Dear Oscar, I love to run too, but I am rather new to the concept of a leash since I was homeless for most of my life (I'm 11 months old)...

...until I found my new family about a month and a half ago. My mom takes me walking daily and to the dog park almost daily. She likes to run and has taken me on jogs a few times. I run at a good speed with her, but I zig zag a lot and want to stop and sniff a lot which drives her nuts. She found this new contraption called a Halti which helps us walk together a lot better. But she's not sure if it would be nice for me if I wear it when we go running. Do you think it would impede my panting if I wore it running? Thanks for your expert opinion! -- Ruby (part whippet and part beagle)

Dear Ruby, First off, congrats on finding your new family. That is an exciting development! Secondly, it's great that your human takes you on walks and to the dog park so frequently. In a short span of time, you have trained her well -- nice work!

The running is also great. And, as long as your human sticks with it, I think you'll get less distracted when you go for real runs. Seriously, right now you're just 11-months-old! What 11-month-old puppy can focus enough to go for a run without stopping to explore? So just stay with it, and eventually, you'll calm down. As a highly mature 3-year-old (why is everyone snickering when I describe myself as "mature"?), I know the difference between a walk, a run, or a play in the dog park. And I know when I can stop often or when it's best to stay focused. That said, I always make sure to stop to pee or sniff something -- or even to try to chase a squirrel -- a few times on every run. To establish who's really in charge.

As for the Halti, I do not endorse any products on this blog -- unless they offer full blog sponsorship (please contact my agent). Hey, every dog has his price! Pictures I have seen of the Halti harness, however, don't indicate to me that it would be restrictive. I say try it. Or, your human may want to try what my humans do (see photo). They clip the leash to my collar, then wrap it around my belly or chest. That way, if I pull, rather than choking me, it squeezes my belly and reminds me to let up. It's not mean, it is simple, and it works.

Bottom line: you're out there running and having fun -- that's the most important thing. Oh... and the other most important thing: you are reading the right blog. Ruby, as far as this dog is concerned, you are on the right track.

Your friend, Oscar