That Trail Run with The Dog 🐕

that trail run with a Labrador who believes active participation means stopping to admire every single blade of grass

Trail running is a glorious pursuit of freedom, fresh air, and the occasional ankle roulette experience when roots rise from the ground like the zombie undead. But add a Labrador to the mix, and your dreams of gazelle-like grace quickly descend into an exercise in patience, snack-based bribery and futile negotiation.

The Dream vs. The Reality

Imagine bounding effortlessly through the countryside with your loyal canine companion at your side, both of you synchronized in perfect rhythm, taking in nature’s beauty.

Reality hits when your Labrador takes two enthusiastic strides then promptly stops to sniff. Maybe a rabbit was here three days ago. Maybe that stick is actually food. Either way, you’ve started a process of start-stop-start again.

Motivational Techniques

Ordinary trail runners worry about hydration and pacing. Trail-dog-running you? You’re negotiating snack rations like a diplomat.

The most effective tools in your kit:

• The Phantom Treat Hand – Fool your dog into thinking your palm contains something delicious. Works precisely twice before they wise up.
• The “Excited Voice” Trick – Shouting “OH WOW, LET’S GO!” in a high-pitched tone sometimes gets them moving, though mostly out of embarrassment for you.
• Lying – “There’s a duck round the corner, go get the duck”, “C’mon”
• Reverse Psychology – Pretend you’ve given up. Walk the other way. Like clockwork, your dog will suddenly decide movement is fun.
• Swearing – “Move, you fucking lump!”

Outdoor Encounters: The Labrador Interpretation

While serious trail runners worry about technical descents and wildlife hazards, Labradors view nature through a different lens:

• Squirrels – A distant dream that will never be caught. But you should always chase your dreams.
• Horses – An object of great curiosity but approached with a level of caution usually reserved for live grenades.
• Cows – Another object of curiosity, shitting piles of dung that are also a snacking opportunity.
• Canals – A source of drinking water and a swimming opportunity.
• Rivers – A source of drinking water and a swimming opportunity.
• Streams – A source of drinking water and a swimming opportunity.
• Mud Puddles – A source of drinking water and a swimming opportunity.
• Ducks – See: ‘Squirrels’.
• Swans – Likely to stand their ground, resulting in hasty retreat.

The Unexpected Joys

Despite the frequent stoppages, questionable decision-making, and your dog’s newfound passion for eating moss, there’s an undeniable charm to these outings. You learn to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the sheer absurdity of watching your supposed “sporting breed” flop dramatically on the grass as if they’ve just completed an ultramarathon.

And perhaps, just perhaps, you realize that while trail running is meant to be about distance, adventure, and endurance, sometimes, it’s also about pausing to sniff the flowers (or, in your Labrador’s case, eat them).

Lessons learnt:

1.) Running with a lab is great for a recovery run, not too quick, plenty of stops; loyal company to take the mind off tired legs.

2.) A waist-tied running leash is a must if you actually want to get get anywhere anytime soon.

3.) Tracking your doggy 5k PBs are a fun way to keep the pace up and help greedy labs get…somewhat slimmer.

4.) Recognising the subtle difference between ‘I want to stop and sniff’ versus ‘I need to stop and poop’ dog face.

Encouraging a Labrador to run is often an exercise in creativity, patience, and well-timed snack distribution. Here are some tactics to get your four-legged philosopher moving:

Make It a Game

Labradors love play, so turn running into a fun challenge. Try short sprints followed by rewards, like tossing a ball or using a favorite toy as motivation. If you pretend you’re in a dramatic chase scene from an action movie, it might even entertain you, too.

Use a Running Buddy

Dogs often mimic behavior, so if your Labrador sees another dog happily running, they might join in out of sheer peer pressure (or to assert dominance over the imaginary race).

Change the Scenery

New smells, new sights, and new terrain can spark curiosity. Trails with water features? Instant incentive.

Make it Reward-Based

Positive reinforcement works wonders. Treats, praise, and an enthusiastic “GOOD DOG!” every time they run can build excitement.

Start with Short Bursts

Rather than expecting a full-speed gallop right away, encourage movement with brief bursts of running. Short intervals followed by walking can build endurance.

Play “Chase Me”

Nothing sparks a Labrador’s enthusiasm like a bit of gentle teasing. If you jog ahead and call them enthusiastically, their pride might kick in, and they’ll chase you down just to prove they can.

Harness Their Natural Instincts

Some Labradors have retrieving instincts that can be used strategically. A well-placed thrown stick, ball, or even an imaginary object (because let’s face it, they sometimes chase nothing) can encourage running. (Or just harness them to a fence post and enjoy a solo run).

Keep It Fun

If they really dig their heels in (metaphorically, unless we’re dealing with full-on stubbornness), don’t force it. Some dogs just prefer a casual stroll, and the best way to keep them engaged is to make the experience enjoyable.

If all else fails? Invest in a Labrador-sized buggy and accept your fate as their personal chauffeur.