Thursday, February 25, 2010

Gently Leading Whom?

The weather satellites are spreading doom and gloom again. Rugged weather reporters are saying that Northeast Ohio will see snow for the next nine days. But on the 10th day? Sunshine.

However, I never believe that 10th day forecast. It's a ruse to bolster hope. False hope. As Granny used to say, "Shit in one hand, hope in the other, and see which one gets filled first."

The snow is never going to stop falling, and I am protesting. However, for a few fleeting strides last night, I tested out Dobson's newish Gentle Leader on the run.

Awhile back when I first mentioned I was going to start running with our now five-month-old Old English Sheepdog, many of you suggested a Halti or Gentle Leader collar to keep the Dobber from pulling too hard.

Quite frankly, the opposite has been a problem: Dobsonian is comically slow on the run. I usually end up pulling on him. At the dog park, he is either failing at catching up to other dogs or getting run over by dogs succeeding at catching him. His dreams of a BQ are already over, especially since the Boston Marathon doesn't offer a Dog Years Exemption, which honestly I could go for if they did.

Long story short: He doesn't pull me when we run.

But Ol' Dob does pull when the Enthusiast and I walk him, and we were getting a little tired of the leash burns on our palms from holding him back. Fast? Negatory. Strong? You betcha! So our trainer threw in her recommendation for a head collar, specifically the Gentle Leader.

[Drunkard's note: PetSmart loves that I agreed to get a puppy.]

Now, El Dobberino doesn't pull so much. However, he has taken up intensive faceplants as he seems to be trying to dissolve the Gentle Leader with snow as he writhes his snout into the ground. So far, the collar has held up to these maneuvers.

Last night, while I was walking the Dobbelganger, after I had already stuffed a plastic bag full of doodoo, I decided to break into a run and see how the Gentle Leader affected his running. We ran up the block and turned the corner until we had to sit and wait before crossing the road. The new collar ... um, stayed on? Made him not make me pull him? Did not burst into flames and singe Dob-Dob-Dob-Dobberann's bushy locks? I guess it worked fine.

Some endorsement, huh?

8 comments:

Ian said...

Maybe he's running slowly to make you feel fast. Man's best friend, indeed.

BrianFlash said...

Keep up the dog running stories! I'm thinking doberman for Team Flash - that seems like a good combination of runner and personal defense...

Ms. V. said...

"Shit in one hand, hope in the other, and see which one gets filled first."

i love that and tweeted it LMAO

i have a strong dog who nearly killed me last year. i was on my bike, he on the leash

Good luck with this!

Tricia said...

Your granny sounds a lot like my Granny :)

misszippy said...

Yes, you make me want to run out and buy one right away for my pup! As a former NE Ohioan, I feel your pain on the weather.

Aileen said...

I laughed so hard reading this post. Dobbelganger. Ha.

Jess said...

Sorry you're getting hammered with snow. That would make for annoying running conditions

Al's CL Reviews said...

Sucks about the snow. Scuttlebutt is getting a GL once training is over (our trainer is against them).