How do I train a 5 year old dog to walk on a leash?

Question

I have a golden retriever. He chokes himself when I try to walk him on a leash outside. He gets to run around in our backyard that is fenced in. He is also partly an inside dog. He's a homebody, but when we try to take him for walks, he wants to take off running.

Answer 1

The ultimate reward for him on a walk is to keep going. Choking himself is no big deal with a reward of going going going on a walk.

Therefore, don't reward him for pulling. If he pulls, stop. As soon as he stops pulling, walk. He'll pull again. Stop. Repeat.... many, many times. It won't be easy or quick to retrain him after 5 years, but with diligence you'll have a dog that walks without choking himself.

Another tactic is to get a pulling harness. I'd use two leashes: one to his collar and one to his harness. You can teach him "pull" (use the harness) and "stop" (use the collar). The reward for not pulling is that he gets to pull. Also comes in handy when you want him to drag you up hills. Once he's learned, you can just use the harness. (You want to use the collar so you have greater control).

About collars and harnesses: If you use a flat collar or choke chain and let your dog pull, it can seriously damage his throat and trachea. I would not recommend using these for a dog that seriously pulls. I'd recommend a no-pull harness, head halter or prong collar. Head halter are generally highly recommended, but my dog never got used to them so I don't like them much, at least for my dog. Prong collars look cruel but don't hurt and are much easier on your dog's throat.

Answer 2

The Gentle Leader and Harnesses should only be used as last resorts as they are quick fixes to the problem, and not a solution.

My 6 month old Cavalier King Charles pulls constantly on his leash. So over the past few weeks when we go out for 5-10 min I work with him on learning how to heal. It's a hard and long process but slowly he's "getting it". What I've learned to do is:

- if he starts to run ahead of me, I simply stop. I don't pull the leash and choke him as a penalty, but if he keeps running he's on his own.

- the other things that I've found to be effective is to keep changing directions. If he runs ahead, I'll turn around and walk the other way. If he goes left, I'll go right. It seems mean to do this, but what trainers will tell you that this teaches the dog to watch you when out on a walk.

- While walking i keep praising him when he walks nice with a positive upbeat tone in my voice. This is a major helper!

- If he's into clicker training, I'll also sometime click the clicker to tell him that he's doing great. CLICKER = GOOD JOB (and Sometimes a food reward).

- Lastly remember to keep these training sessions short and upbeat. Walks are supposed to be fun for a dog, so remember to let him be a dog. Let him smell the flowers and run around to burn off some of his pent up energy.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Can be trained but you have to train yourself first. Several things are important
1) make him come to you for the leash. even if you have to us treats. Don't go to him. Be patient. Put the leash up behind his ears, more control of his brain.
2) put on the leash and put him into a sit position. Repeat until he stays and is calm. Start the walk when he is calm.
3) you stay calm and assertive. Don't pull or yell.
4) you be sure to go out the door or gate first, if he tries to pull ahead. IMMEDIATELY pull up on the leash to break his concentration. and return him to the sit position.
5) he needs to know that you are the leader and the walk starts when he is calm. BE PATIENT
6) while walking, keep him just behind and beside you. If he tries to go ahead he is taking the leadership role and you are the follower. Snap the leash UP and break his attention.
7) If he sees another dog or cat to chase. Immediately snap the leash UP and break his attention. If you have to ....put him in the sit or down position.
8) THIS MAY NOT HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY. BUT BE PATIENT AND DON'T GIVE UP. He will learn that you are the pack leader and there are rules and limitations. This will also affect his other behavior to the good.

He needs to be walked EVERY day. If possible find someplace you can turn him loose to run, a fenced dog park or a fenced school yard. But don't do that if he can run into traffic

more dog info
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luck

Answer 4

Try a Harness. I never just use a collar when I walk my dog. Also, consult a Trainer to help you train him.

I don't mind if my dog pulls because he is only 15 lbs, but I understand wanting more control with a larger dog.

Good luck!

Answer 5

try a harness leash. another thing - when the dog starts to pull on the leash, stop walking. you have to be consistant with him - stop & make him stop & eventually, he'll learn that if he pulls the leash, we won't be allowed to go. also, when you're stopped, ignore him. don't talk to him or pet him, etc. this is how we had to train with the dogs when i was a volunteer with the humane society.

Answer 6

Ask you parents to let you take him to obedience classes. Dogs need training and exercise. Do you have a neighbor or friend that could teach you to leash train him. I taught my granddaughter to walk our Great Dane when she was your age and she handled him without any problems. With training you can to it too. You might need a prong collar until he learns to walk without pulling you. These need to be fitted correctly and you need to be taught the proper use first. Good luck!

Answer 7

Try a choke chain, thats usually the best way. Obedience school might not help, unless you have all that time. Otherwise use a choke chain. try using a regular one, and if that dont work get the one that has the pokers on it. It'll teach them that you're walking them, they're not walking you. It's not harmful, or mean [if it was they wouldn't sell them.] give that a try n make sure to keep your dog walking on your left side. Thats the more appropiate way

Answer 8

Group obedience classes are great for this - teaches you how to walk your dog, teaches your dog basic obedience, and helps socialize your dog with other dogs and new people.

Petco schedules group lessons or ask your vet for a reference to a good trainer who gives group lessons.

Answer 9

Obedience classes are the way to go!!!

have you tried a GENTLE LEADER or HALTI??
dogs cannot pull on these.. they are available from pet stores...

Answer 10

Harness! I use it with my German Shepard and she can't pull like she can with a collar. You have much more control over them with a harness.