Running with dogs (on a leash)

Jessie spoiled me. She did not need a leash anywhere. Bonnie, well, she has her own good qualities.

Easy Walk HarnessThere are two items that make being leashed to my dog much more enjoyable. One is the Easy Walk Harness. It stopped almost all pulling immediately. It was recommended to me by a Colorado Disc Dog member. Unlike the Gentle Leader, manufactured by the same company, there is no risk of neck injury if the dog gets excited and pulls anyway. Here is a link to another woman’s experience with the Easy Walk Harness.

The Buddy Sytem LeashThe Buddy System, Hands-Free Leash is not perfect, but it is much better than any other leash I’ve tried. The separate waist belt means it doesn’t tighten when the leash is pulled. Also, I’ve found that a non-elastic leash is much more effective in giving Bonnie feedback; i.e. she is more focused on our walk. I use the Small Dog System with Bonnie and usually have the leash length around 36″ when we are running.

The hands-free leash and Easy Walk halter make being tied together fun and low-stress for both Bonnie and me.

Mini crew

Yet more dog pack photos. Hey, it’s my blog!
Bonnie heeling. 31 Mar 07
Yummmm. Can’t wait for that Wing-a-ling dinner.

I never anticipated how great it would be to have pockets on Bonnie. Today she carried 1.5 pounds, including dog biscuits (we’re out of Vanilla Hammer Gel), Gu and my gloves. She only weighs 27 pounds so 6-7 pounds is about her max carrying capacity and I’ll probably keep it under 4 most of the time. Still it is very handy to have those easily accessible pouches in addition to the pockets on the waistbelt of my Stratos.

Bonnie. Fetch at Dodgeton Trail Meadow. 31 Mar 07.Bonnie ran in her pack. She played in her pack. She also rolled in her pack. She will not be carrying my sunglasses. : )

OTN: 4.5 hour hike/run. Trail conditions – snow and mud.

Marathon des Sables

22nd Marathon des Sables: Stage 6I’ve been following the 22nd Marathon des Sables for the last week. It was very sad that one of the competitors, Bernard Julé, died on 29 March, following Stage 4.

Today was Stage 6, the final stage. What an awesome race! I don’t know how people do it. Sand Dunes National Park is about 90 minutes drive from here. I used to go there regularly when it was Sand Dunes National Monument (National Monument -> National Park = Dogs allowed -> No dogs allowed). Climbing up the dunes is very difficult. I think running up them is impossible, but people do run up dunes when they are racing MDS.

There are lots of photos, videos and interviews on the website, www.darbaroud.com.