_______________________________________________________________________________ October 31, 2012 Whoa Nelly! (Tips for pups that pull...) Ok cowboy- this ain't my first rodeo. I know that pulling isn't gonna make you go any faster! But yet *sigh* I know where you're coming from... I get REALLY excited when my human pulls out the running shoes and leash too. One day my human came home with a handy device called a SPORN Harness. They actually sell them in the SPCA's ReTail Store too (*cough*cough* where all proceeds go back to benefit the homeless pets)! A SPORN Harness is nice because is doesn't pinch or choke me! When I get too excited (yes, it happens to even the best of 'em) I pull a little. The SPORN Harness pulls me back without much effort from my human and it is a nice, humane option! The SPORN Harness goes around my neck, then loops around my two front legs. My human then pulls the straps tight, and off we go! No muss, no fuss... just us and the open road! For pups that are larger in size, a Gentle Leader may be in order. I see my big brother, a Saint Bernard wear one of these (he's more. It is a simple set of straps that wraps around his chin and nose, then clips behind his ears. Similar to a horse bridle, whenever he tries to pull his head is gently turned to the side. The SPCA also sells them in their store, they come in all different sizes.

_______________________________________________________________________________ October 30, 2012 A PUPlic Safety Announcement Attention! Attention! Let's talk REFLECTION. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. It's already dark out when we go for our morning walks and in the winter it's still dark out by the time my folks get home from work. So when we go on our daily jog, this means we need to suit up for safety! My folks found these awesome-sauce reflective bands at a local pet store! They are stretchy so they stay around my legs. I know you can buy them online too... just search for "Dog Reflective Leg Bands." They should pop up. These leg bands are super reflective, so every car that drives by is aware of me. Or you could just wear a ridiculous Santa hat. I'm sure that will attract attention... thanks mom. Make sure your human also stands out with proper reflective gear. Pretty much every running store sells human reflective gear (vests, headbands, leg bands, belts...). My human also likes to run with a flashlight in one hand. This is also a good way to make sure oncoming traffic notices you, and you can watch where you're running (AKA avoiding pot holes)! OK pups, I said it once before but it's so important I want to say it again: make sure your human runs AGAINST the traffic pattern and you run on their LEFT SIDE, off to the side of the road! This is important. Your human should always be aware of oncoming traffic, and able to get out of the way if something happens!

_______________________________________________________________________________ October 28, 2012 Drafting off your human Dog's take note! Not all humans runners know this, so we need to let them know! All runners and walkers are told (and sometimes required by law) to run AGAINST traffic. This way you can see oncoming traffic, and be aware of your surrounding! This means us dogs need to run on your human's LEFT side. Recap: Humans run against traffic. Dogs go on left side of runner (off and away from the curb). On that note, why not take advantage of the situation to maximize our running experience?  We all know for our own safety we should be leashed to a human when running, but did you know when you stay in a heel position (just slightly back from your human's feet) you can actually draft off your human? Make them do most of the work, and you win by taking advantage of slipstream and getting treats because you're staying in a "heel" position (AKA being a good boy or girl). Win/win all around!

_______________________________________________________________________________ October 26, 2012 Maximum wind resistance Ok pups, listen up. Here's an insider tip from a running pup that has "been there done that." If you keep your ears back you create less drag, resulting in maximum running performance! Dogs with big ears can actually use this to their advantage. OK write this down; if you train with your ears up, you create more resistance, building up endurance levels. Then on race day, flatten 'dem ears down and run like the wind! You may cut 2, maybe 3 seconds off your time! It's a proven fact. I've done experiments.

_______________________________________________________________________________ October 24, 2012  Making sure Fido can Fi-GO! The more I'm observing my fellow canine friends, the more I realize that big personalities come in small packages! Case in point, let me introduce you to my friend Ricky. Ricky is a Pug with a personality of 3 dogs packed into one little body. Between you and me, he may think he can run a marathon... but truthfully he'd rather catch a cab after 30 yards (but don't tell him I said that)! Long story short... not all dogs are born to run long distance. Keep in mind dogs with squished in faces (brachycephalic), short legs, and heavy coats (especially in the South) should probably not join you on the road for long runs. For their health and safety... just keep them home. From what I've observed on the road dogs that make great running partners may be shepherds, pits, hounds, pointers and retrievers... or even better, a mix of all of them!  OR- if you REALLY want to bring your little pups with you, you can buy these awesome running strollers, with a zip-up screen to keep them safe! Yes, it DOES exist. Just search for "dog running strollers" on Amazon.com. I'm sure you can find it there. They have everything on Amazon.  I know most of us cringe when we say V-E-T but from one pup to another, I recommend you consult with your Doctor before taking to the road!

_______________________________________________________________________________ October 22, 2012 They don't call me Miles for nothin'!  From a stray pit bull puppy to marathon mutt (and I wear that label with pride, mind you). I'm a runner who came from the streets, then turned those streets into a hobby and training course! It doesn't take much to sum me up. Just one look at my long, lean legs and racecar flame markings on my forehead to know I'm a boy who loves to "GO." My folks adopted me from the SPCA back in February, when I was just a rambunctious pup with non-stop energy. They saw a perfect running partner in me and the rest is history. Join me as we train for the SPCA's Santa Paws 5K on November 18th. The SPCA saved my life and now I want to help you and your pup run together for the cause! Jump on board and check back for training tips from me, your main-man Miles.

About This Blog Insider running tips from a pup's point of view! Follow Miles (SPCA Adoptee) and his human as they train for the 2012 Santa Paws 5K.

Meet Miles My name is Miles and I am PUMPED for the 2012 Santa Paws 5K. I love running just about as much as I love cuddling. I am a running with a passion because I know I save lives with each step. Join me on my journey to cross the finish line with my tail held high and a twist of humor along the way!

October 31, 2012 WHOA Nelly! (Tips for pups that pull...)

October 30, 2012 A PUPlic safety annoucement

October 29, 2012 Drafting off your human

October 26, 2012 Maximum wind resistance

October 25, 2012 Making sure Fido can Fi-GO!

October 24, 2012 They don't call me Miles for nothin'!