Fitness, exercise and MY DOG...HELP!!! How do you do it :/
STLBADGIRL
Posts: 1,693 Member
First of all - Feel free to post a picture of your dog and/or of you two
To all of you dog lovers...and I know that it is plenty out there... How did you train your dog to walk and run with you? I am a new dog owner....and my dog wants to smell, sniff, pee on our walks. As a matter of fact, I'm ready to give this life up.... walking him has become difficult the bigger he gets and I am frustrated most of the time. He gets super excited if he sees another dog (and I am in a dog walking neighborhood), he doesn't know how to act if another walker passes by, annnnnnnnnnnd he sniffs and pees on everything. OMG, so irritating. I had visions of us walking and running through the neighborhood and being active and happy together. You know, all that stuff you see on TV and on the PetSmart commercials. Not so, in my case....
Any help or tips will be appreciated!!!! Sigh
To all of you dog lovers...and I know that it is plenty out there... How did you train your dog to walk and run with you? I am a new dog owner....and my dog wants to smell, sniff, pee on our walks. As a matter of fact, I'm ready to give this life up.... walking him has become difficult the bigger he gets and I am frustrated most of the time. He gets super excited if he sees another dog (and I am in a dog walking neighborhood), he doesn't know how to act if another walker passes by, annnnnnnnnnnd he sniffs and pees on everything. OMG, so irritating. I had visions of us walking and running through the neighborhood and being active and happy together. You know, all that stuff you see on TV and on the PetSmart commercials. Not so, in my case....
Any help or tips will be appreciated!!!! Sigh
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Replies
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If you haven't already, sign up for a basic dog obedience class.
I ran my dog through C25k to get him used to walking. It eased him into running so he was able to ease out of all of the sniffing/marking. These days I start with a 10 minute walking warmup. He gets to check and leave a bit of pee-mail (sniff and mark) before settling in for a run.
Also--not sure how old your dog is but young pups shouldn't be taken for runs. Check with your vet to get the okay if you have a puppy.11 -
Dog obedience class, FTW! One of the things they have you work on is leash walking. You could easily ask the instructor for some guidance with running, too. Dogs are like little children, they love to explore the world around them. It takes time and patience to turn them into "working adults." I'd suggest also walking your dog at times other than your runs so he can still take the time to smell the roses. You'll want to have some signals or cues to let him know when it's "working" time for running and when he's allowed some latitude to explore.
Definitely start your dog running slowly. Remember, you have shoes but your dog doesn't and he needs time to toughen his pads as well as his muscles, joints, etc. Most dogs won't stop because they're hurt or tired so it's up to you to be careful for him.4 -
Thanks for your response. He is going on 9 months....I will check with the vets. And no, I haven't did the basic dog obedience class. I think i need it for sanity purposes. I had no clue they needed to sniff and mark THAT MUCH...If you haven't already, sign up for a basic dog obedience class.
I ran my dog through C25k to get him used to walking. It eased him into running so he was able to ease out of all of the sniffing/marking. These days I start with a 10 minute walking warmup. He gets to check and leave a bit of pee-mail (sniff and mark) before settling in for a run.
Also--not sure how old your dog is but young pups shouldn't be taken for runs. Check with your vet to get the okay if you have a puppy.0 -
dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.4
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My dogs were old. I accepted that walking them was not going to big a big calorie burn for me and just enjoyed our time more sedately. They both died in the last couple of years.
Talk to your vet about the issues you are having and see what they reccomend.
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Yes, he is on a leash. But he has gotten pretty strong. A couple of times he has popped the collar pulling or yanking away when he sees another person or if another dog barks at him. He is super nice, but looks intimidating. He would run full speed to a person or another dog and then immediately stop and sniff you. If that were me, I would pee in my pants. And with it being so many dogs in the neighborhood, causes for a bad walk...dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.
Someone suggested to me neutering him as well...but I'm not educated enough to make this call yet...but anything to get him focused.....0 -
My dogs were old. I accepted that walking them was not going to big a big calorie burn for me and just enjoyed our time more sedately. They both died in the last couple of years.
Talk to your vet about the issues you are having and see what they reccomend.
Sorry for your loss @Lounmoun0 -
Most vets won't be much help for obedience issues, other than maybe referring to a local trainer/school. Definitely get some training help with basic obedience in a class setting. It will allow your dog to be around other dogs and stay focused. And no, they don't need to sniff and mark that much once they understand that you're out for a brisk walk and not dorking around. Before you start out, have the dog empty his bladder in your yard. Carry poop bags. And have fun!1
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STLBADGIRL wrote: »
Yes, he is on a leash. But he has gotten pretty strong. A couple of times he has popped the collar pulling or yanking away when he sees another person or if another dog barks at him. He is super nice, but looks intimidating. He would run full speed to a person or another dog and then immediately stop and sniff you. If that were me, I would pee in my pants. And with it being so many dogs in the neighborhood, causes for a bad walk...dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.
Someone suggested to me neutering him as well...but I'm not educated enough to make this call yet...but anything to get him focused.....
This is unacceptable. Definitely an obidience class.1 -
STLBADGIRL wrote: »
Yes, he is on a leash. But he has gotten pretty strong. A couple of times he has popped the collar pulling or yanking away when he sees another person or if another dog barks at him. He is super nice, but looks intimidating. He would run full speed to a person or another dog and then immediately stop and sniff you. If that were me, I would pee in my pants. And with it being so many dogs in the neighborhood, causes for a bad walk...dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.
Someone suggested to me neutering him as well...but I'm not educated enough to make this call yet...but anything to get him focused.....
Unless you're planning to breed him, get him neutered.17 -
Chef_Barbell wrote: »STLBADGIRL wrote: »
Yes, he is on a leash. But he has gotten pretty strong. A couple of times he has popped the collar pulling or yanking away when he sees another person or if another dog barks at him. He is super nice, but looks intimidating. He would run full speed to a person or another dog and then immediately stop and sniff you. If that were me, I would pee in my pants. And with it being so many dogs in the neighborhood, causes for a bad walk...dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.
Someone suggested to me neutering him as well...but I'm not educated enough to make this call yet...but anything to get him focused.....
This is unacceptable. Definitely an obidience class.
I agree. That's why I reached out to you all before I give in... He popped the collar last week and almost got hit by a car, running over to a dog that barked at him....I almost got hit trying to stop him from getting hit. When he is in the house he is orderly and listens to instruction. Outside the house, he is another creature.0 -
Meet Rhino
Well the picture wouldn't post... I will try again....0 -
I am certainly not an expert but everything I have read indicates that you shouldn't start running with your dog until they are at least 8 months. What breed of dog do you have? I would suggest doing what @jemhh did with her dog by taking them through the training plan. Also watch it's not too hot for their pads and watch for heat exhaustion!! Have fun....I'm so jealous...my dogs are too old to start them running with me!!1
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Are you using a slip-collar that tightens up when he pulls? Get one.
DO NOT use a halter-type by itself (below) or just a plain collar. The only time a halter should be used is as a secondary restraint or as a tool to help him when working (such as pulling a wagon, etc.) You have no control over him with these, and will just increase his natural instinct to "pull."
Definitely get a dog neutered -especially a young male is going to have all kinds of behavior problems if they aren't neutered. Many obedience classes won't even accept an intact dog.
He (and you) need an obedience class. This is on you to gain compliance with your needs, not his choice to yank you around and cause problems with other people and animals.
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cmriverside wrote: »DO NOT use a halter-type by itself (below) or just a plain collar. The only time a halter should be used is as a secondary restraint or as a tool to help him when working (such as pulling a wagon, etc.) You have no control over him with these, and will just increase his natural instinct to "pull."
I've actually found quite the opposite with three different dogs. All three were pullers and would be panting and gasping with the leash attached to their collar. Using a harness reduced not only the awful breathing but the pulling, as well. Every dog is different, of course.
I've heard a lot of people have had great success with the nose leashes, too. If they pull with one on it ends up pulling their head to the side so it naturally corrects them.7 -
Well I've never posted in a dog thread yet that didn't have very opinionated opinions, Sue. Dog threads are not for the faint-hearted.
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Joanna2012B wrote: »I am certainly not an expert but everything I have read indicates that you shouldn't start running with your dog until they are at least 8 months. What breed of dog do you have? I would suggest doing what @jemhh did with her dog by taking them through the training plan. Also watch it's not too hot for their pads and watch for heat exhaustion!! Have fun....I'm so jealous...my dogs are too old to start them running with me!!
Rhino is a pit-bull....the original owner died when he was about 4 months old and we got him because he wasn't in the best situation. We obvisouly have love for him and want him to grow with our family, but don't know the best about dogs.... We took him on a car ride to the park and he puked everywhere....the officer, that so happened to love dogs, told us that it was too soon to take him riding....
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He's adorable, but I grew up with pitties and if you don't get some help with him now, you will have quite a problem very soon. They are great dogs, but have very strong bodies and personalities and he WILL take charge if you don't. Pitties require a strong owner and a consistent firm hand. Don't treat him like your baby, he's a powerful animal.
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cmriverside wrote: »He's adorable, but I grew up with pitties and if you don't get some help with him now, you will have quite a problem very soon. They are great dogs, but have very strong bodies and personalities and he WILL take charge if you don't. Pitties require a strong owner and a consistent firm hand. Don't treat him like your baby, he's a powerful animal.
Yes, this is what I am learning....I was treating him like my baby. And he is the sweetest dog, but as soon as he hit outside - big sigh....
But I will research obedience schools now.... Thanks for the feedback, because if he was going to have to find a new home...1 -
He will be much happier once trained.
To run with the dog, first he's got to learn to heel, and to go on exercise walks (as opposed to sniff and pee walks). We use the "choke chain" type collar shown above, and taught him heel with treats. At first he would only heel inside the house, away from all distractions! But he figured it out eventually. Getting him neutered did make a difference too.
Also note, a powerful dog is not safe unless trained. You will be in big trouble if he isn't controlled well. They don't mind being trained, pits are smart dogs and enjoy learning.4 -
Obedience class is a good idea. We have a new dog and I have used the tips by Cesar. It is working. Here is a link.
https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/walking/6-tips-for-mastering-the-dog-walk
You can find videos on Cesar Millan and his way of walking a dog. Good luck!!
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He will be much happier once trained.
To run with the dog, first he's got to learn to heel, and to go on exercise walks (as opposed to sniff and pee walks). We use the "choke chain" type collar shown above, and taught him heel with treats. At first he would only heel inside the house, away from all distractions! But he figured it out eventually. Getting him neutered did make a difference too.
Also note, a powerful dog is not safe unless trained. You will be in big trouble if he isn't controlled well. They don't mind being trained, pits are smart dogs and enjoy learning.
thanks for weighing in on this @robininfl . he is very smart... My daughter trained him to speak, ring the bell to potty, high five, stay, roll over, etc....but once outside and those distractions kick in he is disobidient and we look like the family that can't control their dog...AND DID I SAY I HATE WALKING HIM NOW??? AND MY VISION OF EXERCISING WITH HIM HAS DIMINISHED.....0 -
Definitely sign him up immediately for obedience classes! My puppy is 9 months old and is on his 3rd class. He for sure will need more training - but at least we've got a good start at training.0
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Ready2Rock206 wrote: »Definitely sign him up immediately for obedience classes! My puppy is 9 months old and is on his 3rd class. He for sure will need more training - but at least we've got a good start at training.
Yes, I am convinced he needs professional training... What's the typical cost for training and what type of stuff do they normally teach dogs?0 -
STLBADGIRL wrote: »Ready2Rock206 wrote: »Definitely sign him up immediately for obedience classes! My puppy is 9 months old and is on his 3rd class. He for sure will need more training - but at least we've got a good start at training.
Yes, I am convinced he needs professional training... What's the typical cost for training and what type of stuff do they normally teach dogs?
You mentioned PetSmart earlier and I know some of those stores offer training. We put one of our dogs through the puppy class and it was very helpful. She was, and is, a little crazy and loves other dogs, too. You may need to do a little pre-work with him but if they offer it in your area you might go in and talk to one of the instructors.
I'd highly suggest a group training situation at some point since he gets so excited around other dogs. It will be tough at first because he'll be hard to work with but training with him in a busy store with other dogs and people around will help him get over the behavior much more quickly than if you trained him on your own at home. I'd definitely tell the instructor up front about his behavior so he can be ready for it. Not that trainers aren't used to dogs just like that but so that they can compensate for it in advance.0 -
STLBADGIRL wrote: »
Yes, he is on a leash. But he has gotten pretty strong. A couple of times he has popped the collar pulling or yanking away when he sees another person or if another dog barks at him. He is super nice, but looks intimidating. He would run full speed to a person or another dog and then immediately stop and sniff you. If that were me, I would pee in my pants. And with it being so many dogs in the neighborhood, causes for a bad walk...dont let him sniff, is he on a leash? tell him "leave it" and keep walking , pull him off it and get his attention on you with a treat or something. And walk faster, if you are walking quick he wont have time to stop and sniff, he'll be going too fast. Dogs are creatures of habit, the more you walk and dont let him sniff or pee the better he'll get at walking nicely with you. Go to obedience class asap.
Someone suggested to me neutering him as well...but I'm not educated enough to make this call yet...but anything to get him focused.....
Absolutely neutering will help with some of the issues and prevent other potential health issues in the future. The sooner the better actually.
Also may want to look into a dog park... a place you can go and he can be off leash and have free time for him, then leash time is for you. Or a different leash for running and just bringing him out to pee and poop. Let him have some time to be a dog, but some time he is there to exercise with you and focus on you. Dogs are smart and if you are consistent early it can work.0 -
Something that really works for me is a head collar. The difference is crazy! Put my dog in any other collar/halter and he will yank me, but with a head collar (wraps around his muzzle and neck) he becomes a new dog. I highly recommend it.1
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So I've got a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a rescue who had been neglected, possibly abused, by a former owner.
What I've found is different harnesses and collars are appropriate to different contexts, and he recognises what each means.
When we're out for a dog walk then he's on a shorter leash and stays close to me, that gives me much more control and using a chest harness I can keep him moving without letting him stop and sniff.
When we're on a more leisurely walk then he's on an extending lead that allows him a bit more range to explore. That needs a firm tone when he's dawdling and he has to come to me. Sounds like you need to work on this, so as upthread some form of classes will help. Those classes are for you as much as him, you need to be the Alpha and he needs to recognise that.
Authority is exercised on the shorter leash, and at home, and you need to learn to do that.
He also has a Canicross harness and bungee leash, and when that's on he knows we're running. The only real issue there is the need for nature stops, which can be a but inopportune. You learn how to stop swiftly when they squat without warning.
I would also agree with the value in neutering. It does help moderate the behaviour.2 -
I did purchase one of these. Bc like I said he pops his collar and the chain I have hurts my hand from the pulling and yanking.Something that really works for me is a head collar. The difference is crazy! Put my dog in any other collar/halter and he will yank me, but with a head collar (wraps around his muzzle and neck) he becomes a new dog. I highly recommend it.
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The pretty boy on the left is my bandit. He is 10 and very well trained. He runs with me and walks. He knows when it's time to exercise and when to play. Most times he is on a leash but doesn't pull or jerk. (He's only off the leash in my front yard but he doesn't leave my side)
The pretty girl on the right is Sadie. (She's more fluff than anything) she has been to obedience classes several times and is still a struggle to walk. She has to have a harness and would rather smell everything than walk.
Basically, obedience classes don't always work and it's all in how they are handled. Show your pup who is in charge, but let him have his fun too.2
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