Two weeks of leash training, and my doodette is still pulling...

[Sara & Trix]

I was so excited in early July when Trixi finally got her last shot! We had been leash training in the house and yard in anticipation of being able to start walking as soon as possible. I was also very aware that our first dozen walks would be challenging, even if she got the concept of heeling in puppy class, in the house and in the yard. It's been two weeks now (and over 30 short walks) and I every time she pulls, I stop, lead her back to the heel position, she sits, I praise and give a treat. Then, three steps later, she's pulling again. I've also tried holding a treat in my left hand while walking to guide her...but that usually only works for a couple steps before she lunges for the treat, or looses interest and runs head. Some days we don't even make it to the end of the block! So I have two questions....first, am I being too hopeful thinking that she should have gotten the concept by now (she's now 4 months old)? Second - does anyone have advice or person experiences they could share that could help me? I'm a first time dog owner, so I'm not sure if I'm missing something here. Thank you!!!

[Pam & Trixie]

I have enjoyed reading this thread.  There are some great tips here.

 

I am wondering for those that do have your dogs trained Well say on a Prong Collar or Choke collar.

Do you or can you now walk your dog on a flat collar?  or does that not matter to you.

 

Also how does the Martingale Collar compare to the Choke Collar?

 

I think this is my goal...But maybe it is really far down the line...if ever?

 

(with my other dogs I always used a Prong collar...Never advancing to anything else until I had to use an Easy walker the last year as my Dog was pulling to much-(something she learned when I couldnt walk her for 2 years-but others were walking her & not keeping up with training her)  I had had alot of surgeries & could not take the pulling)

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

OK - Whoever it was that put the Cozy Critter website on here...I'm blaming you when my hubby asks why in the world I am spending more money on Bexter.  OMD!!!  I fell in LOVE LOVE LOVE with the fabrics on the collars and the scarves...Somebody stop me!  I'm telling you The "Desperate Divorced Doodle Mom" group is getting closer & closer to reality!

I am GLAD you asked what the Martingale Collar is Trixie!  I was thinking about buying it, but I want to have it described better to me first.  I KNOW I'm gettin the Colts stuff for Bex already and having his name & our contact info embroidered on it...tag getting caught on things problem - solved!

[Adina P]

I always walk my dogs on a choke chain. I have no reason not to.  It doesn't add any real hassle and doesn't hurt them. In the event I need extra good behavior and they want to test anything I can still be consistent and issue an appropriate correction.  Otherwise it is easy for them to learn that when there is no choke chain on they have more leeway with their obedience and become collar-wise. 

 

For instance, I don't run into cats to work with on a regular basis (and probably never will) to break Rosco of his desire to chase them.  While he doesn't actually chase them on a walk, he does lose focus and I want to be able to remind him he can NOT ever hone in on a cat like he wants to.  It is NOT acceptable, EVER.  Or if there is a loose dog ... which happens every great now and then I want control over MY dog.  I am not skilled enough as a trainer, nor have I had the time, to reach full off leash reliability.  That is the gold standard in my eyes and until I've reached that I have no business expecting to use only a flat collar because my dogs aren't 100%--though they are considerably above average in public.

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

Thanks for bringing this subject up, I learn so much from you all.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

AHA!  I found the culprit...Nicky is the one who mentioned Cozy Critter.  Nicky - I don't know if you saw the post yet about DK people staying at each other's houses...If I get kicked to the curb by hubby for buying all this stuff...Can I stay with YOU?  HA!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would suggest placing a small order with Cozy Critter to make sure that you like the fabrics when you receive their  products.  I too fell in love with their site and ordered a couple of the break away collars and leashes from them.  They have adorable fabrics.  I was most disappointed in the fabrics that they used, at least on the ones that I ordered.  I ended up returning them.  They were very nice to work with.  I just didn't think that the fabrics were heavy enough to withstand the wear and tear of 60-80 lb dogs, which is what we have.  Also, their breakaways are not very heavy duty at all.  I had some previously and they were good, but these wouldn't hardly stay together with just the lightest touch.  Just my opinion.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Lucy & Sophie's mom...I appreciate the review.  Things always are too good to be true! 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I must however add that this review cost me 30.00 because I ordered new ID tags this morning because I went to their website to make sure it was the one I thought it was and saw the ID tags and the girls needed new ones so I went ahead and ordered them.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This is the collar that we use for Tara's training sessions:

 

 

It is somewhat of a cross between a prong collar and a martingale. It is not quite as "prongy" as the metal prong collars (this one is plastic). And unlike the Martingale it has a quick release snap on it so it reduces the risk of choking (although she never wears it unless she is on a leash and in training).

 

Now at 2 years old she walks PERFECTLY on our daily walks on a flat collar and has for quite some time. This is what we call "walking with purpose"-striding along at a fairly brisk pace. However she is still in training and uses this collar for strolling down certain store aisles (yes in Petsmart, no in Home Depot! LOL!) and other high distraction areas. The training just goes on and on...:) Hang in there! If you do the work it WILL get better!!

 

[Sara & Trix]

That looks interesting!  Do you know the name of this collar so i can look up where to find it?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, we got it as part of the Don Sullivan "Perfect Dog" training program. But you can purchase the collar separately on the web site. They have large or small sizes and they also come with additional links so you can get the proper fit on your dog or they can be used  to expand the collar as your dog grows.

 

http://www.thane.com/products/promos/perfectdog/accessories.php

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

There is an advertisement for the "simple leash" on this discussion.  If you don't see it just google simpleleash.  Has anyone tried this?