Walking Issues or Praise

[pjackson]

Hello All,

My 4 1/2 month old rottie is as sweet as a gem, nut she does something that comfounds me. When I now walk her I use a harness as oppsoed to the once used collar, because I don't any puling or pressure on her neck. Sometime with her harness she would refuse to walk while I held the leash, and would just sit down. Somtimes I would literally have to pull her so she walks. SO after being frustrated I dropped her leash and started walking, she immediately started to follow. She would sometimes lag behind sniffing, but I keep ker concentrated on my voice as I keep calling, keep walking, keep walking when I stop then yu stop. She has amzaed myself, and other her see her, because she walks with me, and doesn't wonder. I don't let her get too far away, and she is leashed it's just dragging. We went for a long walk twice yesterday, and the same thing She rather walk with me, but she does, and very obediently, so I don't know if it's a problem. I know people may say don't because she can run off, run in the street, or chase after someone or something, but she hasn't. Even when I am walking I walk backwards to keep my eyes on her. I have taught to when she gets to a crossing, to stop, sit, then proceed which she is very good at. It's not for our entire walk that I let her walk like this, because there is also disciplined nvolved, if she lags too long, I grab her leash to walk her, and she does. Then I give her the priviledge to walk freely, with supervision of course, as well as with praie because for every block we walk successfukky she gets a treat. But if I see another dog, a child, or someone walking towards us I grab her leash as well. Can someone analyze this situation?

[mercedes]

She loves you! Puppies have a bond with there owners. If you start walking away, she is gonna follow. If you notice, she probably follows you around the house most of the time. Honsetly, I would not let her walk freely, she could run off or get hit by a car. As she gets older, she will become more independent and will wander if you dont hold the leash. Also , not holding the leash teaches her that it is ok that you dont have the leash, so that when you want her to be on one, she will fight it.

A good way to get her used to a leash is to put in on her and let her walk around the house with it on. Are you using a nylon leash, chain, or leather?

Also, to teach her to walk on the leash. Make her sit next to you before you start your walk. Give her the heel command (if she doesnt know it, this is a good way to teach it) and start walking. If she doesnt get up, if you pull hard enough on the harness, she will get up. After a few steps, praise her and give her a treat. She will learn!

[Birdie'sMom]

Originally posted by pjackson
I know people may say don't because she can run off, run in the street, or chase after someone or something, but she hasn't. Even when I am walking I walk backwards to keep my eyes on her.

I'd say that you've been lucky and I wouldn't press my luck with this. Puppies are fast little suckers! She is young, and even if you have trained her to stop at the curb, she may have a lapse and forget to stop!

[pjackson]

Hi Mercedes,

Thanks for your reply, and I do understand what you mean. I am currently using a nylon leash, and harness. SHould I be using something different? I will try what you suggested.

[mercedes]

I am glad you are using a nylon leash. Chain is too heavy and leather can be ackward for training. I also use a harness on Mercedes. Some people will argue that harnesses dont work because they evenly distribute the weight so they can pull on the leash, but it doesnt seem that you have a pulling problem.

Another thing you can try that has worked wonders for others is a halti. It is basically a harness for the muzzle. If they pull on it, it applies pressure to their muzzle and it makes them want to move so it doesn't pull. It is totally up to you though. If the harness works good for you, I would stick with it. If you still have problems with her, buy a Halti and give it a try. I really hope this helps. Also, be patient. I know it can be frustraiting, but patients is they only way!

GOOD LUCK!:)

[Judi W]

Actually, she does have a pulling problem. Just because the dog is not trying to pull the handler forward, the dog is pulling by keeping the shift lever in park when the handler wants to move forward. Dog is still controlling things. I don't see where it would be possible to pull a dog forward from a harness. If you insist on using a harness, to get her up and moving, walk in the direction her back is turned which will allow you to put pressure on the harness and she will have to turn and rise to her feet, then circle around to the direction you wish to go.

You might want to reconsider the wisdom of giving all control over to the dog because you don't want to put any pressure on her. (is she particularly fragile or something?) Especially when she assumes such control that you have to drop the lead in order to get her to move. This dog is not trained. Even thoroughly trained dogs are kept on lead because of safety issues and the law. Dragging the lead does not count towards the leash law. It only takes one incident to lose your dog or for someone to be injured.

[DivaDog]

I would also say your pup is only safe on leash when out and about I'm certainly no pro, but you might try luring her on with a treat. When my pups were starting out on the leash they could be stubborn about moving, so I would have them sit on my left side with the leash in my left hand and a hotdog bit in my right hand just in front of their nose so they had to walk forward to get to it. I would show them the treat and then keep it closed in my fist so they could smell it but not eat it. After they had walked a couple steps they got the treat. I was able to lessen the treat until they didn't need it, which actually took alot less time than I expected. Good Luck!:)

[alexav]

I agree wholeheartedly with JudiW.
I would be interested to know if, when you are holding the leash, is it loose or taut?
Dogs will move against pressure unless trained to "give".

Try holding your leash with plenty of slack in it and use something enticing to reward her for following closely by your side.

Ditch the harness and get your pup a well fitting buckle collar or "No Slip" martingale collar.
I simply must disagree with mercedes and say that nylon leads are NOT as good for training as leather. The lightweight material can interfere with the communication between handler and dog (assuming that the dog is being trained to respond to pressure on the collar and not just steered around on a harness.) and if even a medium sized dog bolts or pulls quickly, the nylon can give you a painful burn.

You've been lucky so far. Please stop taking chances. :)

[Luvs]

Originally posted by alexav
I simply must disagree with mercedes and say that nylon leads are NOT as good for training as leather. The lightweight material can interfere with the communication between handler and dog (assuming that the dog is being trained to respond to pressure on the collar and not just steered around on a harness.) and if even a medium sized dog bolts or pulls quickly, the nylon can give you a painful burn.

You've been lucky so far. Please stop taking chances. :)

I agree about the leather leash. The only time I use a nylon leash is when I first get a puppy. I use it to let them drag it around the house to get used to it. Nylon leashes are usually much cheaper and I don't care if it gets trashed and dirty. As soon as I start doing any kind of training I switch to a leather leash for the reasons Alexav stated.

[alexav]

Good point Luvs. I keep a few around for just that purpose.:)