Walking Tools?? Parker is like a carriage horse!

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

I am sure there are discussions on this subject, but I just wanted some advice on how to get Parker to stop pulling so much when we walk (or go anywhere) and what tools to use. I have tried the chain collar, a plastic prong collar (from his trainer) two different harnesses (one he chewed off of himself) and the gentle leader (which he hates). The harness he chewed off of himself seemed fairly effective but it was expensive and I didn't have the money to get another one immediately. Then we tried the plastic prong collar from his trainer and that seemed fairly effective too but I feel like a dog abuser even though it is plastic and he's not bothered by it! He has since grown out of that so I wasn't sure if I should just get another one of those? The chain collar is useless because he just pulls and chokes himself and it doesn't stay in the correct spot anyway! He is really starting to hurt me when i take him for walks now though so I need something! My hands and arms are all red from the leash after walking him and he has almost pulled my arm out of it's socket a few times now! lol

 

I just wanna know the tricks everyone else used? I always see these perfect dogs that walk next to their owners without any medieval collars on them! Where did they get those dogs? lol

[Adina P]

I use the metal chain collar (i.e choke chain, metal slip collar, etc) for training all my dogs.  But just putting the collar on won't do anything but help the dog choke himself.  You have to use it correctly by a training plan to train a specific command like 'heel' -- by itself the chain collar won't do a thing.  What I use (this training program) gets me great leash walking results in 2 weeks where I can walk my dog on 15 feet of leash and that dog will walk in almost heel position just about anywhere I walk it despite the fact it has 15 feet of leash to use up.  

 

But whatever tool you use, you'll get the MOST mileage out of it if it is used as part of a training program that teaches the dog WHERE you want the dog to walk in proximity to you.  Dogs will pull if they can...because usually it helps them get closer to where they want to go.  And most dogs are excited to go where they want to go and couldn't care less where you are during that walk except perhaps if you lure them back to you with a treat.  And every time you allow pulling, it will only reinforce the pulling.  Even before training more formally, I don't allow pulling.  I make a correction BEFORE the dog reaches the end of the leash because by then it's too late and you'll merely pulling back on the dog -- which again makes them pull.  Dogs have an 'oppositional reflex' that makes them pull/push in the opposite direction that they are being pulled/pushed.

 

Train the dog to 'heel' or some approximation of 'heel' and then your dog will KNOW where you want it to walk in proximity to you and you'll both be happier =) 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have used stainless steel prong collars on my two since Luca was about six months old and then Calla thereafter. Luca's trainer suggested them to me.The dogs jump around eagerly when they see their leashes so I don't think they mind a bit. They are Herm Sprenger so the prongs have nice rounded edges and the stainless links don't stain their fur. I have special closures which are easier for me. I wouldn't think of not using them since you never know when something might cause a dog to bolt and over 100 pounds of combined dogs would knock me over I'm sure.. I've never really trained my dogs to heel but they both walk perfectly nicely and we go everywhere.

[Jennifer Tramell]

I feel your pain, and I mean that literally.  Last year I would come back from a dog walk with my arm, back, and shoulders aching.  I have 2 dogs and Charlotte (the younger dog) always wanted to be in front.  My daughter did a 4H dog obedience class with Charlotte when Charlotte was 8 months old.  The trainer said "pinch/prong collar" and I about freaked out.  Several people on DK reassured me that this was not a torture device if used properly.  Well, fast forward 5 months and Charlotte rarely wears the prong collar anymore.  I regularly take both dogs to Home Depot and Lowes wearing only their flat collars and they behave beautifully.  We still need more practice to have a consistent heel, but I can walk my 80 & 45lb dogs on a semi-loose leash without them pulling - pain free!!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

OK, I am a true novice here with no training experience.  Bailey starts training in Oct.

I was watching the Dog Wisperer and he used a good ol fashion stick.  I walk with Bailey at my left side,  hold her leash with my left hand and in the same hand I hold a walking stick that is long enough to keep in front of her shoulder about 6" or so.

 

The stick keeps her from walking past me and pulling on her leash.  We have been doing this daily for about 2 weeks and today we went to the park for a walk without it and she did not pull...

 

Call me crazy but it worked...

[Carol Brand]

No this is a standard competitive Obedience tool.  People us a long dowel to help reorient the dog to correct heel position.  It might be worth a try.

[Sara & Trix]

I gotta get myself a stick!