How can I go about training my 3 year old choclate Lab/Beagle mix to walk without pulling?

Question

I just rescued my dog from a family who could no longer care for her and when we go outside for a walk, she literally pulls me down the street. Can someone give me some direction?

Answer 1

It's a "Pack leader" thing. First , do not allow the dog to enter or exit doors or gates 'before' you , it must be you that leads the way. Use a short lead ,with the collar pulled up high ,close to the ears.
Now the hard part, it requires determination and consistency. Do not pull or yank on the leash,the idea is to have minimal tension on the leash. The dog must be next to ,or behind you as You Are The Leader
If the dog passes you and begins to pull ,quickly stop, grab the collar and return the dog to your side. Add a verbal command (Easy or walk nice) Then proceed on your walk.
You'll have to repeat this many times before it sticks, my dog got it in one day,but with some it takes many.
Once the dog gets it ,It should be treated as the norm., but in fairness to the dog he should be allowed some free leash or off leash time too..

Answer 2

Okay, this can take a lot of work and dedication on your part.
When clipping on the leash, talk to your dog in a nice mellow tone. Explain that you two are going to have a nice slow walk, no pullling. Believe me, most dogs know what you are saying, and your tone of voice is the KEY. When the dog begins to pull, give a light tug on the leash and say "heel" in a very firm voice. (You can use stop, woh, or whatever works, then stick with what works)If the dog ignores you, say it again, a little louder, and stop walking.
MAKE the dog listen to you. You may have to practice this, over and over. But be consistent and firm about your command. You must not let the dog have its way, you are the teacher. There is no need for yanking, hitting or screaming. Unless your dog is very hiper and is focused on other things, it will come arouind. Make sure to reward your dog EVERY time it obeys. This doesn't necessarily mean food treats every time. Of course their favorite treat the first time or two doesn't hurt, it will get their attention. But good praises are in order every time they listen.
If your dog has doggy ADHD, then a choke chain collar may be in order. These are not cruel and are effective to animals that don't listen. The choke chain collar ONLY tightens up when the dog doesn't listen and or is pulling away. These are very effective. If all else fails, have your dogs hearing checked, many animals have hearing problems that go un-diagnosed and they are wrongly punished do to our ignorance.....
Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

cesar milan has a site to..thatsthe dog whispher.
i would use a choke chain. it will not hurt dog if used right....and i would start in house or back yard so there is nothing new that neds to checked out right now.

put chain at top of neck behind ears. the loop touching need to be kinda behind the ear on the side u are not standing on.the other the leash goes onneeds to double back on itsself. all it takes if a feww pulls and the HEEL comand and most dogs get it...with the exception of labs...they can be bone head when it comes to pulling huh..yeah beagle to....it takes time and lots of u repeating...and teaching basic sit stay stuff..
if ur still haing lots of trouble after a few weeks of doing it everyday atleast 2 times a day i would find a trainer or pick up some training books at the libary.

Answer 4

It's really easiest if you have the dog on a choke chain collar. They're not cruel if used correctly, but they do give you more control. Have the dog at your left side when you start walking, say either "heel" if you want the dog to stick to your side, or "stay close" if you're happy to just have the dog close to you with no pulling.

Start walking as you give the command and when the dog pulls, repeat the command while giving a short, sharp jerk on the collar. You give a very short snap on the collar so it doesn't continue to choke. You need to be very consistent and your dog will soon learn. If she continues to pull, you can also try just stopping. Stop dead when she pulls, repeat your command when the dog is calm and walk again. He'll learn that her walks don't take him anywhere if he pulls.

You need to remember to use lots and lots of quiet praise whenever she walks well.

Answer 5

Well in first instance you have a mix of the 2 most stubburn breeds you may have and besides that, hiperactive. Honestly I'd try professional advice. I feel a good abedience training would help but always look for the French Ring not Shutzhund. French way teaches by rewarding and playing.

Answer 6

There's a British Trainer who sometimes comes to ClickerEXPO in the US. Her name is Kay Laurence. SHe has a beautiful method for teaching loose lead walking.

Start out by walking near a wall or fence wtih teh dog between you and the fence on a lead. Give him treats if he is between you and the fence, and ignore him if he gets ahead or behind.

Over time you can move away from teh wall and the dog will still stay near you and you can reduce how often you give treats.

http://www.wagmorebarkless.co.uk/aboutus.htm

Answer 7

Purchase a leash called "the gentle leader". It is different from other leashes, in that it is connected to the dogs snout, a dog will only go in the direction of it's head, the gentle leader helps you control the head, thereby controlling the dog.

Answer 8

Get a pinch collar (the pronged one). I know it sounds cruel, and I didn't agree with them at first either. With a little persueding, I finally gave in to it, and it was a wonderful change. My dog learned that if he pulled, he would get a little pinch, but that is better than him choking himself! It does not hurt them, just keeps them from pulling. Make sure, though, that it is properly positioned (at the base of the dog's head, NOT around the neck where the collar goes) or it will not be effective!

Answer 9

I have a Beagle. Since he has short legs, I wrap the leash around my hand until it is so short that he has to stay next to me because if he pulls, his front legs lift up off the ground. It doesn't hurt him, he just doesn't have any slack to go anywhere.

Answer 10

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