Question about leash training

I have been working with Gracie to walk and not pull on her leash. We are doing well when in training mode. However, for the other 95% of the time when she's on the leash, she pulls and can even pull me out the door. I make her sit and wait before going out, but as soon as she jumps out the door she's in pull mode.

I have to have her on a leash when she goes potty because we are in the country and it's open fields all around us. I do have a longer lead that we are using for training and play time. Should I just use this lead for potty breaks? I just don't want her to hurt her neck (she's very strong for a 14 week old pup!)

When I've done a search (via google or whatever), I only get leash training queries. Nothing regarding what to do when you aren't in training mode.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Patti and Bosco on February 9, 2015 at 6:41am

Here is a great video on the subject. http://youtu.be/sFgtqgiAKoQ (I don't use a clicker for this because I simply am not coordinated enough to hold the leash, click and then treat. I just say "yes!")

Bosco gets excited out the door as well (even though he sits and waits for release to go out). It's usually because there are birds right near the walkway. We are still working on impulse control and he at times forgets that he isn't supposed to pull to the birds. I just stop walking completely and stand there until the leash is loose. If he pulls when we start up again I stop walking again. I'll do that for as long as it takes for him to get the message...which isn't long.

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 6:56am

I have watched that video before! love it.

I do stop walking, but she will pull until she gives up which sometimes seems forever. I just don't want her to have neck damage. It seems she pulls a lot. But, maybe no more than any other dog?

Permalink Reply by Patti and Bosco on February 9, 2015 at 7:04am

I changed Bosco's leash to the freedom harness so that there isn't any pulling on his neck.

You can try walking back into the house or just turning Gracie around the other way.

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 9:36am

Yeah, I would except it's potty time. Of course now she doesn't have to go as urgently as she did. So, I have waited a bit longer to get her to sit and wait as well as turning around in the garage (we have to go through the garage to a side door to go out). I'm not as worried about a tinkle in the garage, but don't want it to become a habit.

Permalink Reply by Adina P on February 9, 2015 at 7:10am

I think 14 weeks is too young to have reached any sort of proficiency for walking on a leash. I think that's probably your #1 problem. You're expecting too much too soon. She won't hurt her neck on a 15 foot leash.

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 9:38am

Thanks Adina. I don't expect proficiency. However, I use the regular leash to take her out to do business. Should I just switch to the trainig leash? I got a 30' due to our yard and wanting to give her some space to run and play when we are out during play time.

Permalink Reply by Adina P on February 9, 2015 at 1:01pm

If you just stay right next to her she probably won't notice you're not holding on to the leash. Just be ready to step on it if she starts to look like she's about to zoom away.

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 9:39am

I have ordered a no pull easy walk harness, but I don't think I would have the time to put it on before potty breaks.

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 12:03pm

We might get an outdoor playpen, but there's no need for it now with this weather. One day it's raining, the next snow up to my bum, and that is followed by a warm up which causes flooding and slush. Oh and then it freezes back into ice. Yep, that's where I am today. Freezing cold standing on ice waiting for her to do her biz. ;) I need to remember to take my phone out in case I fall and can't get up. Lol
She does like to run on the long training lead, so for now that's what I'm letting her do to get in some extra exercise.

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on February 9, 2015 at 10:09am

I used the EZ walk harness for years; once you get it adjusted, it doesn't take any longer to put on than it takes to hook a leash to their collar. Two snap in buckles that click. You don't take the whole thing apart every time. :)

Permalink Reply by Gracie, Jade, & Barkley on February 9, 2015 at 11:54am

That's good to hear, Karen. Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Joanne ~ Spud* on February 9, 2015 at 1:23pm