Comments on: Leashes – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:07:35 +0000

Hi Katherine,
Thanks for the question. I like a good solid leather leash – provided your boxer will not make a very expensive chew toy out of it – it is the easiest on my hands and allows me the most grip and control over the leash. To correct this problem there are several levels or tools. 1 – Please try to work on basic command games before you go out for the walk to dissipate some of your dog’s energy. If walking is necessary for peeing and pooping then begin these games right after the elimination is complete. 2 – Make sure you are not the one putting the tension on the leash – this will often drive dogs to pull more on the leash as your tension engages their oppositional reflex. 3 – Shamelessly lure your dog (use super high value treats – SHVT) along for walks for the next several weeks until you have no pulling. This will keep the walks in good control without you having to use the leash to control or “correct” him. And, it will condition a very nice walk for him. Then when he is not dragging you to the ends of the earth any longer you can allow him to have more freedom and more fun doggie-walks. Remember if you let your dog lose off leash to run they don’t plod along in a straight line like we humans do. The way we walk is boring and probably darned irritating to many dogs so make it worth his while to walk with you in the boring human-way with the SHVT. Don’t hesitate to look for a good skilled positive reinforcement trainer to help you through this. Typically in my classes I offer students five different lose-leash walking tools – one I don’t even introduce until Intermediate class. Beware of big corrections for this as you can easily damage your relationship with your dog or you can make pulling worse by actually inadvertently teaching him to pull more and more.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:43:58 +0000

I have a 15 month old boxer that insist on taking the lead during his daily walks. He’s very strong and will literally drag me along during walks. I’ve tried every technique I know to correct his behavior and nothing seems to work. Could I possibly be using the wrong type of lead? Any suggestions as to a good lead I might try that won’t hurt my hands in the process of trying to control him would be greatly appreciated. But MOST OF ALL…how can I accomplish a relaxing and stress free walk for myself as well as the puppy?

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:10:09 +0000

Hi Sarah,
Thanks for this question. There are many reasons a dog may not wish to walk on the leash and balk as you have described yours does. To begin with I would suggest you make those walks really, really rewarding – perhaps deliver dinner while you are walking with him – for instance, a piece of kibble for each step he takes next to you. Then I would seek out a professional who is very well versed in canine body language and behavior who can help you understand why your dog is balking and assist you with some of the other good positive reinforcement techniques out there to help with his walking.

By: sarh walters

sarh walters — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:58:50 +0000

i two havanese/maltese puppies. They are 6mos old. One has learned quickly on the leash but one seems to be stubborn. He wil suddenly stop and plants his feet firmly and will not budge. He will literally allow you to drag him if you keep going. I have tried everything. He does it so much that it is impossible to take him on a walk. It is like he wants to be in control and he will not come. He will several steps and then do it again. He will suddenly keep his feet still and slide if you continue walking. Please help !