Defeating Leash Aggression & Anxiety Through the Power of Running

Defeating Leash Aggression & Anxiety Through the Power of Running

Hello! This is Krista with Episode #107 on the Wag Out Loud Pawdcast.

Did you know that Ozzy Osborne once saved his wife’s Pomeranian by wrestling a coyote until it released the dog and ran away? Now that’s love!

Hi there dog lovers! Welcome to another episode where we can learn about wellness for our dogs.  I have the honor of chatting with Kimberli Weeks, who is the founder of The Fittest Dog – and she's on a mission to change the lives of millions of dogs through the power of running. As a former Division One soccer player and marathoner, she knows high intensity exercise is essential for our well-being, and the same is true for our dogs. Her team of runners have helped hundreds of dogs overcome aggression issues, anxiety, and obesity – and in the process, they've transformed the lives of pet parents throughout San Diego. The Fittest Dog has been featured on NBC, Fox News, and San Diego Magazine; and they're preparing to scale up throughout southern California and beyond.

Kimberli i am so glad to have you with us today.

Hi, Krista. How are you?

Fantastic. I'm just so excited for this episode. I know you've got awesome stuff to share. I've been following you for quite some time. So why don't we get into defeating leash aggression and anxiety through the power of running?

I'm excited. It is possible. it has happened. And I absolutely believe in running with a dog to help with behavioral anxiety, overweight, senior dogs, you name it, we have helped all through our running program.

Well, Kimberlyi why don't we back up a little bit? And why don't you start with what are the benefits of running with your dog?

Well, as somebody who grew up basically groomed from the womb to be a soccer player, I always knew fitness was key to really mental health as well. And when I decided, after seeing a woman running on a beach with a dog by her side in their happy zones, that's when my light bulb went off that, Hmm, this looked really special. There’s just not a care in the world, in their own space, very happy. And so that's when I decided to do some research and see if dog running was a thing. Obviously, dog walking is and it's a necessity and so important for every day, especially working humans to get their dogs out. But what about running,? and I started doing this over four years ago, and one dog turned into two turned into four. I had my first human client cry to me that I saved her 15 pound rescue dog, who was scared and anxious. He gained confidence through running. And that's when I knew this was not just a so called job. This is a mission. running helps mentally just as much with dogs as it does humans.

Sure. And I know that you've been quoted in the past as saying that running your dog also lowers your vet bills.

It sure does. And I have many vets who have referred their patients to us whether it's overweight, or if we go down that path and say a dog goes to see their vet. And he or she has gained even three pounds since their last visit that three pounds depending on the size of the dog can mean a huge difference. It could mean really joint issues. It could be disease, anything obesity related, if you don't take action, it could really end your dog's life sooner. And obviously having to make multiple trips to the vet because of these obesity related diseases. It's going to pile up in bills obviously.

Well, I know on a previous episode, we had Dr. Jessica Fusch on and she was talking about the need for not only physical exercise, but mental as well. So it seems like running would kill two birds with one stone because when you're running with your dog, you're getting the physical aspect, but the sights, the sounds, the smells, the scenery, the mental enrichment stimulation. So is that what's really reducing the anxiety and the boredom that you have the two together?

Well I have run 1000s of miles with dogs. I've seen, I can't say I've seen it all, but it sure feels like it. with dogs who suffer from anxiety, whether they're a rescue, whether they have, I call it short man syndrome, because I have some dogs who are the runt of their breed, which is a large breed. And some of these dogs are anxious, they want to bark more, they're just really amped up. And when they see there's a human, who can exercise them that they can trust, they then seem to take this job, and focus with running as something positive. And when we hit that hump, for the first time, I can't tell you Krista how special it is for me personally, because I feel, and I see this in the dogs. And then the owners see it. And it's just this trickle down effect and the most positive way possible for your dog. I'm very passionate about what I do.

I know that and that's what I love about you that you have turned this into a business and you are helping so many lives, not only the dogs, but as you mentioned the owners as well. So you are using running as a literal tool to help dogs that have anxiety, which in my mind is that just fear are they just afraid of different things and their surrounding?

In my experience it is fear based. Now there are times where something may have happened to this dog, maybe they were attacked by a certain breed or, you know, a dog that looks like one of the neighborhood dogs. And that is their one trigger, that every dog with anxiety has a trigger, whether it's a certain house, a certain dog, it could even be cars, a busy street, as long as I am in tune with each dog and their needs, it makes it much easier for me to assess their needs, their well being and we just go easy, gentle, and we work up to fitness. And some cases we do much more walking than running. However, we give them quite the mental workout. And so that is equally as important as the physical aspect.

All right, let's say you have a new client, a dog, and you know for sure that they have a history of leash aggression or anxiety. What do you do with that dog? day one? How do you assess the situation? And how do you move forward with running them?

So with a dog with aggression, I am prepared, I'm very calm. I'm always told the absolute worst about each dog from their owner, it always happens no fail. And most of the times To be honest, it's not as bad as I'm told. But having a calm demeanor, being that calm alpha is the perfect start with a relationship with this dog. And I usually keep them close to me a lot of talking, maybe sitting, I let them smell me. And with a new dog with any type of anxiety or aggression. I tend to meet them for the first time in the afternoon, after I already have maybe seven different dog smells on my body. And they immediately just sniff me and I let them do that. It's a different way of operating. I know this. But because I've done this so many times. I know it works. Each dog is obviously different. But for the most part, I just go very slow. And I let them decide when they're ready. And it's really sweet when they look up at me after barking and barking and trying to be this dominant dog. And they see that I'm smiling and I'm talking to them and it's okay. When we start slow. It's a very slow process. It does work.

Yeah. I know. Everybody should check out Kimberli's Instagram account because she puts amazing videos on there of the dogs that are her clients. and how do you actually film the dogs in mid run? That takes talent.

It does. And I have to say I'm very experienced with this. I know my surroundings. I know when it's safe and I know when it's not safe. And I am just trying to be an additional tool for people who may be suffering with issues whether it is aggression or anxiety or even what I like to call COVID puppies who were adopted at the height of the pandemic. This is fast forward a year later. These dogs are coming to us and there seems to be a theme with the rescue COVID puppies They're very bouncy, at least the ones we get. And these dogs need their own set of rules. And it's just one literal one step at a time. But it is just been a complete pleasure meeting so many new humans of dogs in the past year. as we've been scaling in San Diego.

How can we determine if our dog is a good candidate for running because I've heard a lot of the short nosed breeds like the pugs, and the Frenchies, the Shih tzus. They might not be the greatest runners because of the respiratory issues.

Well, it's funny you say this, because I had one family move to San Diego from out of state. And they were referred to me through their real estate agent. And when they told me, they had a French Bulldog, my initial reaction was, are you sure this is something that you are okay with, and I was starting to get into my breakdown of why these dogs don't do too much running. And she said, Oh, he runs all the time, it's nothing. So because this particular dog had a history, I was more comfortable with it. But obviously, with any dog, Frenchie, Pug Bulldog, you very much have to be aware of their breathing, and it's a different pace. But for anyone new, I always recommend speaking with your vet, have a checkup, and make sure that your vet, gives the okay for your dog to do so. Especially if there's a hip or joint issue, you just want to make sure that your dog is ready for this adventure. It's so much different than dog walking. So we just like to be that cautious Aunt.

Yes, that's good.

I always tell my humans that their dog is in this big protective bubble when they're out with me. I just want to give exercise, love, competency and obviously safety. So it makes the humans feel much more at ease, knowing that we all know what we're doing.

So we know that when puppies are growing, it's usually at about a year old where the skeleton of most dog breeds is fully grown. So is that the age that you consider it would be safe to start running dogs?

No, that really is a guideline. But it’s breed specific. Some of the larger dogs we have great dane that we run. a Great Dane or a large breed in some cases is closer to two years. So I don't like to give a blanket answer there. And I always trust and believe in their vet’s knowledge. Just I honestly I have actually told people that I felt it was a bit too soon to start a running program. And if we waited at least three months, then we can reintroduce. But it ended up becoming clients anyway. And we just worked into the running by walking first and establishing trust and really having that routine down before getting the all clear from their vet. And off we went.

How long is a typical session with a client? And how often do you run with them?

We typically do 30 minute runs. It's always in their neighborhood. I'm blessed to live in San Diego where there are many beautiful areas, whether it's the beach, the trails, even the roads, the parks. And we take that time to in some cases, if it's a running breed, we can get very tired in 30 minutes. But we just give the best one on one exercise we do have a few sibling pairs that we will take out. But otherwise, this is not socialization. This is one on one exercise. So these people can have their dog returned home happy and tired. And just that high from exercise. It makes it easy, especially for people who work from home now.

What if a dog has joint issues? would you suggest a totally different activity all together with less impact or can you build up depending on the severity?

Yes, you can build up. I like to collaborate with these dogs that suffer from these issues. I'd love to collaborate with their vet. Otherwise, I would recommend hydrotherapy. Swimming is just so wonderful for these dogs who just need to still be moving. And it's low and no impact. But I'm not out there to try to get every dog to run. I'm out there to help dogs and their humans have the best life possible, whether it's with us or elsewhere.

How would we start running with our dog? I assume, like you said, start slowly build up their tolerance. How do you know how much is too much? Because they get sore muscles just like we do.

Yeah, they do. I tell you, some days, I get pretty sore muscles too, depending on… I do. I do. But I think from experience, the best is to have a high quality leash, I prefer a harness over a collar. That's an individual choice what you choose to use, but a harness is more substantial and less damaging to their throat area. But I like to keep dogs close. And depending on your breed your dog's fitness ability, just to start with a jog. If you have a dog that maybe is easily distracted. Find an area that's open and wide, whether it's a grass field with no distractions, and just start to get a slow jog with your dog. My preference is the left side. Whatever side you choose, keep it consistent. And even if you're running for five minutes, 10 minutes. I like to do this daily for you. And you work up to a comfortable pace with your dog by your side, never letting the dog lead. I always go first. I make the dog sit. I think that sets the precedence for your exercise of the day. And I tell you, Krista, when you get into that groove, and your dog is by your side looking up at you, you're looking down and you're both smiling. As you're running. There's just no comparison. there truly isn't to me. I do I want all of them. They know it too.

Well, you mentioned harnesses So while we're talking about equipment, I would assume that retractable leashes are a no no.

It's a huge No, no. And, you know, the very first leash I bought when I decided I was going to become a dog runner was a retractable leash, what the heck was I thinking? I think I used it once and I just, I couldn't. I tossed it that was just a poor choice for me. I know that people do like retractable leashes, but it's too cumbersome. You have to hope that it actually works. Doesn't take off. But depending on your dog, and if you have a well behaved dog, I highly recommend a running leash, I do have dogs that I do not use a running leash with, but I do like a leash that has a second additional handle close to their collar. So you have the ability to reign your dog in, if needed. So if you have a big, crazy, bouncy dog that maybe needs a little just a reminder, it's nice having that second handle down below.

I never thought of that. That's great

You know, it's it's really I learned through action. I haven't learned through books I've learned through actions. And it with everything with fear with nutrition with nutrition for myself, running shoes, you name it.

And do you prefer to carry the leash? Or, you know, we've seen these belts, for a hands free leash, like on a carabiner?

Yeah, the hands free leash. I do like as a runner, it's nice to not have to hold but I only and I stress I only use the hands free running leashes, the bungee type leash with dogs that I am comfortable with and I know their abilities and I know that they're going to stay by my side. So that means maybe 25% of the dogs we work with.

And it goes without saying water…

Oh goodness, yes. You have to, even here, say for today. For example, in early March, the weather, it's still 60 degrees, which for us is cool. But for dogs, especially with a heavier coat, they're going to get hot, and you need water. And so I like to bring water for these dogs each run.

And so that we know that we're not pushing them too hard. What should we pay attention to, with signs from them that maybe we're overdoing it?

panting, panting panting when I see a dog start to pant, they're not going to tell me that they don't want to that they're tired, they don't want to run, most dogs will still continue on. They don't know how to communicate that. But when I see panting or heavy breathing. Now the selfish part of me says that's a perfect time to stop and give you a hug and cuddle. You know, I call that a fourth water and cuddle break. But that is my number one. If a dog starts to slow down, or walk, even put on the brakes, and just sit, sometimes that's just what you have to do. When you know a dog is being defiant, that's a different story. But if your dog all of a sudden starts to slow down and just needs to sit, that's what you do. You don't want to try to sprint with these dogs. Most of the dogs we work with are not sprinters, actually. So it's just important to really pay attention to the cues from each dog.

And is it true that the more cushioned the ground, the better, like soil, or Meadows or sand would be more ideal than pavement?

Well, today, for example, it's funny, you say that I'm with one of our newer dogs, and we are on the pavement. And then I see a little trail cut off just to the side, I automatically told this guy come on, we're going on here. If I see a softer ground, I tend to have them run there. Some dogs I do make a point to run on pavement if their nails are getting a little long. The pavement seems to act as a nail file. And sometimes the owners will come back and tell me Thank you. That's great. You know, it's a multi purpose here. We don't just run your dog, we pay attention to their nails.

And I want to remind everybody, it's Kimberli and her team. You know, if she took care of every single dog, she would be running 24/7.

That would be difficult as I have a almost nine year old human and 11 year old. So yes, it's a full time job. But as far as the dogs go, and what we have been building, my team is 100% part of my mission, they believe it, they live it, they're outdoorsy, some are stellar runners with a history of being track stars. I have a yogi, I have a Spartan racer, weightlifter. The key is that they are able to handle dogs. In a more I'd say, obviously, the fitness aspect needs to be something that they can handle. They don't have to be the best runner but they have to lead a healthy and outdoorsy life. And every person on my team believes in that. That's key. And obviously a dog run or a dog lover.

That's a must have. Kimberli, as we are wrapping up. I know that you have so many before and after stories that you can share. But I think Gretchen is one of the ones that you wanted to share with us today.

Well, I have to say, in going on five years now of meeting numerous humans and their dogs, different needs. I had this owner reach out to me, it was only in October. crazy to think how close we are now when we only met in October. And their dog suffers from anxiety. So I was told that she hadn't been out for walks. And they weren't capable of doing so. And they wanted to see if I can give my assessment. And so I did and there was quite a bit of barking in the beginning. And I knew she was just barking she wasn't going to hurt me. But I took her out. Probably the first three times her paws would the pads would bleed because she hadn't been out for walks. So the more we work together, the more trust that was built up. I learned that this dog that has such anxiety and was overweight. There was a back story and the backstory I have not told until today. It is truly special. One of our sweet Gretchen's owners was diagnosed with cancer, and was going to be going through stem cell treatment. And one of the things that they learned about this treatment was, they were not going to be able to keep their dog. So it was just a horrible moment for so many reasons for the family. And they knew it was the best for everybody, health wise. So they did their research, and they found a family for Gretchen, who was a perfect dog. She was the perfect dog for them. They gave her to this family, and they felt they were at peace, they made a great decision. Fast forward. I think it was about a year later. They get a call from a I'm not sure if it was the Humane Society, but it was a rescue who had this dog come in, that the microchip was not changed. So still their number and this dog was beaten and emaciated. And it was awful. So they were at the point where they knew they could have her and they said that’s our. girl, we’re getting her. And when they saw her, she was just as described. So they took her home, she was a different dog. She was severely anxious. And they fed her and they fed her and they're giving her love. So in turn, she gained weight, much more than was appropriate for her breed and had the anxiety. So when I learned this, I had to keep it together because these are genuine people. And I was more determined to help their dog than ever. And it has been tough. I'm not going to lie, they know it too. But I've given my love. I've given my passion and my expertise. And little by little we've broken through different barriers. She finally was able to be groomed. it is so special. I took that morning and I said I am going to run her first and tire her out. And then the mobile groomer can come and we'll see what happens. But I'm here for you. So, I ran out that dog ragged. And she was so happy and so confused at the same time. Why are we out for an hour and a half. But I'm telling you to see that she has completely trusted and broken down barriers, lost weight. Humans are dedicated to her emotional well being. That's what's so important that people don't realize the emotional toll this takes on dogs. So the groomer came, we were successful. I stayed there, she did awesome. She looked up at me while I'm looking at her in this little box while she's getting blow dried. And it was such a connection. And if they did not reach out to one of our ads, none of this would have happened. So my little idea of dog running has turned into saving humans as well. But the story is so important to tell that if you have a dog like Gretchen, it doesn't mean that it can't be fixed through love and dedication and exercise. And I could just hug them right now because I'm so proud of them for what they've done for her.

I can hug you too. Oh my gosh, that is just incredible. And that is the perfect example of changing lives with what you're doing.

Thank you. It really means so much to me to hear this from you

And your are so talented and such a voice for the animal community. So thank you for that, Kimberli. And didn't I see not too long ago, you were running a 20 year old dog. And it was a bigger dog?

21 year old Australian Sheltie. Oh, you can't miss that one. 21 Yes, awesome was a true athlete. You know, and we go out there and we smell the flowers. Just lift that head up and just close his eyes and love the breeze on him and he's still thinks he's a young pup of I don't know. 16

I love it. So it doesn't matter what age everybody

It really doesn't .we tailor to all needs. It doesn't matter how fast or how slow but it's love and commitment.

Kimberli, where can everyone find out more information about you and The Fittest Dog?  https://thefittestdog.com/

FB & IG: @thefittestdog

Our website is the fittest dog.com and you can learn not just about dog running, who we are, what we do are up to date blogs on all things health, nutrition. You name it gear, we talk about it all. And our Instagram is also the fittest dog. And that is where you will find some truly just beautiful pictures of happy, blissed out dogs just living their absolute best life while they are running with myself and my team.

thank you so much for being here today. We appreciate the difference that you make. And anybody in the San Diego area look Kimberli up her and her team and they can run with your dog.

Yes, we can. Don't be afraid to reach out no matter the situation. As you heard when it comes to Gretchen and her success it is possible.

We appreciate our sponsor: HappyBond

As a Wag out Loud listener you can use code WOL20 at checkout to get 20% off your purchase!

A big thank you to our friends at HAPPYBOND for sponsoring this episode.

HAPPYBOND is NOT your average joint supplement, but a patent pending collagen building formula made to extend your dog’s healthspan. Backed by science, this is clean, human-grade functional nutrition to help your dog stay healthy throughout their lifetime. Loaded with exceptional ingredients to help support joint & hip health, energy, digestion, skin & coat, this tasty supplement just gets sprinkled onto your dog’s food. Within 2 weeks, my 12-year-old dog Winston was no longer going on “walks”. He was running, yes running like a puppy! I didn’t even realize he was slowing down. Thanks to HAPPYBOND, he obviously feels better and has so much more energy.

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