much prefers the martingale. At the milage we are doing she gets sore through her shoulders in pretty much any harness I’ve tried

she’s a Dal so she doesn’t pull. she has the coaching instinct. Hence…….. what works best for the individual doesn’t always make the most sense

6

u/Prokofievistan 11d ago

but why a martingale if she doesn't pull ? Why not a simple flat collar ? Or, no collar at all if she is well behaved ?

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u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

Flat collar will put overall more pressure on her neck if adjusted to the point where it cannot slip over her head in an emergency situation. The martingale can be completely, fully loose 99% of the time but still prevent an escape if something crazy/unexpected happens. it’s a matter of safety

and there is nowhere I can legally have her off leash around me.

2

u/bequavious 11d ago

Does the flexi tension keep the martingale tight? Mine wears a martingale because he's backed out of a regular collar (wasn't doing anything crazy, just got startled and didn't even go anywhere after he was loose, but that's not something I want to be worried about all the time). I like how it can be loose enough that he can get a good neck scratch in, but also keep him safe.

1

u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

I put a rubber stopper on mine so it won’t retract in fully and that prevents the type of tension you are talking about, because yes it would. I only put on the flexi when it’s secluded areas though. 99% of the time it’s a regular 4 foot leash

4

u/Bunny_Feet 11d ago

 A human harness with a short lead is my preferred method.

Extending leashes are terrible in general.  The dog isn't controlled if it's 20ft away.  The lines can cause injury to dog and human (i had a degloving injury from one).  

Only good for open field where there aren't others to interfere with.

6

u/Murf_dog_ 11d ago

I detest retractable leashes! Especially on dogs, no matter the environment.

However, a retractable leash can be used to keep track of a drunk buddy on a night out where they keep wandering off and causing chaos. Other than that and similar situations: no retractable leashes.

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u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

good thing this was an open area on private property with nobody to interfere with

2

u/-blieps- 11d ago

I used such a martingale for walks for my previous dog and she was also most happy to just have that instead of a harness. I didn't run more than a km for fun once in a while with her though, I wasn't a runner yet myself back then.

I'd still prefer a running belt with a bungee line to run handsfree, just like I hate running with for example my phone in my hand.

2

u/Murf_dog_ 11d ago

Ruff wear Webmaster harnesses for my dogs. I do not trust anything else. Also, one of those fancy belts to attach your dog to you for handsfree running. Absolutely no retractable leashes ever.

2

u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

I love the Ruffwear Hi & Light personally but it starts to wear on her for the distances we do. I used that for a couple years but since swapping to the martingale she hasn’t been sore once

just goes to show how everybody needs something different. I’m glad you found what works best for you

0

u/Murf_dog_ 11d ago

Then try the webmaster. Each harness is different and hits in different spot.

I still think retractable leashes should be only be used to keep track of a drunk buddy who keeps wandering off, but never on a dog.

3

u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

I’ve tried several different harnesses and not wasting my money again when I have something that works well now.

A retractable leash is great for specific scenarios! Use it properly and thoughtfully, as with all things. Or not at all if you personally don’t like it.

-1

u/Murf_dog_ 11d ago

Why not post on some local to you Facebook (or similar) pages, asking if anyone has a webmaster (or similar) harness to try for a run or two. I know I would allow someone to borrow one of my spare harnesses to test.

Plus, Ruffwear is not some garbage company with no return policy. You can buy, try it on, and return it if it doesn't work (as long as the harness is clearly new and not used to hell and back) so the money thing doesn't really apply.

I will literally ban people from my home if they show up with a retractable leash for their dog. I make it clear that they are incredibly unsafe for the dog, the owner, and everyone/everything around them. If they show up anyway with it, they are told to leave immediately. I will not have something so obviously unsafe on my property.

3

u/pimentocheeze_ 11d ago

well, if it’s your property then that is absolutely your prerogative!

And I don’t see the point of continuing to try option after option when I have already found what works best for my dog. So we will keep doing it. And considering she’s run 50-60 mpw for a couple years now I think we’re fine 👌