How do I walk a big dog?

Answer 1

Use a Gentle Lead collar and leash, they are great, especially for dogs who want to pull.

Answer 2

The best thing you can do is take your dog, no matter what age, to an obedience class. Professional trainers can give you training tips specific to the needs of your dog. What works for one will not necessarily work for another. I use positive training in all of my classes. For large dogs I have the handler(owner) walk at a normal pace, when the pooch pulls they stop and plant their feet firmly shoulder width apart and wait until the dogs turns to look at them or comes back, then they give buckets of praise and a tiny soft treat. Carrying some good smelling treats in your pocket on your left side is also encouragement for you dog to stay with you. Clicker training is sometimes very helpful with large dogs and small owners. For children I always use a Gentle Leader and an item called a "traffic lead". These are usually only about 18 inches long and made of a soft leather. When the dog starts pulling, I have the child do the same thing, pull their hands into their waist, plant their feet firmly about shoulder width apart and say "no pull" . It usually works in a very short time, and no children leave my training classes with dislocated shoulders or road rash on their faces from an over exuberant canine pal.
Above all, frequent walks and lots of praise for good behavior is a must.

Answer 3

For young puppies, use a buckle collar. For older puppies and adult dogs, use a training collar or head collar, either a chain slip collar with medium-sized links, a nylon collar that can be fit around the dog’s neck instead of over his head, a prong collar, or a Promise Gentle Leader, depending on personal preference and the dog’s behavior. Training collars can be tightened and loosened to teach the dog to quit pulling. Head collars control the dog’s head so he can’t pull.

The chain slip collar comes in two-inch increments and has a ring at each end. It should fit the dog’s neck with about two inches of excess chain. Measure the dog’s neck and add two inches to determine the size of the collar. For dogs with wide heads – Labrador Retrievers, Akitas, Rottweilers, etc. – add three or four inches to the neck measurement so the collar will fit over the dog’s head.

The clip-on nylon slip collar comes in one-inch increments. It has a clip on one end and a ring on the other. A second ring slides along the collar. This collar should fit snugly behind the dog’s ears; it is effective with dogs that need their confidence raised.

The method used to teach leash manners depends on the dog and on you. Tough, exuberant, macho Rusty will likely need different techniques than sensitive, submissive but out-of-hand Dusty.

You can begin by teaching the dog to be aware of your body. Let him wander, then change direction before the leash tightens. Don’t say a word – the idea is for him to figure out he has to watch you, not continue to ignore your voice. The collar will tighten and put him on notice: if he doesn’t keep an eye on you, you might try to trick him.

If he tightens the leash by getting too far ahead, stop walking. He will get confused and probably turn towards you, loosening the grip of the collar. When the collar loosens, start walking again, but this time, change direction before he gets to the end of the leash. Walk around trees or cars, cross the street, go back the way you came, etc., and keep it up so he cannot anticipate your next move.

If this strategy doesn’t bear fruit in a couple of days, try something a bit tougher – the collar tug. Step towards the pulling dog so the collar loosens, then quickly snap the leash and release it in one smooth move so the collar tightens and loosens quickly. As you do so, change direction and walk briskly away without saying a word. The tug is an attention-getter, a reminder that you are in charge; it is not a punishment, so don’t yank hard.

If two or three such tugs on a slip collar do not get his attention, do not increase the strength of your jerks; switch to a prong collar. Harsh jerks on the slip collar can damage the dog’s trachea. Use only the pressure needed to get his attention: the object is to control, not frighten or injure, the dog.

When Major walks without pulling, praise him mightily. While he’s learning, protect your shoulder from being yanked by holding the leash at your waist with both hands. If you do use only one hand on the leash, keep that arm close to your body with muscle tension to resist his attempt to pull.

Answer 4

As someone stupidly suggested, it is NOT a good idea to walk a big dog in the middle of the road - it could cause a major traffic incident! Duh! Anyway, you should always keep a big dog on a short lead as they are seen as a bigger hazard to pedestrians (I should know I have a Great Dane lol and she certainly is!) If your dog pulls buy a halti and attach it to his/her choke chain and lead. DO NOT PULL IT as you will hurt and damage his/her neck, the halti does the work. It is like a headcollar and goes over their muzzle, attaching to their lead and choker. DO NOT PULL IT!

Answer 5

I use to walk my big dog in the middle of the road, that way he cant smell all the scents from the side walk.

Answer 6

Keep the leash as short as possible, therefore keeping the dog close to you and easier to control; until he's trained well enough to know how you want him to walk. And don't change it; be consistent

Answer 7

i have a lab/great dane mix and we went to pet smart and bought a harness type collar it does not snap on the top though. You attach the leash to the breast of your dog and if the dog pulls it kind of makes the legs cross.....

Answer 8

Make sure he is trained first so he doesn't walk you.

Answer 9

if you are a little kid you should not walk him at all cause he will walk you.

Answer 10

yank the **** out of it get him a choke collar and teach him whos boss if not you will be misserable