Running with Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Iron Doggy

Iron Doggy isn't just my favorite running leash. It's my favorite parenting leash, photography leash and adventure leash. If you're looking for the ultimate hands-free leash, I can't recommend Iron Doggy highly enough. Use our code RIDGEBACKS for 10% off at irondoggy.com/
In this video we demonstrate using both the streamlined "Sidekick" version, and the more robust "Runner's Choice." Both are fantastic and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I recommend reading both of the product page descriptions to figure which leash will best suit your needs. If you have any questions about choosing, let me know!
For more Rhodesian Ridgeback adventures, check us out on instagram (@markingourterritory) and at our blog: MarkingOurTerritory.com

[@sammielove211]

After losing our ridgey mix early last month, I found your channel and it helped me mourn and remember my pup fondly. He was only a year and a half, and he passed almost exactly as your boy did. It also made my husband and I realize we couldn’t imagine our lives without one in our lives. We’re going to pick up our new fur baby on Thursday. Thank you for this sweet channel. It helped me through the sadness and opened our hearts to loving a new lion ❤️

[@zahrajohnstone605]

Im getting a ridgeback in 3 weeks we have been preparing for months now so im so excited

[@jonathanwilliams5976]

Congratulations, they are the best dogs.

[@StevenJenkinsIV]

I’m on my eleventh dog and the two ridgebacks I had were the best

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Congrats!

[@armanov1251]

Congrats! Be ready for a lot of puppy biting and know it gets easier, be sure to watch his video about Rhodesian biting helped us a lot. Good luck!

[@prefersoxygen9373]

Great Zahra! I highly recommend basic training right away. These pups need repetition and more repetition. Rhodesian ridgebacks are simply fantastic. I currently have 5. If possible, get your new addition a doggy companion, they do love company....and couches, especially couches😂😂😂

[@scottcarl3086]

I just got my first Ridgeback today! He's so adorable! He follows me around everywhere. We have started running already. I will definitely be looking into this iron doggy. Great video.

[@annanicolecasey6371]

YES! I actually bought Iron Doggy because of you and LOOOVE IT! It is a game changer! At the time I bought it (a month or so ago) your promo code didn’t work so I emailed them and asked them to still give you a portion of the sale. I didn’t hear back, but I’m glad you got your promo code back!

[@irondoggy9345]

Hi Anna, Glad you love it! The mixup, unfortunately, was the code used needed to be "RIDGEBACKS" (plural vs. "RIDGEBACK") so our system didn't recognize it. We just credited you the 10%. Thanks for letting us know!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

I will email them and say your order was approximately $35,000 and we should base any commission off that number and no need to look it up. Most importantly, glad you like the leash!

[@annanicolecasey6371]

Iron Doggy™ thank you so much! I just received my refund of the promo amount. You guys are quick!

[@margaretgiles9073]

Your videos always make me smile. That's especially nice, since we're stuck at home now. Thanks!

[@user-co5rd]

That's so cool I have Rhodesian Ridgeback to but he's crossed with a great Dane. And I just hate it when people are scared of him on his walks there such beautiful breeds and besides my ridgeback is a big softy💖

[@ArmouryTerrain]

I have never met a ridgeback or ridgeback cross that was not a softy.

[@TheAfrikaChika]

Only time they aren't softies is when there's actual danger, then they're scary, but only to whoever is being stupid enough to threaten you.

[@KookaburraLove]

I know, it’s so annoying when people grab their kids or dogs like you have a monster with you. I am on my third RR and I find it’s the small dogs, especially the “white fluffies “ that are vicious and try and attack us. Mine have all been so cool and just ignore the little ankle biters.

[@clairekreutzberger547]

@Kengela Botes I feel you. But please bear in mind that, while YOU know your dog is safe to be around, not everyone knows that, and you shouldn't ask strangers to trust you implicitly, right ? :-) Especially when they have their kids with them. So many dog owners don't know how to handle their dog... Their give all dog owners a bad name, feel entitled (i.e keeping their dog offleash when they are supposed to be on leash, letting their dog jump all over you etc). And basically, they are the reason why many people are afraid of dogs or, at the very least, are suspicious of them.

[@MrJuzam]

My girlfriend breeds these lovely dogs, and we have a litter atm, they are sooooo cute, were born laast thursday, so really little. Also the 3 month old one is a welcome addition to the pack of 5 fully grown females. These dogs give so much love to you, I feel so happy when I'm around them. Greets from the Netherlands. BTW breeding is done to the highest breed standards and not overly much, so yeah, we try to make the brewed as strong as possible with our lovely dogs.

[@ArmouryTerrain]

Even as an advertisement, this was an entertaining and very watchable video. My Ridgeback American Staffy cross enjoys running, but due to destroying a knee, such behaviour is limited to the offleash dogparks. It does look like a good product.

[@avrilbaker3343]

hi we just got a ridgeback and am loving following ur vids

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Congrats and thank you! Feel free to drop me a line with questions anytime

[@avrilbaker3343]

Marking Our Territory Thank you so much ☺️

[@Bolgernow]

VERY cool item. When we get our two, it's a must. And much love to Emily working tirelessly with this pandemic

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

She's the real MVP here!

[@eastonhill2712]

i got my rhodesian about 2 months ago. best decision i ever made

[@alisonpepper7660]

I have an Iron Doggy for my Ridgebacks. It's great, but one BIG caveat about running with a hands-free leash. I was trail running with my two RR's. While running downhill, my guys spotted what they thought was a wild animal out in the distance (it was actually a kid playing with a remote controlled car). Their prey instinct kicked into high drive, they took off, and I couldn't get myself untangled from the leash quickly enough (the buckle for the waist leash had twisted to my back during the run). I couldn't stop the dogs, and well - they slammed me into a huge oak tree at high speed. I fractured my leg and broke a finger. I still use the Iron Doggy, but I never run both dogs at the same time. I just can't control both dogs when they see a deer/squirrel/bobcat/kid playing with a remote controlled car that looks like an animal. It's hard to train the prey instinct out of RRs.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

This is an exceptionally important safety issue.There is no "letting go" of a hands-free leash, and I can only imagine how terrifying that must have been. Thanks for sharing your experience, I hope it will help others understand situations where a hands-free leash can be problematic and to prepare accordingly

[@manjahaanstra1862]

Just showed some of your videos to friends of mine, esp. the ones with Lincoln and Quinn. They loved it and will show them to their daughter who's pregnant right now. And then I realised it has been over a month since your last video. I do hope all is wel on your side of the ocean. 🥰

[@janelevine6100]

The shot of you by the water made my stomach sink at the thought of my ridgeback being attached to my waist and pulling us both down. Can you do explain how you trained them?

[@drocco1058]

Omg - i thought the same. 😳

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

The waist attachment definitely comes with risks! But I find it a much better tool for safely managing my guys that just hand holding a leash. Like most things, start slowly, practice often, and bring your best treats!

[@dianalynnc4236]

Amazing thanks for the effort in this video! Love it!

[@TheAfrikaChika]

Welp! This solved a problem I was having with my cheap running leash. I was starting to look for a replacement haha and you gave me the answer to my quest! Used your code! Thanks! Scarlet and I will enjoy using this!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Perfect timing! Hope you love it as much as we do

[@martelindbergsli9779]

I have always Been uting this kind of equipment for my dogs i always recomend harness

[@marcoswelker132]

I really like your videos, the storytelling, kids and dogs! Thanks for sharing! ... I would love to make videos like that .... and I wonder how long does it take to shoot and edit such a video. I would think of 10 hours of more.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks! It can definitely take that much time to put together a video, but I integrate it with things I already want to be doing (running with my dogs, taking everyone to the beach, etc) which makes it a bit more manageable. Like most things, it's a skill which you just start out really bad at and slowly improve over time. If you're interested, dive in and see what happens!

[@nadineawbrey6390]

Thank you for this! Watch out for the cones!!😂😂

[@jsisson]

My wife and I love your channel! We are the annoying couple that tags each other asking about a second dog😂😝. We have started running our ridgeback and we noticed she tore a paw pad. She never whined and we had no idea. Not that the new pad is growing in, is her whole pad replacing itself? I check her paws after every run now and she has another tear in the other side of the same pad. I’ve owned dogs but never have I tore their pads before. Maybe it’s a defective model 😂😂😝😝

[@lori5570]

Wow! You guys look awesome! Dogs too... lol. It looks like everyone has been working out! Props for exercise during covid.

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

Great video as always. Interesting leash system. I am a runner and dream of owning a Ridgeback but I have held back for various reasons. I'd like to see a video about running with the dogs in itself. Do they like it, is it too slow, how long do you run, do they pull along, how about cani-cross, would you risk running with them off-leash? Thanks for all the great videos maybe if I keep watching I'll finally get my own ridgie, who knows?

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

When it comes to pure joy, there's nothing better than an off-leash Ridgeback. Structured runs are something we do for exercise/conditioning that also happens to be really enjoyable. And often, it tires them out even more than an off-leash run because it requires a lot more mental/physical coordination as a team. Most of our runs are capped at about three miles, but that's more for convenience than anything else.

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

@@MarkingOurTerritory Hello MoT ! I was revising your channel and found my comment that I posted a year ago (I had forgotten). You are probably too busy to see it or reply. But anyway partly because of you today we can share your joy since we finally cut the chase and welcomed MOJO 4 weeks ago. He's a 12 weeks old male puppy with a LOT of spirit (maybe of the "Ridgeback Mayhem" sub-specie). I am struggling but enjoying it all the same, so I ordered your book (for support ;) ) and Echo the plush (for my grand daughter) and two T-shirts (to show off our pride). Thank you for the wonderful and insightful content you are sharing William!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

@@thierrylerinckx1340 Hey, so great to hear from you! Makes my day to know we could offer some support and encouragement (and a plush!) to help kickstart your own Ridgeback adventure. It's not easy, but the worthwhile things rarely are. Thanks for taking the time to drop me a note - made my day!

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

@@MarkingOurTerritory whow! Thanks for the reply. Your cinematography is great and the whole MoT team is a blessing to the RR breed, my regards to everyone from Belgium

[@NathanBellonation]

I love the Iron Doggy leashes, but they are not perfect. I have a 3yo and a 7.5mo Ridgeback. Sometimes the young one will pull and based on the direction of pressure, the leash will pop out of the clip on the waist strap. In order to better secure my dogs, I connected the two leashes together with a carabiner at the optional connection point closest to the waist end of the leash. That way if his leash disconnects from my waist, the two dogs will still be connected. I really wish they made the waist clip a carabiner instead of a hook.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

I've never had this issue, but I just tried to manually recreate what you're saying and can definitely see how it's possible with two leashes. In a future iteration of the leash I feel like a carabiner style screw release, rather that a straight latch might solve the issue. Either way, it's a concern people should be aware of - thanks for the heads up

[@marleybutler4016]

Love it! I have two Ridgebakcs as well and they don’t like the leash lol!

[@laurenpica4426]

My partner and I love your videos! Our ridgey Savannah just turned 1, and we’re very much looking forward to start running with her. We’ll probably buy the Sidekick given we live in NYC. Though we did want to ask - what collar do you use with this leash that you find most effective? Thanks!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks! We run using just flat collars. I like biothane because it's light and dirt/water proof, and I like collars with o-rings but that's personal preference.

[@laurenpica4426]

@@MarkingOurTerritory thank you so much!

[@thebigfs2330]

I wonder if this Iron Doggie setup would work with our 120lb Ridgie and 12lb batweaselbunnydog 🤔Walking the two together can be done, but it gets a bit interesting at times. Thank you for the video! I love your advice and seeing how your family (all 6 of you) grows!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Oh man, you should start a Big and Little KZbin channel! I'd love to see you guys go. I'd recommend buying the additional clip in for the belt so the two could walk independently of each other while still connected to you

[@thebigfs2330]

Marking Our Territory, thanks for the advice on the belt! These two are quite the duo... generally leaving people shaking their heads and smiling. Though I’m not sure we could pull off a decent KZbin channel; my camera skills and ability to sum things up in a gentle, uplifting message don’t remotely compare to yours. :):):):)

[@paulakehurstdevisme9692]

Would love one of these but they don't seem to be available in Europe.. Of course I can buy it from US, but with Postage and import duties it makes it really not viable.

[@emmajoannorman3649]

I am an avid runner and plan to run with my RR once she is older. She's almost a year right now and I know I should not start running with her until she is 18mo to 2 years old. How and when did you start your running training for your dogs? Thank you for all of your ridgie videos :) !!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

So I think one of the biggest miscommunications/misconceptions about structured running is that you shouldn't do ANYTHING until they're fully grown (18 - 24 months). But introducing running that late is going to make training that much more difficult. I'd begin introducing the idea immediately with really short training sessions - run back and forth in the park for a bit, for example. Practice turns, stops and the like. Then when it comes time to actually build up any sort of mileage/time, you have the fundamentals to help you along

[@emmajoannorman3649]

Marking Our Territory thank you, I appreciate your input!! Nothing compares to a ridgeback ❤️

[@manjahaanstra1862]

... before they think the're running the iditarod... 😂 very valuable advise!

[@everythingisbetterinpink8643]

Your family is so so cute!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks, I'm pretty fond of them too!

[@9Smilingfaces]

Can you make a video or tips for how to train a dog for running?

[@frankliu6748]

Hi thanks for sending video to introduce the kind of dog . I am living in Canada . I am thinking to get the dog now These parks around me are full of small terrier dog or border one, Rhodesian ridgeback are large hound dog .1 can I let dog to stay with them? 2 what can we do to increase social chances if not ? 3How can I do to to keep dog protect ability of hound without randomly attack others

[@ihaveadigbick9985]

Nice

[@hannahbaerg9208]

If only my boy enjoyed running! I've resigned myself to having a RR that will not run.🤣

[@KadeemMurray-l5b]

How long did you wait before taking your rod back on long runs or runs in general? I have a six-month old ridgeback but I’ve been told to wait a year or longer.

[@KadeemMurray-l5b]

Same question

[@sheiswunderland3398]

I have a 4 year old ridgeback - rottweiler for a year now. He's made good progress, but I'm afraid if I use the Iron Doggy he sees another dog, gets excited, wants to play and just runs (like he always does) and that I'm not strong enough to keep him from doing that. Do you have tips for that?

[@robertomathys2755]

Another great video!! What treats do you take with you? My guy doesn't seem interested in treats when we are out and about. Do you always take them out on leash after a off leash play?

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Some of the best high value/easy to handle treats I've found are freeze dried. There are a bunch of great brands (Stewarts, Stella and Chewys, etc) who make them. They're expensive, but I cut them up into smaller pieces for our walks and that helps them last. In the summer when we walk to the beach, they'll be on leash for a cool down walk home. But in the deep winter we don't walk as often

[@danarice5519]

I am bringing home a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy in a week. Do you have a recommendation for which harness I should purchase?

[@Nangoncrazy]

That was a nice adve..... I mean video ;) earned it

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Haha I bought this leash years ago and have been recommending it to everyone for free! So imagine my surprise when I learned people can actually make commission for doing that. I get lots of offers for sponsored videos but they're always things I don't own or use so it's not worth it, that's what made this a unique opportunity. Now, if I ever start hawking hummus or sleep medication you'll know I've really sold out!

[@Nangoncrazy]

@@MarkingOurTerritory haha. Nice, totally get you. Would do it the same way. Couldn't support a product i don't use and don't like personally. Stay true! Needed more than ever before

[@katarina5782]

Best youtuber ever

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Easily the 6th best youtuber in my family!

[@katarina5782]

Hahahahahhahaha

[@scottstephenson4150]

How do you teach them not to pull? Is it the direction change early in the video? I have an adult, who is very obedient, but can't resist pulling when starting out. And a new puppy that I have a chance to train not to pull.

[@fatkiefbowls]

my guy was pulling on the leash at 8 weeks old, in the grass as a puppy he's way too distracted and its really hard to get him not to right now. So I took him on a trail, and he began to pull way less. If you pay close attention to your dog you can tell when its about to pull. When he would try to run ahead and pull, I would say "no" and stop in my tracks and ignore him until tension on the leash goes away. Then I tell him to heel and pull the leash back in my direction and make him come to me. when he's at my heel I tell him good boy and tell him to sit. once he does that I say heel again and start walking in the direction I want to walk. He's 12 weeks old today and doesn't try to pull anymore, he walks right at my heel, or as far as the 6ft leash will allow, but as soon as he feels tension he looks back at me for conformation, and I tell him good boy. I also rarely use treats because it over excites him and distracts him.

[@jeniferjimenez7797]

Hi , I have a ridgeback pup I’m having a hard time keeping him in a leash. And having him walk on one side , he’s always zigzagging and end up getting tangled up around me... will this iron leash help do the trick ?

[@jhc3204]

Where are you Will??? I miss your videos so much.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Still here! Been way too long since I posted, I know. Hoping to get a new video up next week

[@ruuumle]

Hi! I’m thinking of buying a full set for my two Ridgies! It will be mostly for walks and jogs around the neighbourhood so I probably need the short leash. Is the discount still valid? And if I’ve understood the site correctly, I should buy one set with leash and belt + an extra leash? And what is the “short” version of it called? I find it hard to tell the difference online.

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Yup, discount code RIDGEBACKS is still valid. And that's correct, you'll want to buy one set (leash + belt) plus the extra leash. The shorter leash is called the Sidekick. I know it can be a bit confusing! Let me know if you have any other questions

[@RareAirTwo4]

How old should I start training my 4 month puppy with the iron doggy?

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

A structured running program should wait until your dog is physically matured, but no reason you can't start training immediately. This would consist of familiarizing your pup with the leash on walks, and during very short jogs on soft surface. You can practice changing speeds, direction and doing full stops so they'll be better prepared when old enough for structured runs

[@pshep123]

I'm a runner and have had a RR for 4 months (he's 6 months now) but have heard not to run him on pavement until 18 months because it's bad on their growing joints. It's killing me not to run with him - when did you start running on pavement with yours and have you noticed any negative side effects?

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

The conservative advice is in place for good reason. You don't want to mess up their growth plates and it's just not worth the risk (even if small) for the sake of a structured running program. That said, I think that advice needs to be coupled with a recommendation to begin running-training much before you begin structured runs. With that in mind, bring your guy to the park now with a running leash and get him used to being on it. Run back and forth on the grass, practice turns and stops. Keep the sessions short but frequent. Much better to introduce the foundational skills now when you have a malleable puppy than a stubborn "teenager." A jog down the block isn't going to be an issue, the advice is really just against any significant running (mileage or frequency) before your dog is old enough to safely keep up

[@pshep123]

@@MarkingOurTerritory Malleable puppy, eh? Must have missed that part, but I'm glad to hear you agree with the advice. Thanks for the tip on running training - and all your vids, keep 'em coming!

[@auroramcgow]

What baby carrier/backpack is that? Love your videos!

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Thanks! It's the Osprey Poco and we love it. I mostly carried Lincoln in a soft carrier, which is fine at first, but it's so much nicer and more comfortable for all parties to have them in a a larger backpack. It's not the lightest weight option, but I can't recommend it highly enough. If you're in a pinch it's absolutely worth it full price, but if you keep an eye out it will go on sale from time to time - www.amazon.com/Osprey-Child-Carrier-Starry-Black/dp/B07ZB17N3Z/?tag=markingourterritory-20

[@auroramcgow]

Marking Our Territory thank you so much! My son hates the soft carrier because he likes to look around and gets hot. This looks like a much better option! Thanks again

[@S1ephenOne]

My only question is my 6 month old puppy will always chase squirrels no matter what so he then pulls me with him. How would I get around that?

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Navigating prey drive is one of the biggest challenges with many Ridgebacks. To this day, if a squirrel darts in front of us mid-run I know to brace myself. With practice my guys are much better, but sometimes they just can't resist temptation! With any leash it's a challenge, but a leash like Iron Doggy gives you much more control - one through the bungee system, and two because it's attached to your center of gravity it lets you "sit" back against any pulling with more surety than you could with a handheld leash

[@spencerstrull1366]

At what age did you start running your Ridgebacks? Our puppy is only 5mos., was told to wait till he was about 18mos

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

That is the conservative advice, which I do think is sound when discussing structured running programs of any substance. However, I think that advice overshadows some critical supplemental advice - start training as early as you can. Leash up and head to the park. Jog back and forth on the grass, practice stopping and changing speed/direction. Introduce the concepts when your puppy in naturally more malleable. You'll get going a lot faster at 18 months if your dog already has a grasp of the fundamentals.

[@spencerstrull1366]

@@MarkingOurTerritory Great point, thank you. We take our RR to the park and on walks all the time, but I like the idea of introducing some of the running concepts early. Thank you!

[@leonardfugers7671]

Howe old. Is best for the dog to start running

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Short answer - any structured running program with a dog shouldn't begin until they're fully grown and growth plates are closed. The conservative age there with Ridgebacks is around 18 - 24 months. However, I think training to run should begin much earlier. Getting your puppy used to the leash, stop/starts and running without pulling is much easier than trying to wrangle an energetic adolescent. The caveat of course is that any training like this with a younger dog should be in much shorter increments, spaced out, and on a softer surface if at all possible.

[@prabhnihalsingh]

It paiiins me when Americans say soccer, ughhh😂

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

Blame the English (always), they're the ones who originally came up with that name as shorthand for "association," I believe

[@prabhnihalsingh]

@@MarkingOurTerritory then y do we (the English) call it that along with the rest of the world lmao

[@MarkingOurTerritory]

@@prabhnihalsingh time.com/5335799/soccer-word-origin-england/

[@prabhnihalsingh]

@@MarkingOurTerritory well looks like the Americans haven't caught on yet lmaoo, also great logic, American FOOTball is played with hands