Tip for managing dog and baby at same time?

Question

I picked up a jogging stroller. Now, hopefully, the dog and I can both get some much needed exercise while Baby gets the fresh air and fun ride! Having never done this before, I need some pointers. How do I manuever a jogging stroller and a dog at the same time to ensure safety and fun for all of us?

(What leash to use, what collar to use, how/where to hold leash, how much play on the leash, etc. etc.)

Thanks!

Answer 1

any collar is fine unless he doesnt like walking a long side get a harness and if its an alpha male get a long leash and if its a dog that likes to hang around you get a regular leash i would perfer the retractable leash.  dont worry about the dog as much when going down turning he should folloow you. if he doesnt say heal and pull on his leash.

Answer 2

Just wanted to add...I thought Kip's Mom's idea was great, and they do sell a special lead that tethers around your belly. Here's a link:

http://www.dogjogger.com/products.html

Answer 3

I have a newborn baby and a dog too.  What I do is put the leash around my wrist so i can use both hands to steer the stroller.  Having said that my dog is also very well trained and walks right at my side.  We only use the leash because it's the law where I live.  A few dry runs with an empty stroller is probably a good idea.  As far as how much play on the leash, you are going to want the same amount as if you were walking the dog without the stroller.  Because this is how much your dog is used to having and if you change that you may end up with pulling issues.

Answer 4

Having neither child nor stroller, I can't help you much, but you could try tethering the leash around your waist.  That way, both hands are free for the stroller, and if the dog decides to take off for any reason, your core strength will be better able to withstand the lunge then, for example, the stroller would.  I would not tie the leash to the stroller under any circumstances.  

Good luck, and have fun!

Add: oh good - I figured you were smarter than that!!  ;-)

And practising sounds like a great idea.

Answer 5

When I take my twin grandbabies and the dogs at the same time, I use the leads upside down. I either use the handle as a slip collar, or just put it through the collar. Either way, I have the clip then that I can attach to my belt loop to keep my hands on the stroller. I can reach the lead easy enough if I need to offer a correction.

Yes, this means you have to wear pants with belt loops to exercise, but I doubt the exercise police will bust you for it. They haven't come after me yet. :-)

Good luck!

Answer 6

Honestly, I wouldn't try it. I would take the baby for a stroll in the stroller and then when you get some more free time take the dog out for a walk. Jogging with a baby is enough...what if the baby starts crying? Then you have to pick the baby up and the dog just stands there...what if the dog sees something he doesn't like and starts to go after it....well, that's another interruption for baby time. If you think you can handle it more power to you....me personally, I would do one at a time...I guess I'm just not as adventerous as you are. Dealing with a baby is hard enough....dealing with a baby and a dog at the same time is just crazy. That's just my  humble opinion.