what is a goood way to train a 5 month puppy to walk on leash?

Question

I am 100 pounds, the puppy is already at 70lbs.
Yes- the puppy is a large breed dog. She keeps pulling and I cannot walk with her at all. I am out of breath and my backs and legs are aching after trying to walk. Thus, I need solid advice.

Answer 1

The best way to train a puppy on a leash is to keep control of the situation at all times. Whenever the pup starts jumping around or wants to run off, STOP where you are. Don't take another step. Tell the dog to "heel" and direct her back to your side. As soon as the dog settles down, praise her and start walking again. If she tries to take off STOP again, give her the heel command, and direct her back to your side. If her misbehavior on the leash continues for more than 15 minutes, say "no walks", turn around and go back home. (Continue to STOP walking any time she tries to bolt.)

Don't hit her or yell at her. This will just make "walking" painful, aggravating and frightening for her. Just tell her "no walks" and go back home. Never allow her to drag you around.

If you consistently use this STOP technique, the dog will soon learn that misbehaving on her walks makes the walk end, and cuts off her time outside with you.

Answer 2

Prong collars are the safest and most effective way to prevent pulling. They simulate the nip of another dog and allow you to control the dog with much less force than a choke collar, or standard collar. It spins less than a choke collar so its always in the right position. If a choke collar slips down toward the should of the dog it loses its effectiveness. A properly fitting prong collar won't slide.

If you don't want to buy a new collar, tighten the collar so it stays at the top of the dog's neck, right behind the ears.

To correct pulling, use short quick pulls on the leash instead of just pulling against the dog. Dog starts pulling, say NO, and give a short pop of the leash. You want to do it hard enough to get the dog's attention, but not so hard that you injure the dog.

Answer 3

I am an owner of 2 large dalmations and boy do they pull. the best thing which has worked for me is to use a halti lead. theyre brilliant, they dont hurt or choke the dog. I just have to keep the lead quite short though as they like to roll around on the floor to try to get them off.

Answer 4

Try a gentle leader. It works so much better then a halti. It's like a halter for a horse...leads the head, and they can't pull.

After they are paying attention to you, you can train her to heel. I'm still working on that part with my baby (he's a goofy, uncoordinated 10 month Akita). The large ones mature slower and take a little longer to "get it".

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/marsupilove/Hakkai/d2f699b7.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/marsupilove/Hakkai/Hakkaimarina.jpg

**** I should add that I agree with the obedience class.....the halti hasn't fixed the problem, but makes the problem manageable while you teach the "heel" command.

Answer 5

Honestly, I know it's a pain, but with a dog that large you really need to be "in control", and the only way to do that is with puppy training classes. I had a large-breed dog as well (for 14 wonderful years!), and because of their sheer size and strength, it is even more important for them to be properly trained. Ask your vet, other responsible dog owners, and/or the local animal shelter for names of good trainers. And sooner is better than later--she is already teaching herself bad habits that will only get worse and be harder to "undo", and at her size that will be difficult, of course! But properly trained, she'll be one of the best companions you could ask for!

Enjoy her, and best of luck!

Answer 6

For larger dogs you should choke up on the leash to avoid pulling and to avoid breaking their windpipe. Try taking your dog on shorter walks at more frequent intervals to reduce your aching.

Answer 7

Get a choke chain its kind of mean but it will work wonders