How many doodles does it take to make one Runner?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

As some of you may know I originally got my Murphy so that he would be my running companion. And I did everything the books and my breeder told me in regards to preparing him. I started out slow, waited until he was at least a year before adding any distance, kept him cool and had plenty of water and even treats to keep him going.

Well, Murphy decided at a very young age that this running thing was for the birds, or some other species. but NOT for him. He tugged and pulled and would run around my legs and chase anything that moved in his path even if it was just a leaf. He is most famous for seeking out any shady spot and stopping on a dime to lay down in it. Didn;'t matter that mom was trotting along at a  good clip or not. He just STOPS!   

This went on for about a year until I decided that he really hates running and I just was not going to torture him or me any longer. You'd think that the face plant on the asphalt I did from him criss crossing in front of me and the fact that he runs to hide behind DH whenever he sees me put on my running shoes, would be enough to make me give up. But oh no.....I got this dog to RUN and dammit, he is gonna RUN!!!!

 

So, after having given up my dream of my wonderful-prancing-canine-running-partner, and visions of our peaceful shared bonding times together as we magically glide in unison over the miles, along comes BELLA-B. Yes, the poop eating, tissue swiping, sock swallowing Bella. So I just figure, what the heck, I'll try some one on one time with Bella while I go for an easy run and see how much she and I can take before I head back home. As I was putting on her leash and going down the driveway, I had pretty much figured I'd make it around the block before I had to bring her home panting and whining the whole way....

 

 And lo and behold, Bella runs like a gizelle! She runs at my side without a pull or a criss cross or a sudden stop! She waits at street crossings without looking for a place to run and hide from me, she hops right to it when the running shoes come out and the leash jiggles. Where did this come from? I haven't been taking her on slow easy jogs to prepare her, I don't bring treats to tempt her to keep going, I don't keep her hair short so she will stay cool on our runs like I did with Murphy. She is just a natural RUNNER!!!!  Finally....I got my running partner!!!

So to answer the question.....It take 2 doodles to make one runner!!!!

As for Murphy, he barely lifts his head as he watches Bella and I do our  "Let's get ready for a run" dance around the house. Just toss him a ball and that's all the running he wants to do. To each his own.

 

 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

His legs in short shorts were what attracted me 32 years ago, they were jean cutoffs - really short, remember the late 70's?

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Ha Daisy...I guess everyone is used to seeing dogs being walked and I have to say these doodles do have a very nice prance when they run, so it is more eye catching. Or maybe it's DH in his short running shorts that is eye catching to your neighbors.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

You are an inspiration to me...makes me want to get back out there.  Daisy was also going to be my hiking and walking partner but it's been a rough past year, first a broken foot and now plantar fasciitis...but small strides is my goal. I still walk but baby steps for now.

Good for you on getting a runner.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Now that's the idea Heather, give him another job. He is a good couch potato!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

DH and Daisy jog every morning....neighbors stop and watch because she paces right next to him, people comment all of the time when I "walk" Daisy through the neighborhood, they say "I love watching your dog run with your husband", I say "thanks, how about watching her walk with me" ha ha.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Who knows one of these days Murphy may be inspired when he sees you and Bella repeatedly going out the door without him. I tried running with Quincy when he was a little younger but he would just get excited and grab the leash to play, I tried again yesterday and he did perfectly. I won't be doing a lot of running as I have knee issues but I do love it.

[Jodi and Stella]

Run Bella, run! I'm hoping Stella will be my hiking partner when the trails are clear.

[Heather and Rocky]

Congrats!  That's funny - very interesting too!!  I'm so glad you finally got your running partner!  Murphy can be your TV watching couch potato partner - ha ha.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thank you Pam

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

This is cute!!!!