Training a new running buddy

jhmomofmany

<--- There she is, my new running buddy.

She doesn't have the best leash manners yet, so she pulls pretty strong. We got the anti-pull harness, adverrtised to "stop pulling instantly". Yeah, doesn't keep her from pulling, but at least she isn't strangling herself.

Vet recommended a head collar, but I think those are not considered safe for use while running. Since I started running with her it wears out my arms (from holding the leash so tight) and also has been giving me shin splints, I assume my balance/form is different when she is pulling me.

Any tips? (And I'm sorry if this is a little OT.)

elmr34

First of all, if you do nothing else, watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT8VDgR_Koo

This guy is a training genius, he uses positive methods (which are scientifically proven to work better), and he explains why dogs do what they do.

A 3 year old German Shepherd is my running buddy and although he has great leash skills now it takes a lot of work to get to that point!

What anti-pulling harness did you get? I have an easy-walk harness and it doesn't solve the problem by itself but it does make training easier for me because my dog is 70 lbs and can nearly overpower me when I just have him on a normal, flat collar. So don't expect the harness to fix the problem, but it is a training tool and can help. The main idea of an anti-pulling harness is that the leash clips on the front at the dog's chest so that if they pull they are pulled back/around instead of just feeling weight on their back/neck (which encourages some dogs to pull).

1. Have dedicated training sessions every day. 10 minutes maximum.
2. Use really good treats that your dog will really work for. I like boiled chicken or string cheese in tiny pieces. Train when your dog is HUNGRY. Keep training fun, don't make it too hard or your dog will not want to work.
3. Start small and reward any good behavior.
4. While your dog is not trained yet use the anti-pull harness for walks since it isn't realistic to just not walk your dog until they are trained. By using the harness you don't let them 'get away with' pulling around on the collar- through training your dog will learn that pressure on the collar = no reward and at that part you can start walking them on the flat collar.
5. Work with a tired dog. I can throw my dog's ball in the backyard for a good 30 minutes to get him tired out before training and it makes it much easier for him to be a little less energetic/insane about pulling. If your dog is essential, tiring him out *before* a walk will help a lot even though it seems silly to tire your dog out before his exercise.
6. If you have the time and money professional obedience classes will help immensely. Even if they don't spend all of their time on walking on a leash and spend lots of time on stuff your dog knows (like sitting) they will still help your dog learn to focus on you which is a huge challenge in all training.

Lastly, the head collar might be okay for training or walking but it is not something I would use for running since if you or your dog suddenly stopped it could really injure your dog's neck. Plus head collars really freak some dogs out and you have to desensitize your dog to even wearing one before you can start training. If you have a problem with your dog being much much stronger than you I would use one but otherwise it is just a training tool and will not replace training.

jhmomofmany

Thank you for your reply! And thank you very much for the link, I will be sure to watch all his videos and have the kids watch them too.

We got the Sporn anti-pull harness. It does not have an attachment in the front, only at the top. Maybe we should try another style/brand. Thank you for the other ideas, as well!

Our good friends have a german shepherd... have to say it is my "second" favorite breed.

hbrittingham

I second the recommendation of the Easy Walk Harness. Also breaking it down into smaller steps. Can you initially work on walking her before trying to run with her? The problem is, if she's not trained to walk well, she can accidentally trip you and you can really hurt yourself. That happened to me, not because my dog isn't trained, but because he loves other dogs and as we passed one, it play bowed at him and he spun around to play and his back end took my feet right out of under me. So we practiced the "leave it" command even more and now he ignores all other dogs that we pass by.

I love having a running buddy! If I am having a slow day, he slows down with no complaint. If I have a high energy day, he hangs right in there with me. It's great!

dbmata

Any tips? (And I'm sorry if this is a little OT.)

Yeah, train your dog to walk the leash right.

I used a euro slip lead to train my dog to collar /leash manners. Kept it high on her throat, little tug is all it takes to reign her in. That paired with a little tap to a flank from time to time and verbal cues along with good treats is all it took her.

Now she's super good about the leash and pretty decent off leash. She's even been hanging out in the front yard with me while I clean leaves and such. She just sits there and then rolls in the leaves.

ETA - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=871

I have one in blaze orange. Was told about this from someone who trainer viszlas fur hunting, is frickin' perfect.

gmthisfeller

My wife and I lost our walking/running companion 2 years ago. We have always had dobermans. You have had great advice about both collar and training. We took ours to a local dog training club that helped us specifically with "running/walking" companions. Good training for the dog; good training for us, too. The advice given you so far matches with what we went through with 2 small additions.

First if you can, add "Watch me!" to your command set. Put your dog in sit (in the house or enclosed yard) and walk around telling your dog "Watch me". If he/she looks away from you repeat the command and give a treat when your dog obeys. As your dog learns, you can use this command when you walk or run as it will slow your dog down to watch you. Yes, they can watch you while they run or walk with you. Most dogs by nature do not want to hold eye contact, since that is a sign of aggression, but this helps your dog to trust you. This can be one of the hardest behaviours for some dogs to learn.

Second, add "sitting when stopped" to your dog's list of learned behaviors. Stop at random intervals when walking or running enouraging your dog to sit immediately, without spoken command. Don't hesitate to help them by pushing down on his/heb back end along with the command, "Sit." Reward your dog when done right away! This also will slow your dog down, since he/she can never be sure when you will want to stop.

We were surprised at how soon our dobies stopped pulling when we added these two behaviours to the list.

jhmomofmany

Thank you all so much! I will continue working with her, and I appreciate all the advice.

TammyW18

Have u done an obiedence class w her? I just finished one w mine. Total turn around on the leash ...we do use the gentle leader doing .25 at a time to work up her little legs was advised by my trainer I had