Leash Trouble

Hi. I need some advice on how to get my dog used to walking on a leash. He's roughly 6 months old, and I've had him for two months. At first, he was all over the place while walking, but he eventually got used to it. But he's been really troublesome the past ten days. He's started pulling really hard on the leash, so he's practically choking himself. And he's also started to jump out in front of oncoming traffic. It's very dangerous. I've been told to just stop walking when he starts to pull, and eventually he will figure out that 'pulling = no walk'. I've tried this for a few days but I see no improvement yet. Should I continue with this? Also, because I keep stopping, his walk is taking far too long. If I change my route to accommodate the delay he won't be getting the exercise he needs?

I find just stopping and saying a firm 'No Pulling' while keeping them close to your heel works.. Dont let him walk infront of you if he pulls either. pull him back and strongly keep him by your side until he learns he's not to pull you. He's at his young rebellious age and thats the best time for them to learn.

Have you tried turning around and walking in the opposite direction when he pulls. The watch me command, which is simply holding food in your hand to get his attention is also usefull. We always use a harness and collar depending on if we need head control or not.

There are also some excellent no pull harness on the market that do make a difference

Have you tried a Canny Collar or Halti these are very good for dogs that pull on the lead, please have a read through the links below where some of our members have just started to use the Canny Collar, you may find this helpful. They also show some problems that may arise:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t29570-maddie-and-her-new-canny-collar

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t29725-densil-and-his-canny-collar

Can you think of anything that has changed over the past 10 days to alter his behaviour?

I'd use the turn around method. The second he pulls ahead say "Heel" or "Close" or whatever word you want to use, then turn & walk the other way. As soon as the lead thightens give a little tug & say your trigger word again. The second he gets to your side again, turn & walk back the way you started. When he again gets to your side praise him & offer a treat. Keep doing that every time he starts to get ahead of you & he'll soon start to anticipate you turning & will begin to walk better.

Caryll wrote:Can you think of anything that has changed over the past 10 days to alter his behaviour?

I started back in university last week. I had been on three weeks holidays, and during those three weeks I was spending loads of time with Harley. But now it's back to my our usual routine. The time he's spending on his own has went from about 2 hours per day to 10 hours per day. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that. As soon as I get home I take him for a walk, so maybe he's just so excited he loses control. But I've had a few days off recently, and I've been walking him at different times, and when he isn't so excited, but he's still out of control. So this seems to be his normal behaviour now.

It sounds like perseverance is what's required! I have to admit I get really frustrated at times .I want to tell him "this is for your own good. You like walking, so just walk!" But that doesn't solve anything.

The canny collar looks quite good, and people seem to have had positive experiences with it. But how often would I have to buy a new one? He's still growing rapidly at this stage.

I'm just back from our walk. He was worse than ever today. Totally wild. Running at every car and person that we pass. Pulling so hard that's he's choking and coughing really badly. Completely out of breath.

Some of my local pathways are really narrow. It's becoming increasingly likely that he'll pull both of us out in front of a car. I've never, ever, seen a dog behave like that on a leash.

I think I'm going to buy a canny collar, but until then I'll be trying the 'turn around' method as some of you have recommended. But I have a few questions about it:

1) It was recommended that I give him a treat when he stops pulling and comes to my side. Bu Harley pulls as soon as I take a step. I stopped and turned around at least 50 times before I reached the end of my road. I can't possibly give him a treat each time. I'd need about 200 treats for a 20 minute walk, and that is no exaggeration.

2) It's taking me at least 15-20 minutes to walk what would normally take me 5 minutes. This means that for every 40 minutes spent 'walking', Harley is only actually getting about 10 minutes exercise. This means that until he's walking properly on the leash, his actual exercise time will be dramatically reduced. I spend a lot of time with him, but I can't afford to spend three hours each day making sure he gets two 30 minutes walks.

monoke wrote:I'm just back from our walk. He was worse than ever today. Totally wild. Running at every car and person that we pass. Pulling so hard that's he's choking and coughing really badly. Completely out of breath.

Some of my local pathways are really narrow. It's becoming increasingly likely that he'll pull both of us out in front of a car. I've never, ever, seen a dog behave like that on a leash.

I think I'm going to buy a canny collar, but until then I'll be trying the 'turn around' method as some of you have recommended. But I have a few questions about it:

1) It was recommended that I give him a treat when he stops pulling and comes to my side. Bu Harley pulls as soon as I take a step. I stopped and turned around at least 50 times before I reached the end of my road. I can't possibly give him a treat each time. I'd need about 200 treats for a 20 minute walk, and that is no exaggeration.

2) It's taking me at least 15-20 minutes to walk what would normally take me 5 minutes. This means that for every 40 minutes spent 'walking', Harley is only actually getting about 10 minutes exercise. This means that until he's walking properly on the leash, his actual exercise time will be dramatically reduced. I spend a lot of time with him, but I can't afford to spend three hours each day making sure he gets two 30 minutes walks.

Try this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7gzfgVjkSQ £12 or thereabouts on Amazon.

One of the problems is that he's desperate to get out & therefore getting way overexcited.

10 hours is far too long for him to be on his own. Is there nobody you can trust to pop in during the day?

[quote="monoke"][quote="Caryll"]Can you think of anything that has changed over the past 10 days to alter his behaviour?

I started back in university last week. I had been on three weeks holidays, and during those three weeks I was spending loads of time with Harley. But now it's back to my our usual routine. The time he's spending on his own has went from about 2 hours per day to 10 hours per day.

I did not see this part of your post so can you answer me this. At what point did you think it was a good idea to get a dog KNOWING you would be going back to Uni and would have to leave your dog on his own for 10 hours ?? Can you or any other member of this forum hold up going to the toilet or sitting in one place for 10 hours ?

[quote="craig46"][quote="monoke"]

Caryll wrote:Can you think of anything that has changed over the past 10 days to alter his behaviour?

I started back in university last week. I had been on three weeks holidays, and during those three weeks I was spending loads of time with Harley. But now it's back to my our usual routine. The time he's spending on his own has went from about 2 hours per day to 10 hours per day.

I did not see this part of your post so can you answer me this. At what point did you think it was a good idea to get a dog KNOWING you would be going back to Uni and would have to leave your dog on his own for 10 hours ?? Can you or any other member of this forum hold up going to the toilet or sitting in one place for 10 hours ?

Yes, I agree. That's why I've asked if anybody can pop in during the day.

[quote="craig46"][quote="monoke"]

Caryll wrote:Can you think of anything that has changed over the past 10 days to alter his behaviour?

I started back in university last week. I had been on three weeks holidays, and during those three weeks I was spending loads of time with Harley. But now it's back to my our usual routine. The time he's spending on his own has went from about 2 hours per day to 10 hours per day.

I did not see this part of your post so can you answer me this. At what point did you think it was a good idea to get a dog KNOWING you would be going back to Uni and would have to leave your dog on his own for 10 hours ?? Can you or any other member of this forum hold up going to the toilet or sitting in one place for 10 hours ?

Who said he has to hold his toilet for 10 hours? Or sit in one place?

He spends the day in my garden. I don't know the exact dimensions, but it's roughly 80ft x 30ft, with 70% lawn. I have loads of toys and chewy things for him to play with. And there's a 20ft tree at the end of the garden that attracts large numbers of birds, which he spends the day chasing after. He very rarely lies around, or whines or appears downbeat. Every time I look out at him he's up to something, be it chasing a bird, chewing his Kong, burying stuff under the leaves, or something else. I can't be sure of what he's feeling, but he looks 'happy'.

Four days per week I'm out of the house from 8am to 6pm. I honestly don't think that's a problem, considering the space and shelter he has during that time.

Harley was lost/abandoned, and I've taken him in because I think I can give him a good life. I've spent every spare penny on him since I got him. The best food I can afford, the most durable and interesting toys, the most comfortable bed and blankets. Everything. I've spent countless hours online trying to find out more about him, his breed, and dogs in general, just so he's not missing out on something. I really don't know what more I can do for him.

I have a harness for mine and when she goes to get it on she will shake uncontrollably its terrible and makes it harder to get it on her

fiona wrote:I have a harness for mine and when she goes to get it on she will shake uncontrollably its terrible and makes it harder to get it on her

I bought a Canny Collar in the end. It arrived in the post today, so we've only went for one walk. But I'm shocked at the improvement. Harley is like a different dog. He's only pulling slightly, but I'm confident I can eliminate it altogether. I don't want to permanently rely on specialist equipment though. My goal is to train him to behave on a regular leash. But at least with the Canny I can confidently bring him near traffic.

monoke wrote:

fiona wrote:I have a harness for mine and when she goes to get it on she will shake uncontrollably its terrible and makes it harder to get it on her

I bought a Canny Collar in the end. It arrived in the post today, so we've only went for one walk. But I'm shocked at the improvement. Harley is like a different dog. He's only pulling slightly, but I'm confident I can eliminate it altogether. I don't want to permanently rely on specialist equipment though. My goal is to train him to behave on a regular leash. But at least with the Canny I can confidently bring him near traffic.

Thats brilliant...I might get one because mine has the same problems as your Harley...she pulls constantly. I may just have to put up with the shaking until shes used to it. She does a lot of things for attention. I never experienced that with my last staffys so its hard to know what to do.

My only problem is trying to get it on to him. He resists at first. But I'm sure he'll get used it. Best of luck with yours!

Thanks same to you

I'm going to try this harness as I have a bad back and a sudden lunge from Mattie can be quite painful. I've seen the You Tube video and I'm impressed by the idea of the whole thing. A bit fussy to fit first time but easy and quick after that.

Easy Walk Harness Video