Post
by fuzznut » Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:33 am
Walking correctly on a leash really should be one of the easiest and could be the most important thing to teach your dog. Think of it this way, it's a matter of respect! If your dog is dragging you down the street, then it's totally disrespecting you and your authority. If you can't control him while on a lead, you will never control him off lead.
Teaching heel is not a one time thing, it's a constant, everyday reminder of who is really in charge. Lose that harness, lose the buckle collar and get yourself a simple slip lead. A slip lead has a ring on one end, you slip the lead through it and put it over the dogs head. Snug it up behind the dogs ears, very high on the neck, don't choke the dog, but have it snug.
Then walk..... and don't give any slack unless that dogs head is right there by your leg. Don't talk, don't command, don't say anything... just walk. If the dog tries to surge ahead, simply make a sharp about turn and keep walking. If the dog is in the correct position he should be perfectly comfortable. Stop and make the dog stand still... yup, just stand still. No spinning, jumping, sniffing or peeing. Just standing. Once he is calm and relaxed... start walking again. Keep that lead right up there under his ears! Keep it snug.
If every time that dog attempts to get in front of you, you switch direction quickly, the dog is going to start to get it and will start to watch you. He will begin to learn to respect you. But you must be willing to earn that respect from the dog, you must decide you are in charge, not the dog.
Don't worry about hurting this dog, if you do the above you won' be hurting him at all. It will be him that will be making himself uncomfortable when HE gets out of the correct position. No jerking, no yelling, just walk with that lead in the proper position and you should have a new dog.
The Command Lead is a good tool! So is a flat leather collar with the prongs on the inside. They work wonders on a hard head, neck strong dog. But the best tool is the owners determination that they will no longer accept their dog treating them with disregard.
Every time your dogs goes on a lead, and I mean every time, he must walk calmly. No pullling, no surging, no sniffing, no peeing.... not unless and until you tell them it's ok.
Fuzz