I have a 5 mth. old Pitbull and he tends to pull when im walking him. he is starting to get red burns around his collar. I was thinking about getting a harness that goes around his chest and upper body?? any suggestions?
2006-12-06 01:38:48 · 13 answers · asked by Tracey Lee ♥ 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don't really like the idea of a head collar..I don't want people to think he is mean! :)
2006-12-06 01:50:29 · update #1
I have a dog that pulls a lot and I use a halti collar or a promise collar. They go around the head like a horse halti, they work great! My dog does not pull at all. You can get them at Petco or Petsmart.
2006-12-06 01:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by eva diane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into a Gentle Leader, it is a head collar that goes on like a horse harness. A traditional harness won't discourage pulling. The Gentle Leader lets you lead the dog by the nose so you only have to control his head and not the whole dog. Any pulling on the leash will pull his nose and head down toward the ground. Best thing out there for strong dogs that pull on the leash.
2006-12-06 09:44:01 · answer #2 · answered by lizzy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you put a harness on him he'll be able to pull with his whole body instead of just his head. You need a choke collar and if you don't want to do that get a Halti training collar. When the dog starts to pull with a Halti they just pull themselves around to where they are facing you, they can't pull on them. I suggest an obedience class if you are going to keep the Pitbull so you can establish your dominance. Dogs who pull and insist on walking in front of you think they are dominant over you.
2006-12-06 09:43:28 · answer #3 · answered by porkchop 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best idea is to teach your dog to walk loose on the leash. I use the clicker method to work with my puppy. First I taught that the click meant a yummy treat, click and reward, click and reward, about 10 times until the dog is making the connection. Then when you are out walking with your dog and he gives you a loose lead, click for that and reward (ALWAYS reward for the click). If at first he doesn't give you a loose lead at all, simply go in the opposite direction he is pulling you and make him go with you. Do this several times and he will learn he needs to pay attention to where you are.
It takes time and training and your puppy is still very young, but now is the best time. I know there are possbile halter alternatives, but it would be much better to have him trained to walk well mannered on lead. Good luck!
2006-12-06 09:46:39 · answer #4 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could try a harness the dog can't pull that well. my dog is nuts with a leash. he's a whippet but very agile. i use the halti. it's a halter that wraps around the snout and if the dog starts pulling, the halti will pull his head so that he can't pull where he wants to go. dogs even have enough room around the snout to drink. great invention. it makes a better walk for both of us and we live in a big city, lot of distractions.totally cruelty free. good luck and happy holidays (don' t forget a gift for the dog)
2006-12-06 09:55:05 · answer #5 · answered by punkbun03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Training is the major key to the pulling & tugging.
Five Easy Steps to Leash Train Your Dog
Begin by placing the collar and leash on your dog while he eats, letting the leash hang loosely by his side. This allows your dog to associate the leash with something pleasant (food) and helps him get used to having a collar around his neck.
After two or three days, take the leash in your hand and follow him around the house for a few minutes after he's eaten. Do this for longer and longer periods, until your dog is used to both the leash and having you walk beside him.
Next, go outside and let your dog drag the leash around, occasionally picking up the leash and following him. Offer a treat while showing the leash.
While walking, hold the leash in your right hand and coax your dog along your left side by holding a treat in your left hand. As you walk, repeat the phrase, "Let's go!" Praise your dog when he does well.
If your dog starts to pull forward, do a clockwise turn and walk in another direction; the leash will pull his head to the side so he'll have to hurry to catch up with you. Repeat this exercise until your dog learns that if he wants to walk beside you and receive your praise, he'll have to stay by your side.
For more tips check out the website I have included:
http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=A&articleID=181&paidkw&source=ps06
Good Luck!
2006-12-06 09:42:51 · answer #6 · answered by Ms BG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have the kind that muzzles the mouth also. Pet supply stores would know what I mean. They are great in training your dog to walk nicely and also it doesn't hurt them. I think it may also make other pedestrians feel safer as many are scared of pitbulls
2006-12-06 09:43:17 · answer #7 · answered by Zoey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any leash that won't let him pull you will do. A halite is a good one and so is a gentle leader. Obedience classes are also a good idea, because then your pitbull will know who is boss.
2006-12-06 09:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by Ginger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gentle leader worked wonders for my Golden. He's 2 but weighs 80lbs (mostly muscle). He literally used to walk ME around the block instead of the other way around! It makes it so that the dog doesn't want to drag you anymore! Here's the site http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?ID=29
2006-12-06 09:57:13 · answer #9 · answered by onli420 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have had a lot of success with using a head harness. you can buy them at pet smart, or pet co. they make it when your dog pulls, it will just close his mouth and then his head will automatically turn towards you. it helps him remember that he needs to be aware of you, and where you are. i only used it on my dog for about a year, and now i don't need it any more.
2006-12-06 09:47:04 · answer #10 · answered by froggz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋