I've been volunteering at the local Animal Shelter for a few days now... And I've been wondering how to get the dogs to not pull on the leash. It's not that I really mind, they're not super-powerful dogs and they don't pull me over or anything... But I believe that if they walked well on the leash, their adoption chances would raise significantly.
All the places I've checked say "talk to the dog calmly and make sure the dog is calm when you start the walk/put the leash on," which isn't really feasible. You have to nearly shout to be heard over a dozen dogs barking, and it would be near impossible for any dog to be calm in those conditions.
And it's also not like I can work with them 24/7 either. The shelter is only open from eleven to four; and in the mornings I have to clean. Also, the budget isn't really high, so an obedience school is way out of the question. I'm not quite sure a choke collar or whatever is the best way to go, either. It just seems cruel. So, any suggestions?
2006-12-18 07:11:29 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just pull back on the leash, don't let them get their way.
2006-12-18 07:45:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're in a really hard spot. Dogs in an animal shelter are cooped up a lot and this results in a lot of nervous energy. A dog that might normally be great on a leash will most likely pull simply cause they are so excited to be outside.
Just about everything with dog training comes down to establishing ourself as the Alpha ... the leader of the pack. This can be especially hard for dogs in a shelter as they most likely see a variety of poeple on infrequent basis. A dog that pulls on a leash has not recognized you as the leader ... after all the leader leads... I had this problem with my dog which I adpoted. What I would do is a mixture of things. When the Spark got ahead of me, I would say no and either stop or walk in the completely opposite direction. He would get pulled and end up following me. When he was alongside me, I would praise him and tell him how good he was. When he got ahead I would do the same thing .. say no, and turn around. You'll feel like an idiot .. and I am sure I looked like a duck at a shooting range going back and forth. But after a bit he picked it up and walked alongside me very well.
I don't know this will help yu much though, as I mentioned above, dogs in a shelter will most likely pull. Your best bet is to explain to the potential owners that bing locked up all day has this effect. Once they get them home, they should be able to curtil this behavior quickly.
2006-12-18 07:31:07 · answer #2 · answered by grysmmr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say no to the choke collar-not all dogs will respond to them, some still pull and the collar can damage the tracea. If you are in a shelter setting as a vol, then you have to work on the behavior and not try a collar or halter. I would walk until the dog puts tension on the lead. When there is tension-stop and change direction. Either go to the side (not the one the dog is pulling to) or back up. You may not cover much ground doing this, but just start showing that tension means you back up or change course. A lose lead and we can keep walking.
Also, practice having the dog at your side. Have a treat you can hand off easily for walking by your side (for small dogs a wodden spoon with peanut butter works perfect-just move it down to them). Treat as they walk-if you wait and treat them in a sit or something for wlaking beside you they won't know why they got the treat. And not all dogs can learn this easily or even at all-don't get discouraged if they are still pulling after a week or two. I have to walk my dog on a prong collar to reduce pulling-she is a hunting breed and her goal in being outsdie is to sniff everything. Good luck-even just walking the dogs (pulling or not) socailizes and is a huge help!
2006-12-18 07:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by VAgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try 'granny leashing' the dogs.. you clip the leash onto their collar and then loop it around their tummy. When they pull on the leash you can give a quick jerk that will stop the pulling. Follow the jerk with lots of praise or a treat and continue to walk - give the leash a short tug when they start pulling again and continue this until they understand the consequences of pulling. They best training is consistency and reward - since you are a volunteer it may be harder for the dogs to learn but at least you are getting them used to what's expected when going for a walk. Also, since the dogs are in a shelter environment they must be so excited to get out that they behavior may be worse than if they were in home and got more attention. Good luck!
2006-12-18 07:21:56 · answer #4 · answered by westcoastpup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nooo don't use a choke collar ...just walk towards or watch them when they not pulling the leash and gave them a treat for good behavour. or like it was saied above ...pull the leash around the chest .. By the way ...how about using a harness ?
some harnesses are made to put a pressure at the chest of the dog if they are pulling the leash . It is not painfull (just make sure that the pressure wont "press" on the tommy )
Good luck and you are a good person . If my english would be better i would explain the whole situation better to you
2006-12-18 07:29:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you take a dog outside, TRY to get it calmed down. It will be difficult, though, with all the sounds coming at it from the kennel.
As you walk the dog, keep the leash very short and make the dog walk at your side. It definitely will pull but it won't wear you down as much. Talk softly with it, outside, or as softly as possible so it can still hear you. Don't be excited or yell -- it will only upset the dog.
Eventually the dog will realize it's ok to walk at your side.
And I agree, a better behaved dog will have a better chance of finding it's 'forever' home. I respect your line of work and encourage you to continue.
2006-12-18 10:43:12 · answer #6 · answered by garynjanice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMQrJ
A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.
2016-05-17 15:24:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have found that a sharp tug on the leash is most effective in letting the dog know that you don't want him to pull against the leash. This is more effective with some collars than with others. The idea is not to tug or snap the leash so hard as to harm the dog, just firm enough to let him know your intentions.
2006-12-18 07:32:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Choke collars won't help - if possible, you should start to watch the Dog Whisperer - Cesar Millan will help you with alot of behavioral issues that you'd be able to utilize in your job.
He suggests that when the dog starts to pull, don't move, or move in the opposite direction. The dog will learn that pulling doesn't get the result he wants. I've heard others cite this technique also. Why don't you try calling a trainer to teach you? good luck!!
2006-12-18 07:23:30 · answer #9 · answered by diney2u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try stopping completely when the dog pulls, and not walk again until the dog turns and gives you attention or walks towards you. You could also try calling the dogs name - ONCE and show him you want him to get closer, before you move on
2006-12-18 07:20:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋