Toby is a 5 month old Sheltie. I also just asked a question about him being afraid of large dogs. He is a quick learner. He learned sit, down, come, and stay after only a couple of times showing him! I plan on doing obedience with him. The big problem is "heeling". He walks well on long walks. I use a harness since he tends to pull. Unfortunately, you can't use a harness when doing competitibe obedience. I need to get him used to heeling on a collar. He just sits there and I have to tug him to move even a bit. I reassure him and encourage him with treats and a friendly tone. He'll move a bit and then stop. He refuses to walk at my side. I never had this problem with training any dog to heel. He is weary of alot of things. Should I try a choker or would that just scare him more? Any ideas on methods of getting him to heel nicely at my side would be greatly appreciated! I don't want to give up because he is a very smart dog! He also is used to walking (continued)
2006-12-12 00:41:45 · 7 answers · asked by SHELTIELUVER 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
with my older Sheltie puppy, Emma. He tends to mimic everything Emma does. Could he be refusing to "heel" because Emma isn't with?
2006-12-12 00:42:45 · update #1
A lot of dogs go through a skittish phase during adolescence. He needs reassurance that you are in control so he does not have to be afraid. That is why he probably acts more confident with emma there, because he knows she will protect him and he sees her as the leader. He needs to feel the same comfort from you , but not by talking to him in a baby voice . You need to be calm and assertive. Start at a heal position . Keep the collar at the top of his neck under his jaw and behind his ears. It does not matter what kind you use as long as it is snug enough not to come off and in the right place. Then in a firm but calm voice say come and start walking. IF he shows resistance by pulling or not moving don't stop just keep going , don't even look back . He will start walking once he knows you are not going to stop. You can use treats but only when he has behaved well. It is so much easier to watch Ceaser Milan ( the Dog Whisperer) He is amazing. But I wish you luck.
2006-12-12 01:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by casey s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he is misbehaving because of the other dog. I think your new dog just needs more positive time than negative. Be sure you are carrying good treats, not dog food...like a liver snack! Go to one area to train the dog and make sure it's all business. And short.
Train for about 10 minutes, giving treats often.
If you move to a choke collar on an already shy dog, you may have more problems, not less. As you know, all dogs are different. This one may just be a slower learner, or a more sensative dog that is afraid of raised voices, sharp tugs, etc.
Do go to the library and check out a few books or videos on dog training. They have so many new ones that are wonderful.
Good luck with him!
2006-12-12 00:57:47 · answer #2 · answered by WriterMom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might take a look at a choke collar. They are very robust, and they don't harm the puppy. They best furnish a reminder that they must now not pull at the leash so difficult. You might additionally arise with a key phrase, like "heel." This could alert the puppy that it's pulling at the leash. Also, attempt to inspire the puppy with treats comparable to beggin strips or reduce up scorching puppies. Each time that the puppy stops pulling while commanded to quit, supply it a deal with. Try commencing with a brief leash and preserve the puppy at your part (ideally now not a retractable one). This will exhibit him that you're in manipulate. Good success, and I desire this is helping!
2016-09-03 07:47:36 · answer #3 · answered by dassler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only true way is with treats. Cheese and chicken are usually the best treats to use.
You could use a toy - like a tug of war one and get him to play tug of war with you whilst you are walking. After a while put the toy
away and see if he continues to walk.
2006-12-12 01:22:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not having emma there could be the problem. have you tried the gentle leader halti? i know you can't use these aids in competitions, but you just need to change his way of thinking right? maybe the halti and a few treats would get him thinking that heeling isn't a bad thing. right now it's something he can be stubborn about and there's not a whole lot you can do about it. he's got it figured out. smart pooch.
2006-12-12 00:57:09 · answer #5 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't try and MAKE him come with you. pretend you are just going on a walk, and walk out with the leash in hand. FORGET the dog is there. you may need to tug a bit at first, but he should walk right along. at least from what the dog trainer ceasar says. ive seen him do it sooo many times. the trick is walk strong and walk like the boss. your dog will obey when he knows YOUR in charge.
2006-12-12 00:55:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might try training him with a different type of leash. There is a very humane leash out there which attaches to their muzzle instead of their collar. Then, instead of trying to pull to one side, they have to stop when you want them to or turn the way you want, since you're turning their face.
2006-12-12 01:35:19 · answer #7 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋