Walking to heel

[spotit3]

Any suggestions on getting a dog to stop pulling on the lead? Unfortunately there are no training classes nearby. I have tried a few books but nothing seems to be working. She is quite good at sitting and lying down but walking her is a nightmare especially when she meet other dogs. My arm is almost pulled out of it's socket! She is a miniature poodle and gets about an hour's walk each day. Any tips greatly appreciated.

[woofgang]

google Turid Rugaas or 200 peck training...for a kick off
the troube with books is that the dogs don't read them lol
How old is she and how long have you had her?

[roxie_09]

I had this problem with my puppy, and my bf suggested getting a harness for her, really helped with her pulling and she was a lot better behaved while out too! x

[bednobs]

we did this this morning in puppy training classes, but it's a bit complicated to explain here. have you ever heard of reward based training? It's much more effective than shouting and yanking their leads

[Ratty2E]

If you don't mind looking like a loony one of the best ways to stop pulling is by turning and walking the other way. As soon as the pulling starts just swing round and march off in the direction you just came and if she pulls again do the same thing. You could find yourself walking up and down the same bit of pavement for a while and people will think you are mad. It does work though as the dog realises pulling isn't getting them anywhere and only by walking nicely do they get to have an interesting walk. As with any training it takes time and patience and has to be consistant.

[RATTER15]

Go to youtube and look for "dog training" lots of great video tips also look at Cesar Milan and Ian Dunbar.

[RATTER15]

<<<My arm is almost pulled out of it's socket! She is a miniature poodle>>>

<<see my dog, I take 3 of these for a walk at a time, now they can pull your arm out of its socket at a combined weight of over 30 stone, fortunately they are trained not to pull but they can have their moments :-)

[spotit3]

Thanks for all the fast replies.Woofgang, she is 14 months and I have had her about 2 months. Ratter15 I know she is only a small dog but I am a female OAP and I can assure I know when I have had her for a walk, my arm is sore for about an hour afterwards!

[RATTER15]

spotit, sorry , didnt mean to sound mean :-( It just sounds a little amusing when you first read it.

[lankeela]

Best thing is to take her out to 'train' her rather than for a walk i.e. spend time doing what was recommended above, stopping and going back the other way when she pulls. If she likes titbits have something in your hand and get her attention on it. Stop frequently and when she sits praise her and then walk on, using the titbit to keep her attention. If she likes a toy then use that. Most harnesses won't stop her pulling but if you need to get something try a 'Canny Collar' or a 'Halti' which guides the head. They take a little getting used to but if you keep walking forward then they can't get their feet up to scratch them off. When you meet other dogs get her to sit or lie down till they have gone past, praising her all the time and using a reward if she is good.

[woofgang]

two months is no time at all to train a dog, especially if its never been done before and she's adult....must admit I smiled (nicely) too as my dogs total 70ish kg, which is smaller than Ratter's but still quite enough. One is pretty good, the other is a numpty heid. I use a figure of eight slip lead on him.

[jules77]

Agree with RRG and Lankeela. But, you must not allow her to move forward if she is pulling, that may mean that you dont get to go for a walk as you may not get very far for the first week or so. She will soon figure out if she pulls, she doesnt go anywhere.

[carmalee]

also most collars fit too low on the neck and the dog uses them rather like a horse uses it's collar to pull a carriage. - to be effective a collar needs to be high up behind the ears and tucked into the jaw angle -

[chris552]

first of all use a check chain and make sure it is put on the correct way. When she pulls jerk the lead sharply. Each time she pulls do this. I guarantee this will work. A veterinary nurse will show how to put the check chain on the correct way.

[chris552]

Me again. Just a note: This is how professional dog handlers do it. I do know!

[RATTER15]

These days there a far better and more humane ways of training a dog without using check chains, Im not totally against them its just not a great solution when there are kinder ways ad detailed above.

Check chains don't always work, especially with an OAP who may have arthritis etc.

[ladybirder]

Jerk the lead sharply! Check Chain! Absolutely not. No need for that at all. How cruel. I hope you ignore this advice.

[RATTER15]

and there was me trying to be tactful!! lol

[bednobs]

yanking the lead is a sure way to damage a dog's trachea!
reward based training is much better than punishment based training.
you can start at home by practising on the lead. Have a treat in your hand and show it to the dog to get it's attention. Now walk forward but keep the lead loose. if the dog follows you/walks beside you on a loose lead then give them the treat. Even if it's only 2 steps. build it up - make sure they kow you have the treat and are focussed on you. if they pull or run ahead, they dont get the treat - only get it when they walk next to you. practise indoors first - if you start when you are out on a walk there are too many distractions.
Also be aware how easy it is to communicate your feelings through the lead too -if you get anxious and tense up when she sees another dog, she'll know

[bednobs]

PS @chris - i don't exactly know what you mean by "professional" dog trainers, but inflicting pain and possibly damage on a dog is not very professional in my opinion

[notasyoungasiwas]

Choke chains and yanking on the neck is NOT good advice - how would you like to be yanked about by the neck chris?? I always thought a harness was a much better idea and is what I would recommend, as already stated.