Loose Leash walking

[pattysdaddy]

Hey there Guys,

I have a question for you guys. I've been doing some reading and am trying to figure this out (until I find a good trainer in town to bring my dog to. researching that right now.)

I have a 3 year old chocolate lab named patty (femal) that is a rescue dog. I've had her for about three or four weeks now. When I first walked her she pulled a bit but more then likely because she was just so happy to be out and about. After the first day or so that wore off. The first weeks that I walked her she walked very well with me and didn't pull. she would pull if she saw another person or animal cause she wanted to get there.

I decided to try and teach her to loose leash walk with me because even though she normally doesn't pull, she does at times and people walking towards us often seem to think she's agressive.

This past week however I find she is pulling more and more so I decided to start and enforce this training.

I've been doing the "when she pulls, turn and go the other way" thing, Then when she catches up I praise her but usually she darts out in front of me very quickly so we don't get very far before I turn around again.lol

The problem or question I have is as followed. Before I started any of this, I used to walk her for at least 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. But I read that when you try to train them not to pull you should keep that to about 10-15 minutes becaus more then that they'll lose interest in it.

Is it counter productive if I do 10-15 minutes of training then go for a walk for 20 minutes or so with out correcting her or training? (I think it would be counter productive).

If so, what is a solution to this? My dog won't survive on 10-15 minutes of exercise in the morning and then again at night. lol

any advice, tips will help.

 

[Herschel]

Are you using a retractable leash?

 

[pattysdaddy]

Nope,

Using just a regular 6 foot leash (solid).
I used to walk her with a harness (cause when I first got her she was so excited she almost killed herself from pulling on the color)

But I've been trying to walk her more with the color these days.

 

[LinkLinx]

I use prong collars when walking my dogs, and that's how I trained them. They are a great training tool, and no, they do not hurt. Just make sure that you are properly shown how to put the collar on the dog, take it off, and where to place it on the dog. Prong collars don't go around the neck, and any owner leaving them there, or leaving them on, needs to be taught how to use them the right way.

Harnesses, in my experience, promote pulling, and if your dog is truly adament about pulling, it won't stop with just average methods.

 

[jacensolo]

Have you tried a head halter like the Gentle Leader or Halti? I've used one with Jack and it worked wonders. He also doesn't growl as much when on the leash anymore

 

[BarkingM*d]

Is the problem walking on a loose lead in general, or practicing poor self control in the presence of other dogs/people?

If the problem is the later, take a look at the following thread:
http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39014

If your dog is constantly pulling, turning to walk in the oposite direction is a very effective way of always keeping the dog slightly behind you and the lead loose. Another thing to try is to simply stop every time the lead goes tight. Say nothing and do not move. The dog will no doubt stand at the end of the tight lead for a short while. As soon as the dog releases the tension on the lead, or turns to look at you.

Patience is the key here, and yes you may take 30 mins to move 100 yards, and yes you will look like a *insert word of preference* to passers by.

In answer to your question I would not let the dog practice the bad behaviour of pulling outside of the training sessions. A Halti/gentle leader can be a very good tool for the times when you don't have time to train. I tend to use two leads one on the halti, the other on the flat collar which gives you excellent control.