How do I teach my 14 month old Golden Retriever. to walk on a leash?

Question

She pulls so hard, I can't get her to just walk with me. How can I train her?

Answer 1

Buy a new collar - the new style is great for training, or learn how to properly put on a choke collar.

As you are walking, quickly execute 180 degree turns and pull her lead sharply so she has to follow.

Don't start to walk until she is calm by your side. Don't let her leave the door of the house ahead of you.

While you walk, keep your hands up high and keep some food in them - small hot dog bits - so when she walks beside you she will look up at your face.

I would recommend that you find an obedience training class - you and the dog will learn a lot!! Usually your local JuCo will have one or PetSmart has good ones.

Answer 2

This is the simplest and most effective way I know:

When the dog pulls, stand still and do nothing.

The point is to communicate to the dog that there is NO reward for pulling. When the leash goes slack, take a step forward. If the dog pulls again, stand still. Do not pull back. That's a reaction. If nothing happens when the dog is pulling, they will learn quickly that the pulling is what is causing the lack of walking fun.

This method takes patience, consistency and time. It may take you 20 minutes to go down your block and back but it is valuable training. I don't think treats are necessary as the walk itself can be the reward. I also think the extendo-leashes do nothing but teach a dog to pull. I will stick with a standard 6-foot leash for any dog.

Answer 3

Go to the Pet Store (any) and invest in a pinch collar the smaller the better ( the smaller the prongs are the more effective they are) Just make sure they are stong enough for her. Put it on her and when she pulls, give a short, sharp pull on the lease and don't say anything other than "NO PULL" in a firm voice. Make sure she stays beside you and not ahead of you. If she is in front of you,she is the leader. You must be the pack leader. You might also check out the website for the Dog Whisperer listed below for some tips
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/tips/index.php

Answer 4

it will take some time to train her but to keep her from pulling on the leash then you can use a pinch collar,. ok i know that it sounds mean but i use this collar on my golden because he pulls bad and since i have been useing this collar he has stopped pulling. now i am able to walk him with out it and he does great. i call it my power steering collar. because you will be able to control easier when walking her. you can use the choker chain collar but she will pull even harder and she will start to choke herself. try the pinch collar and see what you think. you would only need to use it for walking only and when you give a quick pull & release she will stop. use it for about 1 week and see how it will work for you. good luck.

Answer 5

I have never seen a happy dog on a Haltie or Gentle Leader. They seem to bother dogs, and they are constantly trying to rub them off. And, don't let anyone tell you the can't pull with them on, I know of a few dogs who absolutely refuse to move in them, except backward!
Get a book or trainer or take a class. They teach you how to train the dog in step by step instructions, without making both of you nuts, or the dog worse. Sometimes you need "hands on" instruction complete with demonstrations.
Good luck.

Answer 6

there isnt much you can do - harnesses are cruel

golden retrievers are usually pretty hyper especially if they only get let out 3 times a day or less...try walking her more and know she will chill out the older she gets

also longer walks will tire her out so that she wont be so full of energy and try to pull you down the street

my doberman pulled until he was 2.5 years old then he mellowed out unless he really had to go

Answer 7

Take the PetSmart training class my daughter's golden knows "walk" he stays by our side w/out a leash.

Answer 8

People will likely yell at me for this, but buy a "choke chain". Properly used the collar isn't for you to choke the dog. It's so the dog doesn't pull against you. Also I highly recommend attending an obedience class. Major pet stores have them regularly, check with your vet, or local shelter.

Answer 9

watch CESAR MILAN, the dog whisperer. he has a web site under national geographic.
first you need to figure out who's in charge, you or the dog? when she's leading you, she's in charge. and if possible, get someone strong to walk her (and you) until she quiets down enough for you to walk. i have 4 dogs, 3 over 100 pound, and i can walk the 2 110 lb dogs together. they are 3 and 5 yrs and nothing but energy.

Answer 10

I can 99.9% garantee your dog will not pull if you use a head harnes on your dog. The 2 most popular are the Halti and the Gentil Leader. Try it