Broken Record

[Gayle & Hunter]

I am starting to feel like a broken record with my boy Hunter. I was curious if everyone feels this way when walking your puppy? We take a 40 minute walk every morning I continue to try and fight with Hunter about heeling and he is one very stubborn little guy. We have completed puppy class one and because I live in a small town we really don't have any good trainers. I did find out that at our fairgrounds starting in January there will be classes training for the CGC so I can't wait for that.

Sometimes my frustration gets the best of me and makes me exhausted. Today I also did find a place for puppy day care where maybe just by getting Hunter more socialization will help with him mellowing out. Do others have your puppies in any socialization type play days? Thanks for any advice.

[Gayle & Hunter]

Thank you Debbie I do think it will get better some days are just a little more frustrating than others. I think because these doodles are so smart is part of the problem....they are so loving though....I love Hunter too pieces.

[Minga & Malu & Costa]

Ha! Polamalu is almost 5 and we still have moments on walks where we struggle with loose leash walking.

Try walking in the opposite direction with a very sharp turn anytime he pulls on the leash. That may mean that you look like a crazy person, what this does is force the dog to keep an eye on you to avoid getting jerked in the opposite direction. I do all sorts of zig zag patterns or just abruptly turn 180° and walk briskly the other direction. If he pulls I turn around and do it again. Most dogs get the idea very quickly.

The other thing you can do is stop in your tracks. When he lets slack in the leash, start again. If he pulls, stop. The dog wants to go forward, and using these methods tell him what you are looking for in his leash behavior.
I do all these things without vocal commands. Telling a puppy to heel and then he doesn't do it and repeating doesn't teach him anything other than you are going to say heel a lot. SHOWING him what you expect and teaching him to watch you is he fastest way! Also you can reward with a treat anytime he makes eye contact.

Since you don't have access to a lot of trainers, have you read any training books? Try how to Behave so Your Dog Behaves - it's fantastic! By Sophia Yin. Good luck and remember to be consistent and patient! He's just being a dog, he wants to run and smell and investigate and here you are keeping him from doing that on a leash ;)

[Gayle & Hunter]

Thank you I will definitely try those recommendations I think I am also going to purchase the easy walker head harness, my groomer told me that is what she used on her boxer. Thanks again for the help.

[Phyllis Newsom]

We use the gentle lead for our dog, Nell. It has been an absolute God send! She was a bucking bronco for about 10 minutes and then she calmed down and it's been great ever since. No more pulling! Walks are actually fun! Good luck!