Running in the Rockies

AM: ~hour hike with pups on trails. Legs are feeling okay, but realized that I may be slightly over the total weekly mileage if I ran this morning. Plus, it felt nice to just hike. Unfortunately, we met about 10 trail runners on the trail this morning. This is essentially unheard of. We hike/run these trails nearly every other day and occasionally see 1 other people and maybe his/her dogs. At any rate, L and B pup were TERRIBLE.. really embarrassed me. Now, of course- I know my dogs wouldn't hurt a fly, they are super sweet and friendly, but really excitable. However, I know from my own experience running out on somewhat remote trails that coming upon a barking dog that is obviously happy about seeing me and trying to jump up on me is slightly disconcerting ...and I love dogs! But you just never know. At any rate, I saw the first runner and grabbed L pup, but B pup didn't even turn to look at me when I called her. She was off and running and barking. I yelled out that she was friendly, just young and stupid and he seemed to understand. I got up to them and grabbed her and a couple more people went by. Unfortunately, they didn't mention that there were a few more people coming over the hill, so not seeing any one else I let them go. Stupid me. L and B pup both saw the additional runners coming up on the trail and again took off to meet them- I yelled and yelled for them to come back, but nope- not interested. I felt SO bad and was so embarrassed. I work with them and work with them, but the reality is that we rarely see anyone else that we do not know on the trails, so it is incredibly difficult to train the dogs for these situations. However, this is no excuse. I realized that if they are not 100% reliable 100% of the time, they are not allowed to be off leash. Which means that they can't accompany me on the majority of my runs because they are typically impossible on leash. I'm a bit depressed about this at the moment.

 The other aspect that I will have to contend with is, oddly enough, my husband. I get the feeling that he simply thinks we are just not working with them enough and that if we put the time and effort in, they will become good companions on the trails (and off the trails). It does not seem like he has not been very supportive about finding trainers or even reading books on dog training. Additionally, he usually also does not want to deal with them in social situations (easier to just leave them home). My opinion is that they will never become better behaved in social situations (hiking on well traveled trails or even taking them to a farmer's market) if we do not introduce and familiarize them to these situations. We can't expect them to magically learn the correct behaviors. Anyways, definitely disappointed in myself for not being on the ball and getting them the proper training sooner. But we will be starting today on more basics and hopefully finding some classes/trainers in the area soon. If anyone has recommendations for good books on the subject, please let me know!