Leash Walking Help

[tasham]

We've really been working with Cyrus on his leash walking. He's doing much better than he was a few months ago. We worked with a trainer, who used the Martingale (choker) collar as training. While the methods could be harsh at times, we've seen some progress with Cyrus. He doesn't pull out on his leash like he used to. He stays pretty close to me while we walk for the most part, but I have to constantly remind him to slow down or "heel." He's getting better though.

The one thing we have made zero, zilch, no progress on is that he absolutely freaks out when he sees another dog whether it be across the street, on the same sidewalk, or even hears another dog barking but doesn't see the dog. He comes unglued just knowing another dog is around. He doesn't listen or even acknowedge me. I've tried harsher methods that our trainer suggested, like pulling on his collar and basically manhandling him, but that doesn't work. Plus I just don't like the constant pulling on him. It breaks my heart to do that to him. When he's calm, a quick tug on the collar to get his attention works for the most part, but when he's excited or sees something he wants to get to, I think the tugging only adds to his over stimulation.

I've tried using treats to distract him and make him look at me for the treat when he sees or hears another dog. He's all about treats.....unless there's a big distraction like another dog. Then he doesn't even know I or the treat exist. I've put the treat right in front of his face saying "Cyrus look at me!" when he's going nutso crazy but he doesn't even pay attention to it.

I run and walk him a lot. I love running with him, but when another dog is anywhere visible or audible, he becomes too much to handle. What do I do? I am so beyond frustrated I could cry. Even working with a trainer hasn't helped him in this area, and the trainer just made it seem like we weren't being strong enough with him. When I see other well-behaved dogs who can walk down the same path as another dog and keep their focus, I get so jealous. Please, any help would be so appreciated. I'm out of any ideas on what to do with him with this issue.

 

[dbetz]

Hi, I know and feel your pain. I have been in tears many a time walking Rudy. She has a very similar problem and knock on wood - she is finally improving. A trainer told us Rudy has an out of control prey drive and once in that mode - she can't hear or focus on anything but that other dog. Kind of like when you are typing on the computer and your husband talks to you and you don't even hear him because you are so focused.

Man-handling him will not work. In Rudy's case she would turn pain and man-handling into more aggression. I did not think Rudy was food motivated until I tried Chicken breast - she is crazy for it. I walk Rudy everyday and I always have Chicken (or Natural Balance chub) in my treat pouch. If I see a dog in the distance - I will take a few pieces of the chicken in my left hand (leash is in right) and I hold it in my lightly closed fist. She will keep her nose pressed to my hand - walking all the way. As we pass the dog (across the street - she still can't get that close) I say "dog" and she will look over, see the dog and I start releasing the treats to her. She is still incredibly interested in all things that breathe but we are now at the point where I can give her a firm "Leave It" command and she will actually leave it.

I don't know if this is much help or if what I am doing is right - but it seems to be working for us when I didn't think anything would. Best of Luck to you, I know what you are feeling...

 

[dbetz]

Hi again - I neglected to mention there are several really good no pull harnesses and or leashes available that may also help. None of the commercial ones really worked for Rudy because her nose is too short and she ended up with big cuts on her nose or the others would cut under her arms - but they have worked for many many others. Just a thought.

 

[tasham]

I'll give that a try! Cyrus loves almost anything, but he does particularly like a good stinky meat like bacon. I think I'll give your method a try the next couple of days and have a nice supply of bacon in my treat bag and see if he responds to that. I like the idea of holding it in my fist so he can smell it but doesn't immediatly get to eat it and has to follow my hand, therefore paying attention to me longer and hopefully forgetting about the furry distraction close by. I'm definitely going to try that.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[LILYLARUE]

Very good suggestion Tasham! This is a very good method to gain their attention. It does work best when you learn the signals that your dog is losing interest in you and more towards other dogs and be able to start the treat at the right time, before a reaction sequence begins.

Once your dog settles when seeing another dog, the goal is then to move closer gradually until they can reach the other dog without being too excited. This could take a few training sessions or it could take months. Each dog is different, but you have to stay consistent and reliable on your training.

Lily was two until she settled down a bit when seeing another dog on a walk. So don't give up, some dogs just need more time to unwind.

 

[loganwebbsr]

Clicker

I dont know alot about dog training, but i have a friend that trains various hunting dogs and he uses a clicker. It is a device that makes a loud, sharp, snap noise.
I was having trouble with my dog (passed away last fall) getting super excited when someone would come to the door. I didnt think that anything would ever get him to stop, until my friend told me to use the clicker to get hes attention followed by a treat or reward. It really seemed to get his attention right from the start, and once he figured out that he was going to get a treat, the method got even better. I guess that all dogs are different, but after a little time and alot of treats this sure worked for me.

 

[bmwgardner]

I feel so grateful to have found the trainer that I did. She was able to get my 7 month old to walk perfectly after 3 sessions. I will share with you what she has taught us.

The number one thing was establishing alpha dog with him. My dog is very dominant and only wants to listen part of the time. Things like spitting in his food and leash correction were big items on her list.

Second thing was proper leash and collar for him. She properly fitted him with a prong collar. (I was very put off by this but after my research learned they are much safer than a choke collar and it really got his attention). The prong needs to fit correctly and I recommend that you research this or consult a trainer regarding it before using one. We had tried him on gentle leaders and harnesses but the prong works brillantly without any cruelty or pain for our dog. Boxers have very thick necks and the prong mimics what mother dogs do to correct their puppies. Also a leather leash makes a big difference because you have a lot more control. The normal fabric leashes really hurt your hands and don't allow for proper correction.

The third thing was how to correct properly. I used to stop and "be a tree" when he pulled (or changed directions) but it actually injuried my shoulder and was exhasting. No matter how often I did this he still pulled or, worse, he bit at the leash and played tug-of-war. We did this for weeks and weeks with very little progress. She taught us to place him on our left side into a sit position. When we say "heal" we move forward. The second he moves ahead of us or away from us then we place a very quick (not pulling) correction on the lead. We use words like "with me" when he gets distracted. Another important thing we learned was to hold the excess of the leash in front of us with the right hand and give a short bit on the left for correction. Every time he gets distracted simply give a quick tug.

I highly recommend finding a good schultzhund trainer who will work with you and your dog. We are so pleased to find ours. Best of luck to you. You deserve to walk your dog and enjoy it. AFter all, he will enjoy it to and that's the best joy.