How do I train my dog to walk with me better?

Question

I have a black lab who gets over-anxious when I walk her at first. She always wants to pull me and ends up choking herself. I bought a harness so she wouldn't choke anymore but I would like for her to "walk-nice" with me. What equipment or techniques could I use to help her?

Answer 1

all you need is a leash, collar and some REALLY good treats (think cut up chicken, hotdog, liver). you want to be the most interesting thing in the world to your dog. make walking with you the most fun thing every. start walking, and say "with me" or "walk nice" which ever command you are comfortable with. give the dog a treat, take a few more steps, give another treat. you want the dog looking up at you waiting for the next treat. if you lose the dogs attention (if he pulls on the leash, goes to sniff, etc.) STOP. no treats, no attention, no walking. just freeze like a statue. the second the dog turns to look at you (like "hey, why'd we stop?") and loosens the leash say "with me!" and give another treat. keep walking. repeat over and over.

this is a slow process and you won't get far your first few walks. you need to gradually reduce how often you are giving the treats. you might want to start in your backyard or living room so the dog gets the idea without all the distractions.

for an instant fix, the EZ-Walk harness made by gentle leader is very effective to stop pulling, but it doesn't train the dog to walk nice. might be worth getting until you have been able to work with her! good luck!

Answer 2

I use a prong collar with my lab. It does not hurt him, but it does get his attention, otherwise, on a flat collar, he pulls until he's hacking and gasping for breath. When I put a harness on him he was so strong he would just lunge on pull me off my feet. The prong collar means we can walk nicely in the heel position. You have to use it correctly and never leave her unattended when it's on, she should only wear it during walks and training sessions, never just around the house or in her crate.

Also, check out Cesar Milan, http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
He has a book, DVD's and a TV show that can help. Also you can check out a yahoo group consisting of people who practice Cesar's methods, http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhispererFans/

Answer 3

Change directions many times. Don't let her pull the leash or walk in fornt of you. If she does, even for a moment, you just stop and change direction, so that she will follow you. Otherwise, you are teaching her that pulling the leash is how she will go where she wants. She must leran that pulling the leash will not reward her with her nice walk, but following you will.

Answer 4

There is a wraparound (snap collar) that you can use that will help..At least it helped me with my GSD..It positions on the part of the neck thats the most sensitive and you snap it to pull them back when they are running ahead..Its completely humane and doesnt hurt just more uncomfortable (like when someone flicks you)..The key with this is to makesure you snap quickly and not jerk the leash...Also you HAVE to make sure you have NO tension in your arms, beause this only makes them more nervous or excited...Also it makes a HUGE difference when you walk with your back straight and know you are in control..Then your dog will know this also...Anyway here is a site where you can find this collar, like I said it worked great for my dog, she was a huge mess, and I dreaded our daily walks.. http://handcraftcollars.com/install_instructions.php?osCsid=71c4b492dffb669e3ef1d3759f981377

Answer 5

With my lab, I use a Gentle Leader ( you can get them at most pet stores)
It is a headcollar, so it goes across the nose and when you pull on the attached leash it puts pressure on the nose.

Answer 6

Be very calm with her, she can tell if you tense and anticipating her behaving badly. Keep the leash short, but don't pull on it just shorten it. When she walks she needs to focus on you. If you are calmly holding her and she is focused on you she should walk calmly. This has worked with my German Shepherd, and he is very head strong. I just want him to know on a leash it is all about me, not what he can find to chase.