Training your Dog to Run in the City

Sometimes a particularly interesting scent or a rabbit jumping up in our path is just too much for the dogs to ignore, even for my “most well behaved” dogs. But, a well trained obedient dog is easily and quickly controlled. I’ve learned strict training with voice commands are a real safety necessity when running with several large German Shepherds. Even running with just one Shepherd can be difficult if the dog is not well trained on voice commands. Running along and crossing busy streets with heavy traffic can be down right dangerous. The training and good voice command response has saved us more than once when cars sped through red lights or turn unexpectedly without signaling. I always run them on leash for that extra measure of safety control, and we have a leash ordinance in Plano, so it’s the law.

When I ran with just one dog I taught him to obey the “heel” command, which kept keep him running at my left-hand side, with his eyes even with my left leg. He could see my leg to “read” my actions and follow along. This mostly avoided any confusion as to who goes where and who is in charge of the route. The heel command also refocuses the dog on running and not on interesting scents to sniff, rabbits or other dogs that come along.
Running with several large dogs is different than running with just one dog. Its really not possible to have them all run at my side. Now I allow them to run out in front, kind of like a dog sled team. I teach my dogs commands to stop, go right, go left, go straight, and so forth just as with sled teams. Voice commands to stop, run, walk, right, left, etc are a must since they aren’t at my leg to “read” my actions and follow along. Plus, all my shepherds together out weigh me and could almost drag me flapping in the wind were they not trained on voice commands. If they hesitate at a distraction or start at a rabbit that jumps up, a strong command to “RUN” or "WALK" or “STOP and SIT” as appropriate gets everyone focused again.

During the hot Texas summer months I always start my run with the dogs about sunrise. Even sunrise temperatures in July and August are often near 80 degrees and the sidewalks are still hot from the prior day’s sun and near 100 degree temperatures. Sometimes, the morning humidity remains unusually high too; A dew point over 70 is my cut off point for taking the dogs out to run - That’s just too much stress for them! When I run with the dogs we run on the city park trails that have frequent water fountains. The dogs all like to drink directly from the special doggie water faucets - they view it as a special treat. I do also take a fold up dog water dish so I can pour water over the dogs if they look a little too hot. We stop for a drink every two or three miles for a little water. I little water often is good, but I don't allow them to tank up on water at any water station because just as with human runners too much water can be a danger!

Max, Petey and Lily happily run any distance I decide to run. During the hottest Texas months, July and August, we usually do not run over six miles a day. The rest of the year we run at least six miles almost every day and on really nice cool and dry days farther, sometimes as far as a half marathon (13.2 miles) run. Whatever the distance we always stop often for a water break. Lacey is a getting a little old to run a distance with the pack, but I often take Lacey out for a walk and short jog with the rest of the pack at the end of our run for the pack's social cohesion.

For anyone reading this blog, a word of caution. If you want to run with your dog, make sure you do not overdo the running, particularly at first. Just as you should visit your doctor before starting on any exercise program, ask your vet how to get your dog started on a running program. Your vet will make sure there are no problems with your dog’s circulatory system or joints. If you live in a sun belt state maybe it would be best to wait for those cooler fall days before you and your four footed friend start a new running program. Also, keep a close eye on your dog's paws. It is nice you have those expensive running shoes to protect your feet, but remember that your dog is running barefoot on concrete. Concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces can hurt your dog's paws if they are not well conditioned through a slow steady increase of distance over several weeks.

Dogs Need Exercise Too

It is well documented that in order to maintain a healthy life style we need to eat right and get the proper amount of exercise. The same is true for our dogs and they need exercise a lot more than we do. Why? Most dog breeds were bred to work and as a result have enormous amounts of energy and an instinctive drive to do that work. It is important to understand that most pet dogs were bred to perform daily tasks alongside humans, such as pulling sleds, herding sheep, hunting, retrieving and so on. Even before being domesticated our dogs' wolf ancestors roamed as many as 50 miles per day to hunt for food. If a dog does not get adequate exercise, this instinctive energy will build up and demand an outlet, usually in unwanted behaviors. Lack of exercise is the reason many dogs are hard to handle, out of control, and then end up driving their owners crazy, and are turned over to shelters, usually because their owners decide they are “just too hyper.” There is no such thing as a hyper dog - there are only under-exercised and untrained dogs.


The amount and duration of exercise needed by our canine companions varies by age, size, and breed. Medium size dogs need to run a minimum of five miles per week to maintain their health, large dogs need to run even more. Studies have shown that the benefits from consistent exercise are indeed significant as an active dogs life can be prolonged, just like humans. No matter what, it is certain that regular exercise has many health benefits and will help prevent heart disease, extend the life of your pet, promote strength in their bones and muscles that will help ward off arthritis and help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Reduce the Risk of Canine Heat Exhaustion

A cool shady place to rest after a run.....

A dog’s normal internal body temperature is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 degrees or so, the dog can suffer from heat exhaustion, which often rapidly progresses to heat stroke.

Overheating in dogs is very serious and can rapidly result in death.

Runners can reduce the risk of canine heat exhaustion in the summer months by running in early morning when the ground and air are cooler and less humidity persists. Early morning dew on the grass and lawn sprinklers are a bonus to help keep your four footed friend cool.

Heat exhaustion, like in humans, comes on quickly as body temperature continues to rise at a faster rate than the dog can displace it. Dogs reduce body heat in three ways: panting, evaporation from a wet body and through the pads of their feet, although hot sidewalks can cause thermal gain through the pads of their feet. Dogs can burn their pads on hot streets and walkways in the mid-day southern summer sun.

A dog who is over heating to a dangerous level will be panting heavily in fast repetition with the tongue hanging out and curling at the end in cup form. The mouth is dripping and they may have a glazed look in the eye. Often they show signs of a staggered gait or they may simply stand fixed.

Any single sign of heat stress/exhaustion is not to be ignore:

* Rapid breathing/panting
* Fatigue
* Heavy salivation
* Glazed eyes
* Staggered gait
* Pale or bluish gums
* Agitation
* Muscle tremors
* Lagging back

What to do at the first sign of heat stress/exhaustion: Take your dog to a cool shady place or air conditioned area. Submerge your dog in cool water or apply cool water from a garden hose to his head, neck, paws, and groin/underbelly. (Do not apply ice as this constricts blood flow and does not effectively lower core temperature.) Give him small amounts of water to drink. He may vomit if you give him too much.

Fan him using cardboard or a blanket to speed evaporation. Evaporation cools body temperatures very effectively. If your dog calms and returns to normal within 10 minutes after cooling, stop the day's activities and take your dog home to rest. If his condition has not improved within 10 minutes, he may be going into heat stroke. You need to take action immediately. Even if you only suspect this might be happening, go quickly to a vet - minutes count. This condition can cause fatal complications very quickly. Transporting your dog to the vet in time can be a problem when you are some distance from a vet, but car A/C vents blowing cool air on the wet dog can help get the dog to vet's office alive.

Signs of heat stroke - Only one of these symptoms has to be present to indicate your pet may be in trouble:

* Shallow breathing
* Brick-red or pale gums
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Convulsions
* Semi- to complete unconsciousness

What to do: Heat stroke is the deadly progression of heat exhaustion to stroke when the body no longer can cool itself. This is a true medical emergency and time is your enemy. Death will follow soon without immediate medical care. There is no time to waste when you find your dog in this conditions - seconds count! If possible, submerge your pet in cool or tepid water and then head to the vet. Place water soaked towels on his head, neck and groin/underbelly and simultaneously briskly fan him or point the car's A/C vents on him to speed evaporation during transport. (Do not apply ice as this constricts blood flow and does not effectively lower the animal's core temperature.) Do not spend a lot of time looking for water to cool him if it is not readily available as every second counts when dealing with heat stroke, but definitely use it if it is available.

If it is after regular business hours, your vet's office should have an emergency clinic referral number on their recording. Call them and get there as quickly as possible. For a dog suffering advanced heat exhaustion and heat stroke the animal hospital will likely administer oxygen, cortisone and dextrose to help protect the traumatized cells. The staff can provide proper cooling measures, that may include a cool saline and other intravenous fluids and anticoagulants. Then, all the vet can do is monitor the dog's temperature and heart rate and wait - sometimes the treatment works, but too often it doesn't work.

Running Your Dog in Texas Summer Heat

I'm a distance runner and so are my White Shepherd dogs. They love to run as much as I do.

Just as runners can suffer from heat stress, so can our doggy running pals. Some of the factors affecting a dog's susceptibility for heat stroke are temperature, humidity level, breed, age, health, coloration, and fitness level.

Just like people, dogs need to be conditioned and acclimated to the heat for summer workouts. Even if they are acclimated, some days may still be too hot or humid or the air quality may be too poor to workout with your dog. Use common sense and keep in mind that your dog's ability to regulate their body temperature is not as efficient as yours. Move your running schedule to the early morning hours when it is coolest and the lawn sprinklers are running. Lawn sprinklers are Texas runner's (and dog's) best friend in the summer. My dogs have even learned to lap water from lawn sprinkler heads.

Your dog's loyalty and love of running may cause him to overdo to keep up with you. It is wise to pay attention to your dog's desires on the hot days. When he slows down, you should, too.