9 months and still not walking properly

[Amy & Bernie]

Hi all, I'd appreciate any feedback or tips you have on getting your puppy to walk properly on a leash!

Bernie is 9 months, and while we realize he's still very young, he's already 65 lbs and if we don't get his pulling under control I won't be able to walk him much longer!

We use the gentle leader but he still pulls, just not as much, so we're convinced he's not really  "learning" anything.

And when we take him out on his regular collar, to the car, out for a pee on a car ride, it's like a free for all, and we were hoping to avoid that as well, we didn't want not wearing the gentle leader to equal crazy time.

We've done training walks around the neighborhood, short ones, where progress is only made when he's not pulling, and after about 30 minutes he does well, but no matter how many good training walks we have under our belt, all is lost when we head out on a real walk.

I realize walking is rewarding his pulling to a degree, but we live in Tacoma, WA (lots of rain, which seriously cuts into dog park time) and we don't have a fenced yard (which cuts into play potential), our walks are important.

Thanks in advance, it's much appreciated!

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

I feel your pain.Owen is 6 months and still a wild beast. I know it is our fault because my daughter and I suffer with chronic daily migraines. They have gotten much worse in the past 3 months so Owen is not getting the training he needs. When he is on a leash with Kona, he does fine but he is completely distracted when on a leash by himself. I have him signed up for beginner classes starting on Monday and praying we will be well enough to do this.If we had known our migraines were going to be so constant we wouldn't have gotten a second dog. We've had multiple dogs for all of the last 15 years so it seemed normal at the time. sigh.

[Amy & Bernie]

Well I hope the classes work and most importantly I hope you and your daughter experience some relief sooner than later! I can't imagine a puppy on a migraine...

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Have you tried this...? When you are walking and pulls ahead, STOP. Do not move. He will continue tension on the lead, but then should turn around, look at you, when you don't respond, he comes back to you. Just a thought. Also have you done clicker training?

Also, if you think a prong collar is the only answer to the problem make absolutely, positively, without a doubt sure it's fitted properly. Here in VA, I have yet to see a sales associate in the big box stores know how to fit a prong collar. Heck, I ended up helping a woman with a Great Pyrenees fit a Gentle Leader on her dog because a PetsMart employee had "fitted" it upside down on the dog's face.

There is not one-size-fits-all dog training. Different methods work for different dogs. Stay patient, positive, be consistent and realize your dog may be going into adolescence.

Connor walked perfectly on a leash at 7 months old....like an angel. By 9-10 months old you'd have thought he was a malamute pulling a sled.  I strongly vote for working with a trainer and classes. It will get better

[Amy & Bernie]

Thanks to everyone! If you're just now seeing this and have some input, advice or additional questions please add them, I know I'm not the only one benefiting from this discussion!

We've decided to enroll Bernie is another obedience class. This was based on a couple factors, primarily his resilience - we've tried a number of methods and a couple different collar situations, but we've yet to see an inkling of improvement or change in him. Also, my DH and I need to be on the same page, with a method we've both learned from an unbiased professional, under guidance, so no matter which one of us is walking him, he's getting the same signals.

Again, I've taken everyone's tips to heart. I know no class is "magic" and we plan to have Bernie around for a long time, an arsenal of info is much appreciated =)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

When Murphy was also just about 9 months I realized that I needed to get very serious with his training if I was going to be able to continue to walk him.  He was growing and getting stronger...and I was getting worried.  We live in a condo community, so we also have to walk Murphy regularly to get the exercise he needs.  I'll have to admit that it hasn't been easy, but we're "almost there" at this point.  I worked on the "heel" command just about every day since last Fall, and we're still fine tuning it with distractions.  I did have a plan and a trainer (and so much guidance from people here on DK).  I started with a training collar (I used a choke chain and an illusion collar which is the same principle) for the initial training.  I did use both corrections and praise.  I tried using treats, but Murphy became way too fixated on where the treats were to focus.  Once I knew he was solid with the heel....i.e. he knew exactly what it meant...I did switch him to a gentle leader.  Murph had a tendency to get very excited with distractions (especially other dogs), and my trainer felt it might be calming for him.  It actually has helped him, but I would not have used this collar at the beginning for his actual training.  With Murphy every walk is still a training walk.  We go to a place where he is allowed to have freedom (usually on a long line), but the walk itself is still all about training.  He's used to this now, and he honestly doesn't even try to stop to sniff.  I think he just knows that's not "what you do" on a walk.  I am really comfortable now walking with him anywhere, and it's a huge relief.  I'm glad that you've decided to pursue more formal training.  I know I could never have trained Murphy on my own.  I actually tried at the beginning, but he was too much of a challenge.  I wish you luck, and please consider joining the Training group where we can all learn from your progress.

[Amy & Bernie]

Thanks so much Jane. I'll be sure to start a post on the training group's page when we start classes - should be in two weeks. I'll gladly do a weekly recap/update for those that are interested in following what's covered, what the people are learning, what the dogs are learning, any problems we have, etc.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Amy, that would be so awesome!  You are not alone and I know this will help others.

[K and Racey]

Amy, have you tried walking with a wooden spoon in front of his face? I know it seems weird, but what our puppy class teacher said was to put the spray cheese or pb or whatever treat and keep the spoon where you want the nose to be. You really have to rub the treat into the indented part of the spoon though-it needs to be smeared on there really well so that they can't get it off in one lick. Eventually you won't have to put the treat on the spoon anymore. And you can just walk with the spoon. And then hopefully you won't need the spoon.

Also, you said you have tried turning around and walking the other direction-when he starts pulling did you again immediately turn around and go the other way? I've done that with Racey and after 3 or 4 times, she gives up the pulling-for a few minutes at least.

We have used the sit when she is pulling too. That is probably what I use the most. The problem with this one is that you have to be really patient. I usually make her sit for at least 30 seconds. I pull her butt over to me where it should have been, and we stand there. The frustration with this (and the turning around over and over) is that if you need to get somewhere, or you are halfway on a long walk, it can talk a long time to be able to get where you need to go.

 

 

[Becca & Lucy]

My Lucy is a PULLER on her lead too! She is currently 30 lbs. Smart as a whip but just wants to pull ;) 

We are currently in our Manners II class. Its more about doing everything with distractions. I bet Bernie will do great in class! I second the gentle leader. Our walks are MUCH better now with it on :)