Bad leash behavior

[bouchot]

I have a 7 month old puppy, and I'm sad to admit that I neglected her leash training and now its giving me headaches. I have a very large yard and live close to many dog parks, so she can usually run off leash...and when I do take her on walks with her leash on...well she was very small and it wasn't an issue. But now she isn't so small and I've tried taking her on some trails and she pulls on the leash very hard all the time. I understand I had this coming and I should have known better...but is there any advise you can give me on how to improve her leash behavior?

As always, thanks for your valuable advice. :)

[Amy & Albee]

Although our dog is a little younger, I've really enjoyed YouTube's 'kikopup' training videos. She uses clicker training and positive reinforcement. Her tactics are to click and treat when your dog walks behind your heels, and to either stop or change directions once your dog starts pulling.

The theory is that the dog is being rewarded by pulling because he gets to 'move forward'. I'm amazed about how fast our dog picked up on the training. She also notes that it's important to do it in an area where there will be few distractions (backyard, perhaps) and to not start of your walks on paths that you typically go on!

Here is her video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueE1S1k74Ao

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I would suggest you enroll in basic obedience class such as the CGC (Canine Good Citizen).  Yes, it takes going to a 1 hr class a week and working a mere 5 - 15 minutes each day on the current lesson - you will be surprised how quickly your doodle learns each new lesson.  Also stimulating them mentally is so good for them and actually tires them out as much as running at the dog park, etc.  It is a very good feeling to know that when you tell your dog to sit and stay, stop, wait, or come, he will do it whether or not he is on leash.  It could save your dog's life under certain circumstances. As your puppy matures, I think you will see a big difference in his reaction to you as the pack leader.  Your dog is at the perfect age to start a formal obedience class so have fun with it.  You won't regret it..