PULLING ON THE LEAD
We have a 5month old Springer named Willow who whilst didn't at first mind the lead now objects strongly and pulls violently when being taken out to the fields to exercise. We have to cross a busy main road and this is really stressfull for her and ourselves. On the return journey because she is tired she isn't quite as bad, but is far from reasonable. Help!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Martin and Hazel
RE PULLING ON THE LEAD
Hello Martin and Hazel
I can only answer from my own experience with Wilson, Springers are strong exitable dogs and Wilson and Willow are no exeption ,Willow is only 5 months old and still a puppy ( I have been told they do calm down after around 15 years !! )
Wilson was/is a "puller" and it was not an enjoyable experience taking him out on the lead he just wanted to run free, and pulling on the lead when walking became a real problem After a little research over the internet we bought a 'Halti Collar'. This proved to be something of a miracle ! From the first time I used it, Wilson walked by my side. Its a bit like a bridle that horses use, it fits over his nose (but its not a muzzle) and you lead him by his head and not his neck / chest as with normal leads, we used it and gradually introduced the normal lead back over time, Wilson still pulls but not as bad as he used to. I would suggest trying one with Willlow .... does Willow attend any puppy training classes ?
hope this helps
Paul
RE PULLING ON THE LEAD
At last I think I found a technique that works ( at least in Wilsons case ) its called the loose lead method. basically the theory is you only move when the lead is loose, when the lead tightens as the dog pulls you must say NO! ,stop walking and DONT MOVE,do not pull back on the lead as this causes more pulling you have to become a tree and do not move (when a dog is tied to an imovable object it does not pull, it waits ) when the lead becomes loose as the dog realises your not going anywhere then start walking again with lots of praise and a treat when your dog is walking at your required pace.It may take 20 minutess to walk a 10 minute walk with all the stopping and starting but it was worth it ,I did this with wilson twice a day for a week and he has improved so much its now a pleasure to walk with him somtimes its as if he is not even on the lead.If you try this method good luck and I would be interested in your views on the subject ...........
Paul
Re Walking on the lead------ loose Lead
I found your method of only walking when the lead is loose to work well. At about 4 months my dog was getting bigger and stronger I changed to shorter and more frequent walks using this method. I also found loosing the lead and then suddenly changing direction useful.