Leash training

[luvmygdaughters]

Well Captn Morgan is a delight. She is so sweet and loving and has a great disposition. I have only one problem with her and it probably isnt her at all, its probably me...when I walk her on the leash, she stays with me and is very easy to handle, except when she sees a squirrel. When she sees one, she literally pulls me along like I'm a ragdoll. I tried the Gentle Lead head collar and that doesnt work. Someone suggested a pinch collar, I've never used them but they sound cruel. Does anyone have any suggestions? TIA

 

[Roman]

Well Captn Morgan is a delight. She is so sweet and loving and has a great disposition. I have only one problem with her and it probably isnt her at all, its probably me...when I walk her on the leash, she stays with me and is very easy to handle, except when she sees a squirrel. When she sees one, she literally pulls me along like I'm a ragdoll. I tried the Gentle Lead head collar and that doesnt work. Someone suggested a pinch collar, I've never used them but they sound cruel. Does anyone have any suggestions? TIA

I'm looking forward to the replies too. Meatball has never been good on a Leash, and Dolly-Deaf-Dog is just a Baby, but she's no good on one either.! I am so happy to hear that Capt Morgan is doing so well!!

 

[luvmygdaughters]

I'm looking forward to the replies too. Meatball has never been good on a Leash, and Dolly-Deaf-Dog is just a Baby, but she's no good on one either.! I am so happy to hear that Capt Morgan is doing so well!!

Thanks Roman, she is doing just wonderful. Did you ever post a picture of your Dolly? I'm dying to see her since I've never heard of a "reverse Boston Terrier". Glad to hear everyone is doing good.

 

[luvmygdaughters]

which one of yas think u can train this user with a leash?

Depends, can I reward you with milkbones and a pat on the head.

 

[Moved_south]

I, too, have issues with my lab on leash. I end up not taking him on walks because it turns into such a chore and I usually end up with blisters. I tried the gentle leader- he paws it off the first chance he gets. totally hates it. I hate choke collars, but am thinking I may need to get one.

 

[PrepH4U]

There is a harness that Peppers sells, the leash hooks in the front of the chest. (if I remember right) I had bought one for an aquaintance when their pitt/lab was taking everyone for a run. One time was all it took, when they pull it turns them around. Seems to work real well for chest powered dogs. I wish they would have been out when we had a lab years ago, failed 2 obedience courses and was made an example of We had to get a prong collar for him, I felt so bad for him, but he still pulled me down the street.

 

[Roman]

Thanks Roman, she is doing just wonderful. Did you ever post a picture of your Dolly? I'm dying to see her since I've never heard of a "reverse Boston Terrier". Glad to hear everyone is doing good.

No, I didn't post any pictures yet. My Daughter had a Camping trip last weekend, and couldn't help me figure it out. But I promise, I will see what I can do very soon. She is mostly white, whereas Boston's are normally mostly black. She's catching up on Sign Language pretty well too. Poor thing.!

 

[General Lee]

Prong collar.....Way better alternative to a "choke collar"

 

[ICit]

Prong collar.....Way better alternative to a "choke collar"

so many people dont understand this collar or how to use it...

now with that said...it is not for all dogs and there are other training methods that one should try first.

 

[migtig]

I wouldn't get a prong or choke collar as a first resort. Sounds like Cpt Morgan is a good walker otherwise and you just need some control. I totally recommend getting a harness and using it instead of a collar or a gentle lead. You will have so much more control over the dog - no matter how big she gets. Walk like normal, but when she gets distracted you don't have to fight her for control - you already have it, give commands and carry on with your walk.

 

[ICit]

I wouldn't get a prong or choke collar as a first resort. Sounds like Cpt Morgan is a good walker otherwise and you just need some control. I totally recommend getting a harness and using it instead of a collar or a gentle lead. You will have so much more control over the dog - no matter how big she gets. Walk like normal, but when she gets distracted you don't have to fight her for control - you already have it, give commands and carry on with your walk.

sometimes a harness works... but a harness gives the dog the ability to use more of his strength if he really wants to pull.

 

[migtig]

sometimes a harness works... but a harness gives the dog the ability to use more of his strength if he really wants to pull.

It doesn't sound like this dog is being bad or unruly or challenging dominance. It's just getting distracted and Mom goes along for the ride. :shrug: I think a harness is an easy quick fix. I could control an 180 pound dog(K) with a harness with no problems. My old dog(T) was trained with a choke, because he was stubborn and smart and challenging me at every turn. Therefore, knowing the dog's attitude makes a big difference. I am suggesting using the right tool for this situation. Not every dog needs to be aggressively trained and not every dog challenges dominance.

Personally I wish I could use a choke on my little witch, but I'd snap her neck.

 

[ICit]

It doesn't sound like this dog is being bad or unruly or challenging dominance. It's just getting distracted and Mom goes along for the ride. :shrug: I think a harness is an easy quick fix. I could control an 180 pound dog(K) with a harness with no problems. My old dog(T) was trained with a choke, because he was stubborn and smart and challenging me at every turn. Therefore, knowing the dog's attitude makes a big difference. I am suggesting using the right tool for this situation. Not every dog needs to be aggressively trained and not every dog challenges dominance.

Personally I wish I could use a choke on my little witch, but I'd snap her neck.

true.... and I also agree that i dont think this dog needs a choke or a prong...

but what it sounds like is the dog only has a few of the basic building blocks... and when the training foundation is not strong and solid... it crumbles in may spots.

also... I would love to see you try to walk one of my dogs on a harness hell they have almost killed me like that!! Little ole' Miggy wont have a chance... but I would save you!!


I think there is hope for you little girl...you just have to find the right way to connect with her!!

 

[thatguy]

I, too, have issues with my lab on leash. I end up not taking him on walks because it turns into such a chore and I usually end up with blisters. I tried the gentle leader- he paws it off the first chance he gets. totally hates it. I hate choke collars, but am thinking I may need to get one.

there is your problem right there, dont let him have the opportunity to take it off.
For difficult dogs i have found the gentle leader is the best way to go. just keep the lease short enough at first that the dog cant get his head down. Then walk briskly until he realizes he is on a walk. After they get aclimated the gentle leader does all the work.

I would not suggest a harness for a dog that is dragging you when he sees a squirel. Harnesses distribute the force over the body of the dog so it is more comfortable for him when he is pulling.

 

[Bay_Kat]

The only thing I found that worked on my pup at first was a harness. With a regular collar she was always trying to chase something or someone, with the harness, it's like she's perfectly trained.

 

[spinner]

Does the dog know basic commands? I had a dog that became so excited she didn't know how to control her impulses, so I made her sit whenever she became over excited. If we were on lead and she saw something to chase she had to sit until I thought she could control herself. I did use a choke collar but not a prong one. Even in the house instead of jumping on people she would run up and sit in front of them. It took a bit of training but worked well for her. But she had to know basic obedience for it to work.

 

[luvmygdaughters]

Does the dog know basic commands? I had a dog that became so excited she didn't know how to control her impulses, so I made her sit whenever she became over excited. If we were on lead and she saw something to chase she had to sit until I thought she could control herself. I did use a choke collar but not a prong one. Even in the house instead of jumping on people she would run up and sit in front of them. It took a bit of training but worked well for her. But she had to know basic obedience for it to work.

Yes, she knows "sit", I'm working on the "stay" command. She gets very excited when she sees the leash. My husband and I are teaching her that we dont go for a walk until she sits and we put the leash on. As I said, she isnt crazy out of control, she is very strong and when she sees something she wants to chase, buckle your seatbelt cause you're going for a ride. LOL, I did try a choker on her last night and that seemed to help.