Winston

Question
Winston is a very smart and alert, quick dog we purchased from the dog shelter a year ago.  He's a little over a year.  We bought him primarily so he could run with me (I train for 10K races on up to marathons).  Last spring, I gave up on running with him, because I was afraid he would injure me.  He loves to chase cats and squirrels and when he sees on, game on!  Only, he pulls me partially down and gets away from me.  I'm a rather thin woman, and especially when I'm on mile five at a 7:00 mile pace, there is no time nor strength or energy to hold him back. Every ounce of energy is put into my run. I am also afraid he will run out in the street in hot pursuit of whatever animal it is he is going after.

He loves to run and it's unfortunate I've given up, as now he finds himself in the backyard with no more run to look forward to (if only they could reason like humans). I've tried word commands, choke collar,spike collar, treats, etc. etc. but
it is so much in his nature to pursue cats and other rodents, that's all he can focus on once he sees it.  He also likes to pursue other dogs to play with, but sometimes my husband takes him to dog park and that seems to help.

I've been told a shock collar would be good.  what is your opinion about shock collars?  Can you help me with my dog?  I sure would like to run with him again, but he needs better training.

Cristina

Answer
My opinion of using a shock collar is that it would be better to work with a good trainer. A dog who has learned good loose leash walking skills, and a good "leave it" cue can learn to be with you. Even a really intense dog. For his safety and for yours, I'd get with someone good and teach this dog some self control. While you are doing so, you may need to work in less distracting environments and build up his ability to stay connected. Baby steps at first. I suspect that a shock collar will just be another gimmick that will fail you, and call your dog a fair amount of discomfort while you're finding that out.
A great book for you to read to get an idea of the steps to get a solid connection, calm and self control out of a dog would be Leslie McDevitt's "Control Unleashed." Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com