advice about loose leash walking

by **micheled** Sat Jun 16 2012, 03:45

OK, guys, help me with this one.

When Callie pulls while we're walking I stop, or take a few steps in the other direction. She immediately sits and looks back at me, and won't start walking again until I catch up to her or am a step or two ahead. Sometimes she'll even go directly into a down. But then within a few steps she is off and pulling again.

She also does well coming back to me with a quick leash pop or even a "come" when she wanders off to the side, it's more the pulling straight ahead that is a problem.

We did learn something in puppy class about walking holding a treat (cheese stick) directly in front of their nose to encourage proper "heel" position. I'd kind of gotten away from it because it's hard to walk like that with a short little Staffie puppy! Much easier for the folks in the class with the 6 mo GSDs and boxers Smile

Any ideas? Is is just a matter of sticking with it and being patient? (like so many things with a 4 month old puppy right?)

by Guest Sat Jun 16 2012, 04:11

That is the method that we used for pulling. We still make sure we have treats every time we leave the house with her to use as a distraction as well.

by Buster's_Mum Sat Jun 16 2012, 09:18

micheled wrote:

We did learn something in puppy class about walking holding a treat (cheese stick) directly in front of their nose to encourage proper "heel" position. I'd kind of gotten away from it because it's hard to walk like that with a short little Staffie puppy! Much easier for the folks in the class with the 6 mo GSDs and boxers

I also had to do the same thing with Tyson when he was a pup. I was told to start holding the treat low so they get the idea and follow it. Then show him the treat but slowly over time hold it in my hand by my side while stood up. He would jump up to try to get it, but only give it to him when he was walking and not jumping up, they soon click on.

As for the pulling it does take time. Buster only really pulls if there is another dog, or a post that looks really appealing Rolling Eyes

any time he does it he gets one chance to come back by my side and if he doesn't I either turn and walk the other way (with posts) or make him sit and wait for a minute (with other dogs) I know I should probably do the same thing in both situations, but I prefer to make him sit and wait with another dog about as I am trying to get him to be a bit calmer when he sees another dog. It works most of the time as generally speaking he does come back first time, then goes off pulling again Rolling Eyes

by Guest Sat Jun 16 2012, 11:54

If you want your dog to walk to heel, in the correct position, then using a treat is fine & will work, although it'll break your back until she gets the hang of it!

If you just want her not to pull, then the best way I've found so far is as soon as she puts any pulling pressure on the lead, immediately turn around & walk the other way; as soon as the lead tightens, give it a little jerk & say "hell" or "close" or whatever word you want to use. As soon as she catches up, immediately turn the other way (don't wait for her to pull again) & reapeat. Eventually she'll get fed up with the direction changes & start to watch you for a sudden turn & will stay closer to your side.

Always use the same word, though, & eventually she'll hear the word & anticipate the turn & will come back to your side automatically.