My Jack Russell wont learn to walk on a loose leash, any tips?

Question

I have tried to take him on on walks and would like him to walk by my side but he almost chokes himself walking way ahead of me. I have tried working with him by gently pulling him if he gets to far ahead. He is far too distracted to pay attention to me when he is outside. Any tips for keeping his attention so he will learn to walk on a loose lead?

Answer 1

Keep the lead very short, and he can't get the traction to pull hard..As you let the lead out a little, as soon as he pulls ahead, do a full turn about, and go the opposite direction..EVERY time he pulls, turn aound...I like to do this in empty parking lots, so I have fewer distractions, and open spaces..
He will soon learn that he doesn't get to go anywhere but circles if he pulls, and gets to actually travel a bit if he stays by your side..
Keep his head up at all times, and never allow him to sniff the ground, as he will have more power with his head down, and will also develop the bad habit of sniffing everything , and pulling you to investigate new scents.
I also like to use the harness mentioned above..

Answer 2

I also have a Jack Russell, ( A Husky & Greyhound ) Our first 3 walks were a total disaster. Then I changed my strategy instead of a retractable leash I purchased a short leash and a small chain collar,for the sound it makes If I give it a light tug .( I only use this chain collar on our walk ) . I keep the leash short, have my arm hanging down at my side it creates no tension. If "Wishbone" starts pulling I stop walking say NO sharply & give him a tap on his chest. This now has distracted him once he's calm then we begin our walk again. Of course then I add "Good Boy" his little stub of a tail starts wagging. I don't allow him to walk in front of me . After that first day of our 30 minute walk he got the idea. I haven't had a problem since.

Answer 3

I have the same exact problem with my jack russell puppy. I have been talking her to obedience classes since I got her and it has helped a little. Use a short leash and make sure you have control. Try to use "heel"...and "easy" when you want him to slow down. I know how frustrating it is though, I still I have a lot of problems walking my dog. The busier the road the more excited she gets and starts pulling and wants to attack all the cars. I have tried bringing food to distract her but that hasn't helped me. Just keep being consistent. Some people have told me to stop everytime she pulls and wait. However, its hard because you won't get anywhere with them and they really need to go for long walks so its tough.

Answer 4

Try the gentle walker harness, it fits high up on the nose and gives great control, only takes a few hours for them to get the idea and then you can go back to a normal leash. Remember to reward him regularly for good behaviour and he will soon catch on, hope this helps.
BTW >$20 in Big W for the Gentle Leader

Answer 5

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/rn8fI

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 6

Get a Sense-ation harness or Sense-ible harness, that will get the pressure off his neck. When you walk him, if he pulls, stop moving, wait until he looks at you, reward him by moving forward again. If he pulls, stop moving. He'll figure out the only way to go anywhere is to stop pulling on the leash.

Answer 7

dogs always choke themselves, its normal. also, jus use a leash that you can click at a certain length.