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I love running canicross style! I'm aware I'm in the minority on the sub, but I have actively trained my dogs to pull when we run - well, my second dog anyway - my first trained me to run this way. He simply adores pulling - and I love it too, we have an absolute blast when we're out together. You're right, some dogs just really love it, and kind of need it - it's an extra layer of mental stimulation and physical effort, and a different sensation to what they're used to.
We've got a section on pulling in the wiki, may be worth a look :)

As for your query - I've been through quite a bit of gear over the years, and this is my current waist belt / lead set up. The belt is super wide, nicely padded neoprene, and comes with a bungee lead LINK HERE! I ditched the lead itself as I'm not really keen on the bungee leads - I don't like the loss of feel or control that comes with a stretchy lead, and I like to feel the lead tight. I actually still have the lead - PM me if you want it, and I'll post it on. It's a decent length, well made, reflective stitching and strong hardware - if you're into bungees it's pretty good.

With regards the harness, it really depends on your dog and his body type. I wrote about this in another thread a while back, here's a copy of that comment:

Which harness you choose depends very much on your dog. I have two very different dogs, and found that they needed different styles of harness.
Tom is a Lurcher - he's a big lad in terms of height and weight, but he's also almost two-dimensional. Any harness that crosses over his chest and between his front legs just doesn't work - there's not enough space there. He wears a working dog type harness - The Julius K9 IDC Powerharness. As you can see, it has no straps running between his legs, so no rubbing on his thin Lurcher skin.
On the other hand, Fred is a short, stocky Staffie cross - he's not got much neck, so this harness just didn't work for him as it was putting pressure on his throat. I use a cross-back type harness with him (I actually custom made it myself, as he's got a bit of an awkward body, and a few other issues....).
It's worth checking out our Gear We Love page for brand recommendations.

Hope this is all useful - let us know how it goes, and of course there is a dog tax to pay on this sub - we need pictures!

We use Outward Hound backpacks and LOVE it. We had another brand, can't remember the name, that kind of fell apart.

For water, we use the Gulpy water bottle and I bait it with a small amount of chicken broth to encourage her to drink.

We use Musher's Secret on her paws to keep them healthy. I feel like it's really beneficial, especially since we're urban runners and mostly run on the sidewalk or on our levees out here (with a ton of small rocks that could cut up her paws).

Due to her leash reactivity, we use a yellow leash with the words NERVOUS printed on it. It helps, A LOT.

Finally, we do use Doggles on the few days where it's really, really windy. I don't want crap getting kicked up in her eyes, just like I don't want crap getting kicked up in mine! We get some SERIOUS smiles when she models those.

And for her human companion, I do have a couple running shirts with a dog carrying tennis shoes on them. I'm proud to brag about running with my furry friend.

We are running partners. I know he needs to go #2 before he does, just like with a kid. Kids and pets are very regular and predictable. That’s important because we plan around his daily #2’s since it messes with flow (and it’s probably pretty uncomfortable for the dog too).

We have commands for safety and comfort. “Run” means just that with no deviations. Must stay to my right, parallel, or a half step behind. Never in front. “Go sniff” is his release command to do as he wishes, like during a run break or at the end. Corners and bends are preceded by “turn.” It alerts him enough to stay glued to my side whether it’s left or right. “Fast” is used before speed work intervals.

“Leave it” is used for distractions like squirrels, dogs, cats and birds.

“Stop” is just that, for red lights etc.

“Back” is good when he gets a little headstrong and wants to lead.

I treat him like an athlete, watching his nutrition, weight and hydration. “Water” is used - and he drinks on command. But again, it’s more about me knowing what he needs before he does. We have paw protection when it’s hot and chaffing cream as needed. Rest days are important.

Enjoy the journey!

One of these right? They're pretty awesome. Worked great for my super excitable husky. I like hooking up a dual sided leash with one end attached to the chest d-ring and the other end attached to her actual collar.

If you want something longer lasting and waterproof, I highly recommend glowdoggie. Their customer service is awesome, too.

The only downside is they're hard to carry in a pack if you're going somewhere where it'll be dark later, because they're always on when they're in the 'wearing' position. But they're great lights and run on AAA batteries so it's super easy to replace. And the colors are great too.

I also highly recommend hurtta's reflective vest or even just their harnesses with the reflective stitching.

http://www.amazon.com/Springer-Dog-Exerciser/dp/B0017NM4OE

This is the one I have. It doesn't specify a weight but I imagine the weight is really there to ensure people aren't biking with small dogs who can't handle it safely. If your dog is fit and active I am sure it will be fine.

The one thing a will note though is that dogs aren't built for extended periods of running so I will alternate my speed so my dog is mostly trotting with bursts of sprinting. It can be tough to go slow enough at first, haha. I've gotten very familiar with my granny gears!

>> I scolded her gently

>You scolded an animal for emptying a full bladder indoors, when they have no self determined access to the outdoors for that? This is misdirected.

Instead of waiting for me to wake up, yes. And it was gentle, more of an "Aww, Luna. No peeing in the house! Go potty!" than anything resembling discipline. She's correctly waited to pee for months. I think she knew she did something wrong.

>...You made zero mention of the ambient temperature and humidity levels. She may have just overheated a bit.

It was at about 8pm, when it was 70 degrees and 40% humidity. I tried to manage this by using the ponds and river, and thought I was successful based on her performance during the run and the level of panting afterwards.

> I like to use a Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest with our young Pit Bull any time the temps are 75F, or higher. She can go faster for longer, and I get to carry much less water.

We love her Ruffwear harness, I may have to get my black, long-headed dog that Swamp Cooler vest. I think the heat is her limiting factor in the summer.

I'll also look into a door. We're planning on taking out the last of the brushy areas with burrs from from our fenced-in backyard once the vegetation dies off this fall, so we might be able to give her free access overnight.

I have a howling dog alaska because it was the cheapest to get here in the UK for my 15kg cocker spaniel cross and it still looks brand new 1.5 years later and running nearly every day with it.

For me I have a trixie running waistbelt https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waist-Belt-Lead-Medium-Sized-Large/dp/B0057FZLDY/

but I will be upgrading/changing that to an actual under the legs running belt in the near future https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dingo-Multifunction-Comfortable-Adjustable-12780/dp/B01LXFIF41/

Why? The trixie one is great for the other half to use, it spins around if need be when just walking with it but the one under the legs will be kept lower and won't move out of place and be great for actual races.

I fully agree with a fresh, and focused, visit to the Vet. Beyond that, though, I wonder if heat is not a large part of the issue. I currently run with a 3 year old Pit Bull, and she clearly benefits from using a cooling vest whenever the temperature gets to 65F, or higher. She runs faster for longer, with less panting, and no salivating.

On a different note, you did not mention how old this dog is. In my experience, the larger breeds can begin slowing down between 5 and 7, while medium dogs tend to do so around 7-9, and smaller dogs can stay spry up to around 9-11.

We have a few of these. https://www.amazon.com/Trixie-Waist-Belt-Medium-Sized-Large/dp/B0057FZLDY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601752&sr=8-3&keywords=trixie+belt

We like them because they don't rely on the strength of a plastic buckle. The strain is around your back/waist in a complete loop of one piece of material.

We use these carabiners as well, they seem OK. I can't remember what size though - https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Size-1-S-Biner-Carabiner/dp/B001E8EV3Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1511601841&sr=8-8&keywords=carabiner&th=1

While I think it's better in the long run to correct unwanted behavior, my dog was such a leash-puller that I bought an "Easy Walk" harness. The lead attaches to the front of the harness, so if he pulls he turns to the side. It's impossible for him to pull on the lead because he'll completely change direction. We run with it daily and it's great!
Easy Walk Harness

I second this! I use this in combination with this harness for my very strong 73 lb lab. He has been using it for a year and a half and has never broken out of the leash, not even once. Not even during one of those zoomies (FRAPS).

I purchased this one about $25 or less. Quality leash With adjustable waist pack. Love it.

https://www.amazon.com/JolyJoy-Adjustable-Absorbing-Reflective-Running/dp/B07H4D4BHN

Ah, I've just started running with mine as well. Though my dog is very easily distracted, so most of the time it's been less running and more trying to stop all the time to smell things.
I found this water bottle that was recommended, it's pretty small but I think it would work well. http://www.amazon.com/Gulpy-Water-Dispenser-10-Ounce-Colors/dp/B003IKGX6O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395194440&sr=8-4&keywords=dog+water+bottle

I bought the 36" Mighty Paw version of that leash: http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Paw-Premium-Lightweight-Reflective/dp/B00UZXPM00/ and it doesn't seem it up close, but the reflective thread is quite reflective.

The Mighty Paw leash (and probably ht one you linked) is elastic inside of a webbing tunnel, and I gather all of the excess webbing sheath right next to the belt and then just hold it bunched up with my hand/fingers and then the dog can't get any stretch out of the elastic unless I release the webbing.

It is nice for running, but also walking because then my hands don't get cold holding the leash.

I bought this one: http://www.amazon.com/Tuff-Mutt-Dual-Handle-Reflective-Adjustable/dp/B01CJ3TSCG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I really like it because it has two handles, one at the hip end and one at the collar end. I guess ideally the handle near the collar would be longer, but it may only be an issue because I am tall.

Did you have to start doing anything different with your dog?

The Tuff Mutt leash has worked well with my 19-pound JRT. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJ3TSCG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I use it with a RuffWear Webmaster harness.

I'm a 27 waist and use this one
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I don't have it at the tightest because I realized I like it a little loose, and I don't notice it flapping around since usually the weight of the least is enough to pull it down.

I used to let Willie drink from streams but then he got Giardia. So, now I carry one of these collapsible silicone bowls and fill it with water from my hydration pack.

Size Right. Been using it for all our dogs with no problems.. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017NBCC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s77GAb1Z0A5R0

They're EzyDog Quick Fit. Mine wear size large, but I had to tighten it almost all the way, so they'd probably fit in a medium too. There's a measurement guide on the Amazon link. They fit into the medium part for the neck measurement, and the large part for the chest measurement. These have worked out well for us, but they still chafe a little bit. They can wear them for 5+ miles with off leash when we're in the woods, but their armpits look a little irritated after ~3 miles on leash. It was worse when I first started using them. I think their skin gets used to them after a while. I show the brindle one and there's no visible irritation or hair loss from the harness on her.