Dog training

[MiniN]

Jack, my 6month old collie, likes to pull on his lead ALOT. bless him, he just gets so excited when we go out.

a friend recommended a 'gentle leader' collar to stop him pulling.. do they work? or have you any other suggestions?

regardless of what collar/harness we get him we will still train him to heel.

[leelapops]

Hi Mini, I bet your Collie is beautiful! We have a 3 and a bit y-o Collie, also called Jack!

We were told he was 14 weeks when we got him, but he was actually closer to 8-9 months. He had never been out or socialised, never been on a lead and wasn't house trained!
He was quite a challenge, and I must admit I didn't put enough effort into lead-training him. Consequently, He spends a lot of time trying to pull my arm out of its socket!
He has a Halti (Gentle Leader-type head-collar), which does work to an extent, in that he pulls a little less. However I do feel that for us it's been a case of fire-fighting rather than fire prevention, and I wish I had worked harder in the first place!
You say you will train him to heel, and presumably that comes under lead-work, so that shouldn't be a problem! It's worked for us, but I wish it hadn't had to be so long-term.

Give Jack a cuddle from me, Mini, and a lick from our Jack!

[lankeela]

I prefer a Halti to a Gentle Leader, but even better is a Canny Collar. This exerts even pressure on both sides and gives you more control without it riding up on the dog's eyes. Having said that, I would prefer you to teach him not to pull by proper use of a combi collar, also called a half check, which has a nylon or leather collar with a triangle section of chain. The chain has to form a triangle for it to work, so adjust the collar part until it makes a triangle when you put very slight pressure on it. This enables you to correct him if he pulls without it tightening too much. The problem with the head collar trainers is that they don't ever cure the problem of pulling, just make it easier for you to hold them, and once you take it off they go back to pulling. Make a concerted effort to take him out just for lead training, rather than trying to do it when you are going for a walk. Spend time doing 'about turns' if he pulls, going back the way you came, give him a gentle tug on the collar and encouraging him with a toy or a titbit. When he is beside you and going the same way without pulling then praise and reward him. It is easy to do if you concentrate on getting his attention.

[MiniN]

leelapops, jack sends a sloppy wet kiss to you and your jack and a cuddle from me. what do you mean by leader work? i'm a novice to this dog training lark! but i'm willing to put in the time and effort for my Jack.

lankeela, what do you mean by a proper combi collar/half check? do you have know of any examples online?

not only do i want to stop him pulling short term, its also important for me to train him properly. whatever i get for him, i want to make sure it won't hurt him.

[lankeela]

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product_group.asp?d ept_id=251&pg_id=489

You willalso find details of Canny Collars on the petplanet site.

[leelapops]

Oh Mini, he sounds so special! :) I bet he is just adorable. Jack is my first dog, and so I have a bit of a Collie-bias!

By lead-work I just mean training him to walk well on the lead. I hope to dedicate more time to this soon and perhaps have my Jack settling down on the lead a little (hope it isn't too little too late!)

I have never used a half-check, but lankeela's advice is usually spot-on! And she is definitely right about dedicating walk time specifically to training your Jack up on the lead. Much easier, and that way he will definitely "get" it: you will know what you're out for, and so will he, so it'll be more consistent.

We had so much to learn. I know I am probably preaching to the converted anyway, but Collies are pretty sensitive; you sound like you really adore your Jack-treat him with kindness and respect, and never be harsh, or unpredictable in your mood, and you will just have the most special relationship with him! My Jack just likes to be liked, and Collies learn best with praise, encouragement, and fuss!
Don't want to go on any more (!) so my last point is that you make sure training never stops: it's lifelong! There's so much that Collies can do; investing in some puzzle-type toys, like treat balls that Jack has to work out how to open, or the Nina Ottosson wooden puzzle toys, is well worth it to keep Jack busy! Their minds never stop, it's exhausting but so rewarding!

Are all dog owners mad? In the nicest way ever :) x

[MiniN]

leela, we are totally bonkers! but with dogs like ours, how can you not be!???

i totally agree that collies are so lovable and such happy dogs. even when jacks a bit naughty (e.g. digging a hole to China) i can never stay mad at him, he just jumps on me, pins my shoulders down with his paws and licks my face to death!

thanks for all your advice. me and jack (*woof!) will look in to all the options this weekend.

[leelapops]

Oh Mini, I hope you have lots of fun with him!

:) Let us know how it goes xx