dragging on leash walking problem

[FenrisUlfr]

I spent a bunch of time searching old threads just now, but I'm not seeming to see anything for what my problem is. Fenris is 5 months and is pretty good on the leash, although he does drag toward other people and dogs if they're close. That I'm working on with treating and attention exercises. But he also now has a tendency to just glue his nose to the ground, walking so slowly that for me to keep walking at a normal pace, I have to physically drag him along. This doesn't seem distressing for him, but it sure is for me. I can't use the method of just stopping that taught him not to pull ahead, because since he wants to sniff, stopping just gives him what he wants and then we're stopping and going at his desire, not mine.

Our weather just got nice for really the first time since I've been walking him, so there are a ton of new smells, I'm sure. Is this just a temporary thing because of that and I should keep on with encouraging him to be up by me or a little bit in front, or is there some stronger measure I should take? When I turn around to face him and call/coax him along, he's good, and he also loves carrying random stuff he finds on our walks. If he's carrying someone's discarded water bottle in his mouth, he's a fantastic walker. But I can't seem to get him to consistently carry anything I hand him, so that's not a long-term solution.

My vet insists all rotts need a Gentle Leader, but he's so good at not pulling otherwise and is quickly getting better at not pulling even when we're only a foot or two away from other people that I would really like to train this out if possible, not hide the problem.

[hokisteph5]

You're right to think that the Gentle Leader is only a training aid and it won't solve the underlying problem. Have you tried not giving him so much leash? I know another member a couple weeks ago talked about the different types of walking they do. I think it was jakesfostermom. Let me see if I can find her post for you...

ETA: I found the post. It's more for problems with pulling, but it may have some techniques you'll find helpful for your slacker.

[thenewpup]

My trainer discussed a technique called "leave it." Basically when the dog is on the leash and wants to go towards something that you don't want them to go towards, you pull them away from it and say "leave it," and then you give them a treat or praise for listening to you.

It works wonders with my little guy. Now all I have to do is say "leave it," and he's more than happy to keep walking. It's worth a try.

ETA: With pups that were a little unruly, the trainer suggested putting the pup on a leash and dropping treats near them. Then you say "leave it," and once the pup looks up, give them a treat immediately. Do this several times. Later, randomly give treats and praise. When the pup leaves the treat on the ground alone for the most part, then you can use the command while walking.

Hope that helps.

[FenrisUlfr]

Just to clarify, he does "leave it" and does it pretty well. The problem is that since he's sniffing the area generally, I have to tell him "leave it" every step because every step there's something new and fascinating. So when he's interested in a particular pile of poo, he'll "leave it" when told, but if he's following some kind of trail, I have to drag him until we're past it or nag him with the "leave it."

[thenewpup]

Originally Posted by FenrisUlfr

Just to clarify, he does "leave it" and does it pretty well. The problem is that since he's sniffing the area generally, I have to tell him "leave it" every step because every step there's something new and fascinating. So when he's interested in a particular pile of poo, he'll "leave it" when told, but if he's following some kind of trail, I have to drag him until we're past it or nag him with the "leave it."

All I can say is to be consistent and repetitive. I've learned real quick with my pup that some things will have to be done over and over again...even to the point of becoming habit. Hopefully he'll figure out what you want him to do and will improve. You might want to start bringing treats as a reward during your walks. This might reinforce the "leave it" command for those exceptional temptations.

With Tank, I just keep doing all the tricks and commands. Over time I'll notice that he's getting better (now, when he's on the leash, he'll sit and then lay down almost every time I stop walking--that's without distractions, with distractions, that's another story ).