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.