Running with Doogie and Gizmo
For me, the philosophy of “Running with Your Dog” is where my professional worlds collide with my personal life. As a Certified Fitness Instructor, Running and Walking Coach, and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, I have spent my career studying the science of movement and the psychology of learning.
But the heart of this method isn’t found in a textbook; it is found in the daily reality I share with my own partners, Doogie and Gizmo. They are the living proof that running is for every dog, no matter where they start.
Doogie was raised for this life. From the time she was a puppy, we were intentional about her future as a running companion. We didn’t rush the mileage; instead, we focused on building her fitness and her trust in me. We laid the foundation slowly, treating her body with the same respect an elite athlete gives their own. Today, for Doogie, a run is a great adventure. It is a sensory explosion where she calls the shots—deciding when to surge forward into the wind and when to hit the brakes to investigate a fascinating scent.
But the trail isn’t just a playground; it is also a place of healing.
My other partner, Gizmo, came to us as a rescue—an anxious, stressed little dog with absolutely no confidence. He didn’t have the ideal start that Doogie did. Yet, the rhythm of the run became his therapy. Through positive reinforcement and patience, he found his footing. Today, you can see Gizmo on those same trails, enjoying the miles as much as his sister. His stride may be shorter, but his motivation is fierce. Running empowered him, transforming a scared little rescue into a brave, happy athlete.
Whether you are guided by the science of fitness or the art of behavior, the goal remains the same, a shared positive experience. Whether your dog is a “Doogie”—born and raised for adventure—or a “Gizmo”—needing confidence and restoration—this book is about building a partnership that allows them to thrive by your side.
We are all passionate about our pets and spending quality of time with them whether you run, walk or just live and love together.
Niki
Partnership in Motion with Jessam
If Niki’s story brings together the science of movement and behavior, mine is rooted in what partnership in motion looks like in everyday life. Jessam is my partner in that. From the very beginning, I focused on building the skills that allow a dog to move comfortably and confidently alongside their person. We developed connection, engagement, and the ability to walk together on a loose leash while still allowing space to explore. Alongside this, I prioritized positive socialization and clear, consistent communication, so that Jessam could understand not just what to do, but how to move through the world with ease.
Those early foundations now shape everything we do. Jessam understands how to stay connected, how to respond to cues, and how to navigate changing environments without losing that sense of partnership. Whether moving at a walk or picking up the pace, the experience remains shared, predictable, and enjoyable for us both.
Whether you choose to run, walk, or simply spend more time outdoors together, the skills and practical tips in Part 2 help create a shared experience that is safe, enjoyable, and built on communication and partnership.
- Louise
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