Six Legs, One Leash

*What racing with Freedom taught me about moving safely together*

When Freedom and I ran our recent 5Ks, I had six legs to think about. Two were mine. Four were hers. And between us was this thing called a leash.

I had to watch where I put my feet, where Free put hers, and where that leash was hanging. When we came up on another dog and their person, I wanted them to have room to run their own race. Sometimes that meant easing up and waiting for a wider spot to pass. I was fine giving up a few seconds for that.

Good company changes the run

I feel safer with Free beside me, especially when it’s dark and the neighborhood is quiet. And here’s the irony. The same dog whose company puts me at ease can trip me if she crosses in front of me or I turn without giving her a heads-up. Add other dogs, runners, and a narrow stretch of path, and there’s a lot for both of us to pay attention to.

That’s one reason I practice loose-leash walking. I like to see a little slack between us so we both have room to move. At a walk, I have time to notice when the leash tightens and see what caught Free’s attention. At a run, that same moment comes up a whole lot faster.

Your dog is reading you, too

“Easy, Free.” “Let’s stop.” “This way.” Those are things I can say to help her know what’s coming. I can teach her what “left” and “right” mean, too. My part is learning to give the cue early enough for her to do something with it. If I say “easy” after I’ve already slowed down, she’s had to figure it out from my feet or the leash.

And I have to read her. If she keeps looking over at another dog, I can give her more room. If she starts falling behind, I can ease up and see if she wants a break. Sometimes she tells me what we need to do next before I’ve said a word.

If you want to try this with your dog, start with one cue on a quiet walk. I’d pick “easy.” Say it just before you slow your steps, then praise your dog when they match you. Pay attention to your timing, too. Did you give your dog a chance to respond before you changed pace?

That’s part of what I mean by **being healthy alongside your dog**. A 5K gave Free and me a chance to put it into practice. A short walk around the block gives us that chance, too.

Have a happy and healthy tail-wagging day.

Pam and Freedom

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