Fast dog, slow dog

Q: I have two dogs, “Sissy” and “Bunny,” both chocolate Labs. Sissy is very energetic, while Bunny, a couple of years older, is more laid-back. She is also overweight. To help Bunny lose weight and to burn off some of Sissy’s energy, I have tried to take them jogging with me each morning. But it’s a struggle — Bunny quickly slows to a walk while Sissy tugs the leash. I’m getting my arms pulled off and no jogging done. How can I resolve this? I have no time to exercise the dogs except early morning. — Kelly H., Chestnut Hill, Mass.

A: You will probably have to sacrifice the morning jog for a little while as you train Sissy and acclimate Bunny to the new exercise regimen. This means slowing to a brisk walk for a few weeks and choosing a shorter distance so that Bunny can keep up and doesn’t get exhausted.

Each week, add another block or two to the walking route. Monitor Bunny’s condition as you walk: Like a human, a dog needs to be fairly comfortable during exercise, not limping, lagging or panting excessively. With reasonable — not exhausting — exercise, Bunny will get in better shape much more quickly.

Sissy, in the meantime, will still be impatiently tugging at the leash as you walk. Don’t allow this — use the walk session as training time for both dogs to heel at your command. However, to help Sissy burn off that excess energy, consider ending your walk or setting the turnaround point at a park or safe open area. Let Sissy off the leash to run and play fetch while Bunny rests.

Doing this consistently should improve Sissy’s behavior on the leash, as there is a free run at the end of the walk. In addition, as Bunny’s fitness level improves, she may want to join Sissy.

When both dogs are accustomed to the morning walk, increase the speed to a light jog. Both should adapt to the pace much more easily.