I have a lab and a golden retriever. Both are very sweet dogs, but both will pull like there's no tomorrow when excited (by skateboards, cats, rabbits, etc.). The vet and trainer recommended I use a gentle leader, which has helped tremendously (I had already been using the pronged collar, which didn't bother my lab at all). The only problem is, they HATE the gentle leaders. They dread my putting them on them before the walk, and are constantly stopping and trying to rub the gentle leaders off. I know it's not a problem with the fit, as the trainer fitted them accordingly, and I've made some adjustments myself to try to make them more comfortable. I figured it would just take time for them to get used to them, but after TWO MONTHS, the leaders are still bothering them. Has anyone had a similar experience, and if so, what did you do to make it better or how long did it take for your dog to finally get used to them?
2007-03-13 12:00:47 · 9 answers · asked by sherryberry74 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Only thing to be said is lots of practice and patience. Its hard for the pet to learn to as this is new to them. But the gentle leads are best for dogs, rather than leashes.
2007-03-21 09:05:51 · answer #1 · answered by tysonberry8669 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know about gentle leaders but the other day I was watching the Dog Whisperer. That guy is incredible. He helped some people with a pit bull that pulled like mad and wanted to bite other dogs. I am sure your dogs are just friendly, but anyway if you are at wits end you could look at one of his books on how to stop them from pulling or even go on line to see if you can find the answer. I think it is a control thing, they just don't believe you are the one in control. Just a thought
2007-03-20 19:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by susan c 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My dog doesn't really like his GL, but he has a collapsing trachea so can't have any presure on his neck. Sounds like your dog could use some obedience training in conjunction with the GL. I correct my dog verbally if he tries to take off his GL. Also make sure you are using the GL every time you go for a walk. The owner's manual also recommends your dog wears his GL just around the house when not on a walk...
2007-03-21 16:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by sunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My yellow lab hated hers too. She didn't want to put it on and kept trying to rub it off with her paw. You probably know the gentle leader is designed with the over-the-nose strap to establish dominance with you dog in your "pack", they probably hate that, but I don't think it hurts them.
I just keep making her wear it to tell her I'm the boss.
I wonder if a treat would help after you put it on, it would have to be a small one so the dog could open it's mouth enough to chew it. Good luck.
2007-03-13 19:33:08 · answer #4 · answered by twinkletree27 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took out some time to get our dog used to the GL in a fun way: making a game out of putting it on. I started by offering him a treat in such a way that he had to put his nose through the loop to get it. That's all (so no putting it on). I progressed slowly from that to putting it on without fastening, before he could get the treat. Then fastening, a treat and removing it again. Than wearing it while lots of fun and playing. And only then attaching the lead (and lots of fun and playing).
He still doesn't really like to wear it and tries to avoid it if possible (which is never), because of the over-the-nose-aspect.
In the same way they have to accept wearing it (from time to time) and getting a decisive "no" if they try to rub it off, you'll have to accept that it will never be fun for them to wear it.
2007-03-18 09:48:17 · answer #5 · answered by lyonesse 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe now that they get the idea of the right way to walk with a leash you can try to go back to a regular leash/collar. They might not pull as much as they use to. It's worth a shot!
2007-03-13 19:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use the gentle leaders on my three dogs .Sholdn't let the dog stop and try to get it off ,If they try to remove it .Just keep walking.also it helps to talk to your dog to keep it distracted and focused on you ,not the gentle leader.I try to wean my dogs off of any restraint device other than a standard collar and leash by stopping dead in my tracks and waiting till the dog "checks in" by focusing its attention on you
Then reward it and move forward
2007-03-20 00:11:16 · answer #7 · answered by Snowman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to petsmart with one of your dogs and try on the SPORN harness.... I have one for my very muscular basset. Everyone I have asked recommends this one over the gentle leader
2007-03-16 18:49:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yea, ive had eight different dogs and all of them we tought on gentle leaders. they all walk well and always stay by your side. one of them was even a 160 pound brazilian mastiff.
also some people think its cruel but its not. all of my dogs love people and it dosnt hurt the dog. it just pulls thier head to the side if the pull
2007-03-13 19:21:05 · answer #9 · answered by mophiaman3000 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋