our 3 year old lab/border collie mix is a very obedient dog. he listens very well and is no bother. the only problem is walking him. he always pulls and ive tried now for i don;t know how long. i always make sure I keep him on my left lide, make him sit whenever we stop (side of road), which he does now automatically and I keep him on a short leash. I hold the down beside my leg, and correct him if his attention drifts away. I can't use treats with him, cos he won't take any outside the house.
we only got him as a grown dog.
any ideas would be greatly appreciated
We walk him about an hour each day and twice a weeks he gets a good run by the beach. also I treid normal collar and harness. will not use choker
we only got him as a grown dog.
any ideas would be greatly appreciated
We walk him about an hour each day and twice a weeks he gets a good run by the beach. also I treid normal collar and harness. will not use choker
Have you tried a headcollar for a while.
Either - gentle leader, halti or canny collar to start with or a dogmatic if you want a posh leather one.
They are meant as a training aid only but they are very good and certainly do prevent pulling.
Either - gentle leader, halti or canny collar to start with or a dogmatic if you want a posh leather one.
They are meant as a training aid only but they are very good and certainly do prevent pulling.
Don't use and retractable leash as it teaches them to always have tension on there leashes. Also try something like a choke collar for walking it teaches them that pulling creates more stress on the neck, you don't really need to jerk
The Dog whisperer, TV show I love this guy
1. Spray bottle. If he gets too far ahead, spray her with a little water while giving him a clear noise that shows her you dislike his actions.
2. Turn and walk away method. When the dog moves off ahead, simply drop the leash so you are only holding the end (you need about a 6 foot leash) and then turn and walk away. The dog will get a slight jerk as it is walking off in the opposite direction. The power of this jerk is only as strong as they are using to walk away. Eventually the dog learns that staying by your side is the best way.
3. Short, side way tugs on the collar. Just give a slight tug when the dog gets too far ahead. This actually can start to be used after any of the above steps and be more affective.
4. A gentle leader or an illusion collar (two different things) can also be a good aid.
Don't be tense when you walk him and try to relax your arm. That is once your dog gets the idea. See video below for demo of number 2.
2. Turn and walk away method. When the dog moves off ahead, simply drop the leash so you are only holding the end (you need about a 6 foot leash) and then turn and walk away. The dog will get a slight jerk as it is walking off in the opposite direction. The power of this jerk is only as strong as they are using to walk away. Eventually the dog learns that staying by your side is the best way.
3. Short, side way tugs on the collar. Just give a slight tug when the dog gets too far ahead. This actually can start to be used after any of the above steps and be more affective.
4. A gentle leader or an illusion collar (two different things) can also be a good aid.
Don't be tense when you walk him and try to relax your arm. That is once your dog gets the idea. See video below for demo of number 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoJPUH6UL...
Well i'm no expert or anything but you could try using a harness. It won't choke the dog and i think they are easier to walk a dog with.
Don't use a choke collar.
The dog whisperer is very bad. The lady from it's me or the dog is much better. she is not cruel to the animals and her training methods actually work
Don't use a choke collar.
The dog whisperer is very bad. The lady from it's me or the dog is much better. she is not cruel to the animals and her training methods actually work
I saw it on 'it's me or the dog'
we had the same problem with our springer spaniel / collie, we got a head harness, which is like a horses collar, the lead clips on under the chin and there fore if they try to pull then the head gets pulled to the side. this really did work for our dog and now she doesnt pull at all and she walks to heel :)
Well harnesses are useless!
Use the lead and thread the catch through the handle and put the loop round his neck where the head and neck join (like you see in crufts) http://www.brueik.co.uk/images/summa%20c...
This gives you better control over him. Keep the leash short but not tense and when your walking just give a gentle but quick correction when he pulls or wanders but release the tension after.
This wont hurt him.
Use the lead and thread the catch through the handle and put the loop round his neck where the head and neck join (like you see in crufts) http://www.brueik.co.uk/images/summa%20c...
This gives you better control over him. Keep the leash short but not tense and when your walking just give a gentle but quick correction when he pulls or wanders but release the tension after.
This wont hurt him.
Animal carer
I am actually in your same boat. I taught my border collie to do everything but I could not master the walk. It seams the more excited he is the less we'll accomblish.
It went to the point, where I could not enjoy the walks so I tried the gentle lead. It works great!! It does take some time to get the dog use to it but it is soo worth it. Pay attention to which ones you buy. Some have no collar attachment (which means they just need to back up and their out of it and running free). Work slow with treats.
I can walk him with my finger if I wanted too. He can still pant and drink and anything else he would normally do. I think it is great.
It went to the point, where I could not enjoy the walks so I tried the gentle lead. It works great!! It does take some time to get the dog use to it but it is soo worth it. Pay attention to which ones you buy. Some have no collar attachment (which means they just need to back up and their out of it and running free). Work slow with treats.
I can walk him with my finger if I wanted too. He can still pant and drink and anything else he would normally do. I think it is great.
Do not allow slack in the leash. And keep it short, as you have been. If he pulls again stop and make him know you mean business. He probably believes that he is the alpha. Since he is 'walking' you, it makes him feel he has 'power'. Good luck!