Leash walking

[Mega's Mom]

I've gotten alot of valuabe information about leash walking from the boards but I'm hoping I can get a bit more help. Mega also pulls, lunges and whines when he sees other dogs (and sometimes people). Distraction (treats, etc) doesn't always work. In one post, Tulsa-Dan recommended ending the walk if he behaves badly. My only concern with this is that I work during the day so his only morning exercise is his walk (he does have a dog walker 3 days a week). I'm afraid then he won't get enough exercise. A good dog is a tired dog, right? Do I subsitute playing in the house in the morning for his walk? I don't want to give mixed signals - behaving badly = walk ends but extra playtime in the house. I have enrolled in an advanced obedience class that starts in 2 weeks so I'm hoping to learn new or better ways to get and hold his attention. Any suggestions in the mean time? Tulsa-Dan, I hope you pipe in ... I always look forward to reading your advice / input. Thanks!

Meridith

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Sometimes ending the walk isn't practical if, for instance you are far from home. Equally effective is turning and walking in the opposite direction, swiftly, from the oncoming dog that your dog so desparately wants to meet and greet.

If she can't sit and behave while another dog approaches, she doesn''t get to meet and greet. That simple.

Hope this helps some. Might try reading "The Culture Clash" and/or "The Dog Listener' for more information on loose leash walking and controlling your dog around other dogs, etc. Some super valuable information in these books and, in my opinion, should be on every dog owner's bookshelf for handy reference.

Good luck.

 

[Mega's Mom]

Thanks! I have both books and will continue to read and try to implement the new training principles.

 

[curb_pks]

We got this same advice from Tulsa Dan and it worked real well. But we still could not conquer the way Gracie acted when she saw other dogs. We worked on having her sit for treats, and that seemed to help. The problem is that some people see us having a tough time and walk towards us for some reason. She has a comfort zone now, but when the dogs get to close she still gets fired up.

We recently bought a harness that causes her to turn when she pulls. Our new trainer suggested we try it. Let me tell you, it is SO GOOD. She sees a dog, she pulls, and it turns her around.

If you have not tried it, let me know and I'll give you the website.