How do i get my almost 1 yr. old cockapoo to walk next to me?

Question

I cant seem to get him to walk beside me. No matter what I do. I even am using a harness when i take him out, but he just keeps pulling and pulling.

Answer 1

Keep the leash very short, so that he can't get momentum to pull hard. Each time he pulls forward, reverse your direction..EACH time, so that he can't get anywhere if he pulls. He will soon learn that pulling only causes him to walk in circles.
I like to do this training in an empty parking lot or other wide area.
If you go to a wide area, you can walk in figure 8's and he has to pay attention to you..never knowing which way you are going.
Keep it fun and upbeat..lots of praise when he stays with you.

Take a look at some of these videos> http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=canine%20freestyle&btnG=Google+Search&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv
These dogs are all trained by this method> http://www.clickerlessons.com/
Notice how carefully they watch their owners!

Answer 2

Pulling is a reflex that all dogs have. It's why sled dogs pull sleds. Training is your answer as well as an "anti pull" harness. These harnesses are made by companies named Holt and Premier (Easy Walk). I have a Lab and they both work very well and don't cause any physical discomfort to the dog (as if I'd do anything to hurt my baby). Shorten the lead and keep the dog by your side. Hold a the lead on the off side hand and hold a treat in the hand by the dog. Make the dog follow the hand with the treat for increasingly long periods of time. If the dog doesn't stay with you, don't treat. When the dog pulls: when walking the dog and the dog is pulling - stop walking and pull back on the lead making it taught. When the dog turns or released the pressure on the lead say, "Good dog" and treat it. The slightest lightening of pressure should be rewarded. You may only take one step at a time but this will work. Once the dog learns not to pull future lapses can be treated by pulling harder on the lead and turning the dog around. BTW, when doing this say, "No pulling" so the dog learns what that command means. After a few weeks you'll be amazed at how much more fun your walks are. (I attached web sites from Pet Smart but you can get these harnesses cheaper if you shop around. For heavy pullers Premier makes a muzzle easy walker that works like a charm.

Answer 3

What is a 'cockapoo'?? Is it suppose to be a cockerspaniel?

Anyway, take him to a trainer. They will most likely use the 'heel' trick. Before you spend the money, please take my advice!

Put your dog's leash on like you'd normally do to take him for a walk. Make sure you have treats in hand! Walk forward. (You're dog should follow you!) Tell him to 'heel'. When you tell him to heel, stop in your place. He should stop too. Make sure you reward him for doing what you want! Do this everyday for 30-45 mins to an hour!

Answer 4

I suggest buying a very, very short leash for your harness. One that is about a foot or less. Then go for short walks often stopping each time he starts to pull. I usually wait a couple of minutes then try it agian. Use a strong tone of voice when telling him "no". Each time you walk, walk a little longer distance. Soon enough he will end up getting better. Just remember that it does take time and patience. Good luck!!!!

Answer 5

Do you have a choke chain on him? That might work better than a harness.

As soon as he pulls ahead of you, firmly say "Heal!" and stop walking. The leash will pull him to attention and obviously he'll have to stop walking and look at you. Then start walking again. Keep this process up until he understands that as soon as you say "Heal!" he better stop walking or he's going to get a nice jerk.

When he does slow down and walk besides you, be sure to praise him verbally and with pets and treats and tell him "Good Heal! Good Boy!"

This may take a while, but it's a method we learned in training for our dogs. Good luck.

Answer 6

Shorten the lead, a common mistake is giving too much leash when he gets too far ahead, turn quickly and walk the other way, he will quickly learn to walk beside you.

Answer 7

You need to get a training collar. Have your dog stay on your left side every time he/she polls away then you pull up on the leash. I training collar works every time!