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Hello Puppy Madness!

I have a four month old pup that is doing really well with his training, however we have some inconsistency with him when walking on a leash.  He can usually walk loose leash really well but this is usually when we're walking away from the house or in a place he isn't as familiar with.

Walking on the way home, is a different story.  For example, our walks are typically around the block, and the first 1/2 or 2/3 of the way he is walking like a charm, but he tries to turns into a sled dog for the last portion of the walk.  Our walks can be up to 30 minutes or so, mostly because I spend a lot of time in the last portion of the walk stopping, changing directions, and generally trying to get him to stop pulling.

Does anybody else experience this?  are the walks too long? I've tried taking varied routes, but he always seems to know which direction is home (which I guess is a good thing)

We also try to reward his good leash walking in the beginning with lots of treats but he has even refused to be lured by treats when he is determined to get home.

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Replies to This Discussion

Raymond, that seems to be too far for an 18 week old puppy.  Google about orthopedic development and how far puppies should healthily walk.

Time, time, time. And your consistency in stopping when he pulls. And patience.
It is hard, but you WILL get there! Four months is so young. Sounds like you're doing so great already and keeping it positive, nice work. :) Enjoy him!
I'm a huge fan of the Easy Walk harness. Loki is large, currently 90lbs (18months old) and I had tried literally everything with him, martingale collars, choke chains, head collars (he didn't pull with that but had an almost panic attack) and several other types of harnesses but the Easy Walk seemed to work best. When Loki was younger he was pulling so hard I couldn't even get him and myself focused to be able to work on not pulling and the harness really helped because when they pull it pulls them back towards you, and therefor redirects their attention to you. He just passed his Therapy dog exam and I use that harness everytime we head out anywhere.
I also have one for my 6month old puppy who is a large tank as well (70lbs) and while he still pulls it helps to redirect him so we can keep working on not pulling. I have used the harness with Moose since he was 3months old because he thinks he's a sled dog I'm trying to break his habit earlier than Loki's.

Good luck!
We are also huge fans of the Easy Walk harness. Harley generally does very well on loose leash walks, but there are times when he just loses focus (kids, people, barking dogs). He's 15 months and nearly 80 lbs. The harness really stops the pulling. Essentially it "pulls their front legs together" so they have to stop pulling to continue walking. I know that sounds odd, but it absolutely works. Even my 10 year old can be in charge during the walk! Good luck!
I also can't say enough amazing things about the easy walk harness!

Beau did this too.  I put him in an Easy Walk Harness and he stopped trying to pull me back home.  At 7 mos., he wore the harness, but I clipped the lead to his collar instead and the first time he felt the pressure on the collar, he stayed right by my side.  To this day, he does not like anything pulling on his neck.  I do not think the walks are too long, I think he is just very young.  When they first start walking outside of their yard, there is so much stimulation, it can be overwhelming and when you head back home they know it and cannot wait for you to catch up with them - they just want to get there.  I would suggest the easy walk harness.  Good luck.  Your doodle is a cutie.

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