harness

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Dan and I really want to see Timbow become a therapy dog and are in the process of finding proper training facilities to get us started. I have one problem right now though...he is horrible walking on a leash. We have a normal collar on him and a 6 foot leash that has a handle near him as well as the one we hold to keep him by our sides. He is still a puppy and gets so excited to go places that he just pulls and pulls and we really want a fix for this now until we have him fully trained on a loose leash and collar. Would it completely ruin our training if I bought an easy walk harness for him for now? I was hoping that it would help teach him not to pull and then we could gradually start using the collar again. Does anyone have any advice? We aren't in a training class with him yet, and probably won't be for another month or so when one is offered.
Thanks!
Judi

[Adina P]

I believe that you can use a harness during the test and with visits...you can even use a Halti or Gentle Leader head halter...whatever you test with will be what you have to use on visits.

[Winnie's Dad]

Judi,
Easy Walk harness was recently added to the "acceptable" list for Delta Society Therapy Dog Evaluations/Visits. As Adina indicated, if you test using a harness or head collar, then you are required to visit using the same equipment.

I don't think TDI or TDInc allow you to test/visit using such devices, but I'm not sure. Someone here who visits with those organizations will hopefully chime in.

Loose Leash Walking (LLW ), especially with a friendly young doodle, is a difficult task. It is possible. You should start working on this now, don't wait until you're in a class.

Rule #1 NEVER (yes I'm shouting) move forward when there is any tension on the leash. If Timbow starts to pull, you stop dead in your tracks and wait for him to come back to you (he eventually will). When he does, you can resume moving forward. Some variations on this method is to start walking backwards when the leash gets tight, or to turn and walk forward in the other direction, then when Timbow catches up to you, turn and resume your original path. You have to change your mindset that walking is not about exercise or getting from point a to point b, walking is now about TRAINING LLW. Give him loads of praise, attention, and treats, or clicks and treats (if you're clicker training him) when he is walking where you want him.

It is helpful to exercise the dog BEFORE you go for a walk. Play fetch/chase with him in the yard or house so that he's "got his yayas out" and he'll be a little less excitable on walks and a little more focused and trainable.

Once he gets his LLW down, add in the automatic sit when you stop. This is a great default behavior to instill in a young dog. The best part about the automatic sit is that your dog won't be rushing and jumping on people or dogs you meet. Later, you can add in a cue to tell him to "go say hello" (or whatever you want to call it).

It is very helpful if all of Timbow's handlers/walkers are on the same page. Consistency works wonders with dogs. Inconsistency confuses them greatly.

In closing, I must add that this training is usually very gradual, especially if the dog has a history of being positively reinforced for pulling (by getting to move forward). Depending on the dog, and how many people are walking him, success is sometimes measured in weeks, sometimes months, sometimes longer.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Thank you so much! I am going to work on him with that. Also...to you and Adina, how do I find a the Delta Society in Atlanta? Should I find a recommended trainer from them?

[Adina P]

You don't have to take therapy dog classes to pass the test. You simply need a moderately controlled, obedient dog who is comfortable with lots of different kinds of people. I didn't take any classes for it as the nearest class was 3 hours away, however, one is required to buy the training manual and read and pass a short written test prior to taking the live test. The training manual teaches you most of what you need to know, BUT, it doesn't teach you "how to" train your dog...only the things you'll want to train for.

I used training scenarios I set up myself and it worked out fine. Three other teams passed locally without any classes too--so it is doable if you put in the work. But a lot of people find the Delta workshop classes very helpful and apparently there is a higher fail rate for those who don't take the prep classes.

If you look on the front page of this Therapy Dog group there is a link to Delta Society...poke around their site to find out your local chapters.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

thank you so much Adina!

[Elaine]

I had our dog through training from puppy to advanced. You must stay consistent with his training. Stop each time the leash gets tight (or he pulls) It may take an hour to walk to the corner (I've been there I know) but the more consistant you are he'll get it and learn. Leo is 2 1/2 now and occasionally I need to stop...I believe it is an on going process