Would love for my dogs to come with me, but the distractions...?

Question

I am about to start training to be a police officer and I am going to start jogging. I would love to take both my dogs with meand I know they would love to come, but I can see the disaster now. They will constantly get distracted and pull me in 5 different directions while I'm trying to keep my heart rate at a certain level. I've never taken them jogging before. Should I just walk them to death first? Let them get their business out of the way? The problem is that I won't always have time to walk for an hour prior to running.

Any thoughts on how to get two young high energy dogs to just run and forget about the squirrels and other distractions?

Thanks.

We go for walks all the time. But I don't make them have tunnel vision and just walk, I allow stops for sniffing and going potty. We're in no hurry when we walk, we are out for the pleasure of it.

Running is different then walking. Especially since, as I mentioned, I need to keep my heart rate at a certain level for a certain amount of time.

Thanks everyone, so many wonderful answers. Looks like I have some options.

Gonna be tough to choose a best answer for this one. I may just have to let the community decide...

Thank you all and Merry Christmas!!

Answer 1

They should easily be able to learn the difference between a run and a walk. You are dressed differently, your attitude is different. At first they will pull and be distracted (and of course, you will have to build them up to a full-distance run), but once they learn that you are running and they don't have time to gawk, they will settle down if you insist on it. Just as they know the difference between heelwork and being out for a stroll, between the show ring and the obedience ring and the agility ring.

Answer 2

I have two different types of collars one is for working the other is for normal every day wear.
When we put the working collar on and get the leash out all the stopping to go potty and sniffing around and chasing things stops and we are working. Which means they are at a heel and very vigiliant about what is going on around them and people walking towards us and that type of thing.
Before I "work" them they get to be on the regular collar and do all the potty business and such but then we "work" while I run or walk. It is my training time with them and different from just a walk for pleasure.
Try staring out with the normal collar then move to something different and tell them they aree working and make them stay at heel right next to your leg. Do some stopping and starting making htem sit and things. In a few days you should be able to run with them in the working collar with little trouble.
It is like hte tracking dogs with their tracking harness or the search and rescue dogs with the vests.

Answer 3

This will involve some dedicated training on your part. If you were to take up an obedience class you would get instruction on teaching your dog to heel. But if heel isn't a priority (like you're not going into competitions or anything) then you can just train them to walk nicely on the leash.

I use clicker training with my Border Collie puppy with incredible results. First you click, then give a treat (cooked cut up hot dogs work really well for training). Repeat this with each dog seperately until they get the idea that the click means a treat. You'll have to work with one dog at a time until they are doing better. Too much confusion to handle both at once and you wouldn't be able to train easily, if at all. When the dog isn't pulling on the leash, click for that and give a treat. After you've done this several times, you can begin to add a cue word, like maybe "easy". The dogs will learn that not pulling and walking "easy" on the leash will get them a reward.

Again, this will take alot of time and patience to accomplish, but be persistent and you'll get there. If the cut up hot dogs aren't incentive enuf for your dogs, step that up to boiled chicken with garlic cut up, or beef. I've even used goldfish crackers for my dog. Remember too that training when your dog is hungry usually gets a better response and they are more driven for the reward. So postpone feeding times if you are going to work with them.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I also have 2 young high energy dogs. Like you said, when we are walking they are distracted by everything, squirrels are the worst :)

But, when we are running it somehow turns that switch off in their brains, they love to run. If they are going faster they tend to keep their heads up and run straight without me asking them too. Its an instinct in most dogs to run, that's why when we are going to slow they get board and distracted. Try running a short distance with them first and see how they do, I think they will take to it better than you think. Oh yea, let them do their business first so they won't have to stop.

Answer 5

let the training process begin.

Before you start your training, try going on walks now. Keep your dogs close to you and when they get distracted, lightly tug on the leash and let them know you are still in charge. Letting the dogs have a short leash is best for this. Just walk at first until they get the point.

Rewards are great too, if they are doing what they are told, and just walking, take them to a park to play.

Answer 6

High evergy dogs needing to jog, YAY it should be so much fun for them, and can be great bonding experience for you. They can help keep you motivated and keep you working out too.
Try a Halti collar or a gentle head leader (name brands sold at petco and petsmart), they are great for large or strong stubborn dogs, acting much like a horse lead. The dog can only go where you want it to, if he starts pulling it will actually turn him around to face you.
Its important not pull them while they are wearing this, just let them get used to it first and everything will work out.
I will enclose some pics and info links.
I walked 2 great danes one with an aggression to cats and other dogs on these they are great.
Good luck.

Answer 7

Try getting them both "Easy Walk" harnesses by Gentle Leader, with retractable leashes. When you get your pace going, set the leashes at about 4 ft each or whatever is most comfortable for you according to your height and the pull of the dogs, then they will be busy keeping pace with you. If they try to stray they will self-restrain. It may take a few chaotic times of jogging but they should do fine after that.

Answer 8

Have they ever been walked before? You can train your dog not to chase things on his walks. My dog walks along with me, and he even knows to come on my side of poles or mailboxes. After a while of walking (not like an hour proir to running) it would be easy to transfer them over to jogging. It does take time to train them. They wont just go out there and be perfect. start off walking them in your spare time, and once they get to walking nicely start jogging with them. soon you will have two nice jogging buddies.

Answer 9

I use short leashes and give a swift tug when they are doing things I don't want like pulling. Choke chains work good as they come up high on the neck. For really stubborn dogs or really big dogs you might want to use a prong collar. I have a prong collar for my mastiff but I only use it for training purposes and it should not be over used. But before using one always learn the proper usage for it.

Answer 10

Focus on your heart rate so you can get your certification as a police officer. If necessary, hire someone to walk your dogs. If you have time, walk them first and then go jogging if you would rather spare the expense.