Pets and Their People Blog

Doogie and I walk together every day and run every other day. Doogie only ever runs 6 miles on roads, and then she goes home to snuffle mats and frozen KONGs while I clock up more miles.

Doogie often prefers to walk. But whether we choose to walk or run, the focus is always on OUR enjoyment, the collective!

This video shows the beginning of one of our outings. We are walking to warm up and collect important peemail.

Watch Doogie’s body language change when I say, “are you ready.” This expression cues our movement. It’s how we transition from walking to running. So I pose the question, and Doogie answers, and I respect her reply.

No pulling, tugging, or pace/speed expectancies. We move together. On walks and runs, I am consistently consent testing with Doogie. I ask Doogie questions. This empowers her to be part of the decision-making team regarding where we go, what speed we travel, and when we stop to assess, explore, and sniff the environment.

If you are walking or running with your best friend, please include them in the activity and the decisions regarding how the outing will play out.

About the Author

Niki Tudge M.B.A, PCBC-A, CABC, CDBC SSA-CFT, Six Sigma Black Belt, HCITB TS1, TS2 & TS3 is a certified Dog Behavior Consultant and also holds reputable health and fitness certifications.

As the founder and President of The Pet Professional Guild, DogNostics Education, and The DogSmith, Niki has substantial leadership experience in the pet industry. Niki has published numerous articles on dog training and behavior, and her pet dog training businesses have been featured in many publications, including The New York Times.

Niki’s professional credentials include; AABP-Professional Dog Trainer, AABP-Professional Dog Behavior Consultant, PCBC-A, and PCT-A through the Pet Professional Accrediting Board. Niki also earned diplomas in Animal Behavior Technology and Canine Behavior Science & Technology through the Companion Animal Science Institute.

Along with Niki’s business degree and M.B.A. from Oxford Brookes University, she is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, an HCITB TS1, TS2 & TS3 certified people trainer, and a certified Team Facilitator and Project Manager.

To compliment Niki’s’ dog behavior skills and experience, she is also a certified Fitness Instructor, Walking & Running Coach and carries several certifications in the health and fitness industry. Additionally, Niki offers coaching and programs through her Run With Your Bestie business. 

Her professional credentials include; International Sports Science Association (ISSA) certified fitness trainer, ISSA certified transformation specialist, nutritional coach, and ISSA elite trainer. Niki is also a certified ChiWalking and ChiRunning coach. In addition, she has completed the well-known M.A.F. Foundations certificate course developed by Dr. Phil Maffatone and is a supporter of the M.A.F. system.