I have a 1 year old labrador that pulls when walked, how can I prevent this?

Question

I have tried a choker....didn't work, tried a harness...........didn't work.......any ideas would be great

Answer 1

Introduction

Would you like to walk your dog without pulling?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

For easy no-pull exercise walks you will need a Gentle leader head collar

Steps

1Step OneFor easy no-pull exercise walks you will need a Gentle leader head collar



For all size dogs (except those breeds that have a nose/muzzle that is too short-for example, the bulldog) get the following:



-A Gentle Leader, which are basically head collars instead of neck collars. They are not muzzles and the dog can eat, drink, bark, etc while wearing one. (Ask the pet store clerk to help you find the correct size for your dog). You will find this to be an extremely useful tool in walking the dog without pulling.

2Step TwoMost dogs try to remove it when you initially put it on and they can put quite a show on to get it off, but you'll see that they get used to it rather quickly when introduced to it correctly and it is a bit of a miracle how easy they are to walk with one! They physically cannot pull because it is attached under their chin, so if they pull it makes them have to turn their head so they cannot pull.

3Step ThreeTo introduce it I find it helpful to just keep moving. If you stop the dog may try to take it off with its paws. You need to stop the dog from removing it and then keep moving. Usually the dog will forget about it eventually when they begin to enjoy their walk. Occasionally you have a dog that takes longer to get used to it and will do about anything to get it off. Make sure it is on correctly and not too tight and then stick with it. Just stop them from removing it and keep moving. It will be worth the effort in the long run because it is a wonderful walking tool!

4Step FourPlease refer to my website (www.webdogtrainer.com) article steps 1-4 for instruction on how to put it on. It has one loop that goes around the dogs muzzle and one strap that attaches behind their ears. The tightness can be adjusted from behind the dog's ears and also under their chin. You should have about 1-2 finger lengths tightness behind the dog's ears and the muzzle strap should be able to be pulled to the end of the dogs nose without falling off. The dog can open its mouth fully.

5Step FiveIf you have a breed like a bulldog that has too short of a nose to hold a head collar then you can consider the body harness called the Gentle Leader® Easy Walk-- Harness that also discourages pulling but fits around the dog's body rather than head.







For more information contact me through my website: www.webdogtrainer.com and I'll be happy to help you!

6Step Six Click to enlargeJulie Bjelland Lokhandwala is founder of webDogTrainer, LLC. and has created the interactive Online Dog Training Guide and Consultation www.webdogtrainer.com



You can ask Julie any dog question!



"Julie had an immediately calming effect on us as dog owners. She can explain the canine perspective and how we as humans can interact with our dog in a positive way, even when disciplining. Julie was super patient with all of our questions and even fielded our email questions after training ended," said Sina and Ed of Fremont, California.

Answer 2

Forget Haltis, chokers, harness and if you are in the US spike collars.



Get a good strong leather half check collar. Walk a few paces if the dog pulls, stop and walk the other direction. Dont yank the lead, just turn and he will have to come with you. As soon as he pulls repeat........you will have to have loads of patience and it may take days before you get to the end of the street. Do not attempt to take him a walk until he stops pulling. Even if you spend half an hour twice a day walking not more than a few paces either way, he will eventually learn that he doesnt get anywhere by pulling.

Answer 3

Forget fancy collars and harnesses total waste of money! Halti's are for people too lazy to train a dog!



Just stop walking every time he pulls and call him back to your side or turn suddenly and keep walking! Either left, right or back the way you came. Then change back to the way you were going after a few strides and if possible before he pulls again! The dog soon learns that he has to pay attention and also that walking by your side is easier than pulling. You have to be consistent so it's better not to be trying to get anywhere in a hurry if you use the stop method!

I can't use the stop method as I only weigh 6st 7lb (91lb) and we always have 'rescued' adult GSD's that are capable of pulling me off my feet! I learnt the 'change of direction' method 50 years ago and it's never failed yet!

Answer 4

What i saw in a tv programme just using a normal collar and leash, although maybe harness is better, was that when you was walking:



As soon as the dog starts pulling, stop walking. Don't tug just hold your ground.



When the dog looks at what you are upto, change direction and start walking again.



As soon as the dog starts pulling, repeat the same thing. When it looks at you change direction.



What this is doing is enforcing the fact that it is you that leads and chooses where to go and not the dog.



It will take some time and patience as with everything, but your dog should start looking to you for which direction to go in instead of pulling and trying to decide itself.

Answer 5

I used to walk my dogs w/ a head harness - gentle leader/halti. It worked pretty good but they hated it. One of my girls always ended up w/ a bloody nose because she would scrape it against the sidewalk trying to get it off. Another thing I noticed is it didnt TEACH them how to walk on the leash, it just provided more control in the short term.



After consulting w/ a few trainers they all agreed on one thing - they need to LEARN how to walk on the leash properly. The best and fastest results came from using a prong collar.



I was horrified. It looked so mean, so vicious, how could I put that on my baby girls? The trainer brought one to my house for me try it out. He wrapped it around MY arm and pulled - with great force. It didn't hurt. He explained to me that in dog behavior dogs correct each other by biting the neck and/or chest. The prong collar mimics that behavior so the dog reacts more natural.



How I got my dogs to heel with a leash in 2 hours:

When fitting the prong collar it should hang off the neck loosely. The collar should have no pressure unless the dog pulls or you correct the dog. You can add links or take links away, you can even add rubber tips.



Put your dog in sit on your left. Be consistent w/ the side your dog is on. This will help when you walk your dog w/o the leash (which is I'll explain later).



When you're ready to walk give the command "heel, let's go, walk" whatever you'd like to use.



Walk at a brisk pace. At first be consistent.



When your dog starts pulling, turn abruptly in the opposite direction and give a correction. Letting your dog pull on the prong collar defeats the purpose. Make sure it stays loose around his neck. A correction is a quick tug. Do not yank, pull, or drag - just a quick tug, and use some force. Not enough to hurt the dog but enough to correct the behavior.



DO NOT stop walking once you've turned. Keep walking at a brisk pace, let your dog catch up to you. If he starts pulling again turn and give the correction.



After a few minutes, stop and put your dog in sit, then start again. Once your dog gets the hang of it - which is usually very quickly) start varying your pace.



Use the command to remind your dog w/o using the correction to stay at your side.



The leash should be very loose. If you're tense the dog will pick up on that and react. Let the leash have a large loop, give your dog room to pull so you have the opportunity to correct the behavior.



Now.. when your dog is consistent w/ following the command and stays at your side, give more and more slack. Eventually (in a control environment) drop the leash. Continue to use the command or other noises for correction.



With and w/o the leash test your dog, turn around w/o warning, go to the right, stop, etc. This will increase the proficiency of the heel.



Soon you won't even need a leash.. OR the prong collar. Once the dog is trained onto the command you can discard the prong collar and switch back to a regular flat collar.



***NOTE---- Always always reward for good behavior. As your dog performs to what you want treat, pet, play, or give verbal praise. You will see results much faster!



Good Luck

Answer 6

Harnesses make big dogs pull harder. Go to PetSmart and get a HALTI. This awesome head harness works just like a horses harness. Goes around the mouth and clips behind the ears. He can still eat drink bark bite. Just cant pull. I had a client in tears last night because of the sudden change in her dog the second I put it on. Its the best

Answer 7

A choke chain is the best but they have to be used properly,the loop should towards you so that the chain only tightens when the dog pulls and releases when the dog stops pulling. These harnesses that go over the muzzle are covering the nostrils and can damage the dogs breathing passages.

Answer 8

Harnesses make it easier for the dog to pull harder.

You need to work on training with your dog.

You can use a Gentle Leader or a Halti, choke chain type, Prong type or what ever collar you would like.

This is more about technique than they type of collar.

You may want to get into some obedience classes. They can be a great aid in how to teach the dog and they provide great distractions so the dog learns to look to you for guidance and pay less attention to what is going on around them.

Answer 9

Your technique with the choker was most likely inappropriate. You must keep her to your right side and practice having her sit first. When she stands give collar jolt and say sit. Only until you are ready then you say walk. If she pulls repeat sit command over and over again. When she walks well tell her good job in a high pitch happy voice. Every time she pulls when walking repeat the sit command and firmly push on her rear to encourage sitting. Eventually she will get it.

Best wishes

Answer 10

We had a lab mix and a lab puppy, and the pup eats ANYTHING! When going for walks keep him on a shorter leash and when he goes to sniff/eat something off the ground, pull his head up a bit to correct him, and say "NO!" or "AY!" thats what we do with our pup. A walk is a walk, not a time for them to sniff and play, they need to feel like they are on a mission when on a walk, like they are doing something productive. Especially if he is going to be a working dog.



Kepp correcting him on walks, keep a short leash, and try a faster pace, this should keep him more interested in you and what your trying to achieve rather than eating every stone, rock, bug, blade of grass.



Also, dogs Do eat grass when their stomaches are upset, but also eat it for additional nutrients, and the majority just eat it because they like it! No harm, unless the lawn has any treatments on it of course.



avena

webmaster

http://www.entertainmentvenues.org

Answer 11

Hi, it sounds to me like you need a gentle leader, they are safe and not harmful for your dog, Harnesses don't really stop pulling, they just take the pressure off the dogs neck, chokers are not piratically nice for the dog as it does exactly what it says! and not really much else!

Right back to leaders, http://www.gentleleader.co.uk/ there is a website with a good video to watch!

They don't cost too much and are really effective, At first your dog will not like the leader so it will take time to get him used to it, but don't hang around inside, put the leader on and head off outside where there are distractions, your garden will do, try walking, If your dog shakes his head like a fish on a line (like my tinker did) say a firm "NO" and gently lift the lead so his head is pointing upwards, This wont hurt him but the tension as you pull will not be totally comfortable for him and he will soon learn if you repeat this that you are in charge and he has to walk, reward with praise when he walks nicely and keep going, It will take time but It will be worth it, you will be surprised how light he will feel on the lead!

http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/ccp51/cc/dog-training/head-collar.shtml

http://www.clevelandapl.org/pdf/How%20to%20Use%20a%20Gentle%20Leader2.pdf

There are some more sites, Good luck and take care xxx

(PS The method I told you to get him used to the leader was effective for my dog, but all are diffierent, so read a little on the net if it helps?)

Answer 12

Try a "Halti" harness from pets at home, Ive seen them work on a two year old Dobernham, with same and worse problem.

Answer 13

right - choke chains DONT work - dogs can lean into them and still pull



same with harnesses..



have you tried a Halti or Gentle Leader?? these are head halters like people use on horses.. if a person can control a 1000 pound horse with a halter is should help you and your dog...



also Obedience lessons are a MUST as they will teach you and your dog how to walk correctly.... I strongly reccommend.. you will both learn more than you think

Answer 14

I agree with a few of you. If you have been watching "its me or the dog" on channel 4..... which you all should cos its ace. the best technique is to stop as soon as the dog pulls so they know that pulling doesn't get them anywhere. As soon as they stop pulling walk again. If they pull stop again and keep repeating the process until eventually they'll get fed up of pulling and not getting anywhere.

Answer 15

Place the dog's collar close to his ears high on his neck. When he tries to pull away, just give the leash a tug upward and release. If he doesn't respond, give the tug again. If he still resists, stop and then start again when he is calm. Patience and consistency should have him walking more obediently in a short time.

Answer 16

a halti works well, i've also been told everytime he starts to ignore you and pull to jog. this could be back the way you came or forwards. This gets their attention back on you which means you can then work on the "heel" even if only for a second or two.



I hope this helps, you might have tried it already.



Hope you get it sorted so that you can enjoy walking him!

Answer 17

in case your canines has been refusing her nutrition, i think that you've been tempting her to devour and giving her treats at the same time as she refuses her nutrition. never EVER TEMPT A canines TO devour. If a canines is sick, this would disillusioned her abdomen and if she isn't sick you'll turn her right into a choosy eater. attempt this. practice her nutrition and then go away it out of her attain at the same time as you devour a biscuit. Make yum yum noises and walk away. go back and stand close to her nutrition bowl and devour yet another biscuit and do the yum yum noises back. tell her to sit down down and then placed her nutrition down and promises her permission to devour. count number to 10 convinced TEN and if she does no longer make any attempt to devour it, %. it up and enable her see you bin it. you should then wait until eventually her next feed is due without giving her any treats or the different nutrition. Then go through the above technique back i'd be bowled over in case you want to %. it up a third time. at the same time as she is eating this walk away, don’t praise her for eating her dinner and do not make any fuss. the subsequent time that she is due for a feed, practice it, devour a biscuit and afterwards placed her nutrition down and walk away. If this does no longer artwork, take her to the vets back. although, there is also a threat that the nutrition that you're giving her is causing digestive issues. it is been stumbled on that distinctive dogs have issues as a results of grain in customary canines nutrition. in case your recent canines nutrition contains grain, placed your canines on a user-friendly weight-loss plan for some days. perhaps your canines is conventional with that the nutrition she has been getting supplies her a grotty tummy. until eventually you get organised with a grain loose nutrition practice dinner fish or rooster, (eliminate the floor and bones) and integrate this with soggy rice (that’s rice which has been cooked for a lengthy time period in a extra water than time-honored). Or do scrambled eggs in water, (never supply a canines cows milk). Feed her a number of situations an afternoon without tempting her to devour and inspect grain loose canines nutrition on the information superhighway. generally at the same time as introducing a clean nutrition, one mixes a small % of this with the winning nutrition, although if she has no longer eaten her cutting-edge nutrition for a lengthy time period, you could't attempt this.

Answer 18

Theres this collar that reminds the dog of the mothers teeth biting into it the help train the dog. Also pull the leash and when he stops say "Good" and acompinie that w/a treat always be saying "Good" and than give him/her a treat they will get used to it and no when you aprehend them they will stop cause he/she will know a treat is coming (:

Answer 19

When your dog pulls make him sit. When give him treats for walking beside/behind you. As the pack leader, you should always walk out the door 1st and be the leader when you go on walks.

Answer 20

We tend to think of dog training as a series of steps for teaching particular behaviors. To teach a dog to stay in a particular position, you reward her as she remains in place for gradually longer times, at gradually greater distances, with gradually increasing degrees of distraction. Read more https://tr.im/s0crv



Now, this is fine, training does involve teaching dogs specific behaviors with a step-by-step approach. This week, though, I’m going to discuss three mental habits that will not only enable you train more effectively but also make life pleasant for both you and your dog.

Answer 21

Buy a Gentle Leader collar. Works like a charm!

Answer 22

you have to hold a piece of chicken in your right hand and let him sniff it and know its in your hand then you walk telling him to heal with a gentle tug if he is pulling, hold the chicken over his head so he can see it, if he does this for say 20 seconds then give him the chicken continue this and make the time longer each time. be patient it can take a while for him to get the hand of it but don't give up x

Answer 23

Try stopping and walking the other way, as soon as he pulls, repeat this....you won't get far, as you have to continually turn around ,but it will eventually stop him pulling.

Answer 24

Mine did the same thing! It was not a good thing for my knees so I bought one of those retractable leashes. I also found that jogging instead of walking makes them focus more and stay in front of you without pulling too hard.

Answer 25

dont use a harness. harnesses are USED for pulling!! is your dog is a boy, put the leash on as usual, then put it around his belly once. when he pulls now, it will put pressure on his penis, and he wont like it!! its the only thing that works for me!!!

Answer 26

As mimi suggests, try a halti. They work quite well as they hold the head up so they don't sniff along the ground which makes them pull

Answer 27

When he walks fast pull him and say ''NO'' in a deep voice

do it everytime he pulls then he knows his doing something bad

Answer 28

Get a haltie lead

Answer 29

theres a walking aid called a halty {probably spelt different} they are great in training dogs to walk better

Answer 30

Try, everytime he pulls..stop and turn your back and stand still. (ignore him) then go on command...'walk'. Try this stopping and standing still. Take treats if you need to but only when he obeys. Try it. Hope I helped.

Answer 31

when you are taking him out for walks pull his lead back and say back ! and he should learn after a while. and dont worry it wont hurt him unless you pull ther lead too hard.

Answer 32

Take it to dog training school - really works.

Answer 33

have you tried a halti?



they give great control over the face so its impossible for the dog to pull

Stay away from choke chains, they do far more damage than good

Answer 34

Take him to obedience class, they will show you how to teach him to walk nicely on leash.

Answer 35

show him who is boss. Tug back on the leash everytime he tugs. It will be hard but eventually he will get that he has to slow down.

Answer 36

If the dog is fed and watered before it goes out it is less likely to be overexcited.

Answer 37

walk faster