Training the Humans: Puppy and Running Update

Weimaraners are known for their intelligence. This was mentioned in every one of the 3598382 library books that I read in preparation for our monkey's arrival. In addition to physical exercise, they need brain workouts.

Because of this (but mostly because we I need training so as not to be outsmarted by our dog!), Brooklyn has continued her training lessons. After she completed her one-on-one home course, we enrolled her in her first group class.

I was quite confident that she would ace the class. Week one was rough (mostly for me). She seemed to think it was time to play with (pounce on?) the little dogs. Truly, that's her form of affection.

Week by week, her focus improved, and I learned more and more how to keep her attention in high-distraction settings. (We also positioned ourselves away from the small, yappy dogs.) At the last class, she was even runner-up for the Longest Stay competition.

The Graduate

Training is all about consistency. Dogs want to know what is expected of them. They are creatures of habit. (Perhaps this is why I connect with my dog so much?) I've been hitting the leash training hard with daily walks. 

Those 3598382 library books also emphasized the more obvious fact that Weimaraners need exercise. You know that feeling that you need to get outside and move? These dogs suffer from cabin fever daily and need to stretch their (long!) legs.  While I'm not-so-patiently waiting to take her running until her growth plates close and muscular system is fully developed, we walk. This is slightly a bummer, since I'm already putting in the time and miles myself. 

On Tuesday night, I gave Brooklyn a small taste for running. (Do you know how hard it is to have a running dog that can't run yet?!) It was all very impromptu - I was wearing jeans and Converse. Let's just say our walking party was too slow for these girls. They suggested Brooklyn and I try to make it twice around the lake. We accepted the challenge and took off.

I didn't realize it at the time, but we ran a mile. She loved it. I would have loved it more with shorts and running shoes. In no time, this girl will be out-running me in both speed and distance. I must note that she did wonderfully running next to me. She obeyed my commands to, "Leave it," when we passed people and other dogs, and she only nearly tripped me once. Not bad for a first.

Now to wait out the next YEAR. Looks like I'll be doing a lot of running AND walking. The dog park is a nice option for when Brooklyn needs to burn energy but I want to sit.

Speaking of burning energy, training is coming along slowly but surely. The biggest hurdle to overcome is myself. I hate that I'm mostly starting from scratch again, but I'm learning to let go of thoughts like, "This was so much easier six months ago," and "Why didn't I just stay in conditioning shape?"

Ty and I have run six miles together, and this weekend will be my seven-mile run. This time around, I added a weekly speed workout to my program. It's shorter than any of my other runs, but it is the hardest - hands down. I avoid it at all costs, though I know it has been helping tremendously. My comfortable pace is in the 8:30-8:45 range now. I love when I see anything in the eight-minute range! Yesterday I ran five-miles to my parents' house and conveniently arrived while they were cooking breakfast. If a hot breakfast and a car ride were always waiting for me at the end of my run, I think I'd even look forward to speed workouts.

That being said, today is rest day. :)

Happy Friday!