help ! my dog wont stop pulling !!!

steve · #1 27-04-11, 06:38 PM

My bitch prudence is now one year old to the day, and has developed a problem with pulling on the lead- its become so frustrating !! in the house she is perfect - we have two young children to whom she is perfect around, and her manners are very good, but then it comes to walk time- we have practiced putting the lead on and getting past the gate stage all of which she does spot on but on the actual walk itself she continually pulls ahead and is displaying aggression towards other dogs- she is going a million miles an hour and getting her attention is nigh on impossible- also she wont allow anyone to walk in front of her without creating a scene(like a child in a supermarket)- ive tried all the usual things with no success and its causing major problems and prudence is missing out on so many experiences , and draining her energy levels is impossible when we cant even do a basic walk! any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

jackie · #2 27-04-11, 06:45 PM

Try a dogmatic, I use one on Mishka and it makes walking really easy, total control in public areas. Once we hit the fields and country lanes, then it is free time of the lead. I tried other types such as halti, gentle leader but I found these rose up in to her eyes but the Dogmatic stays where it should and she is quite happy to wear it.

steve · #3 27-04-11, 07:00 PM

yeah ive tried a wide array of leads collars and halti's, even a stop pull harness - which was absolutely useless lol the halti was just as bad - instead of pulling she was just thrashing around trying to get it off! ill have a look at the one you recommended - willing to try anything! do e collars have a place in training ? - the pager not the shock version .

#4 27-04-11, 07:16 PM

Hi Steve, sorry to hear you're having problems with Pru. Sounds like she's trying it on being older now.. pushing boundaries with you. Back to basics with the obedience is a good start.

For pulling have you read My Dog Pulls What Do I Do by Turid Rugass? It explains very well why they pull and how to stop them doing it - BUT you have to be consistent.

Remus was the puller from hell - and still pulls when my OH walks him - not me though. The reason? He knows we don't go anywhere if he pulls with me, we only move forward on a loose leash ALL of the time. No 'I'm in a rush to walk the dog before work' so let it pull a bit. All that does is reinforce the dog for pulling - dog wants to be ahead, dog pulls, you move forward.

Because I walk 2, I can't do the turn 180 when one pulls, so anytime there's lead tension I just walk backwards still facing forward, and I mean ANY time. Dog knows I'll do it, so if he does get ahead at the start of the walk, he just backs up of his own accord now. Zee doesn't pull at all.

BTW I'm in North Yorks too, big county though.. whereabouts are you?

steve · #5 27-04-11, 07:22 PM

were in harrogate, plenty of opportunities for walks but i end up coming back stressed and in a bad mood lol . she is sooooooo persistent its turning into a battle of wills !

#6 27-04-11, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anni

Hi Steve, sorry to hear you're having problems with Pru. Sounds like she's trying it on being older now.. pushing boundaries with you. Back to basics with the obedience is a good start.

For pulling have you read My Dog Pulls What Do I Do by Turid Rugass? It explains very well why they pull and how to stop them doing it - BUT you have to be consistent.

Remus was the puller from hell - and still pulls when my OH walks him - not me though. The reason? He knows we don't go anywhere if he pulls with me, we only move forward on a loose leash ALL of the time. No 'I'm in a rush to walk the dog before work' so let it pull a bit. All that does is reinforce the dog for pulling - dog wants to be ahead, dog pulls, you move forward.

Because I walk 2, I can't do the turn 180 when one pulls, so anytime there's lead tension I just walk backwards still facing forward, and I mean ANY time. Dog knows I'll do it, so if he does get ahead at the start of the walk, he just backs up of his own accord now. Zee doesn't pull at all.

BTW I'm in North Yorks too, big county though.. whereabouts are you?

Agree
With Kaiser the walk stops until he is calm and a loose lead.
You need to take control and let her know where she should walk by your side.

#7 27-04-11, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve

were in harrogate, plenty of opportunities for walks but i end up coming back stressed and in a bad mood lol . she is sooooooo persistent its turning into a battle of wills !

Ah very posh, you have Betty's there!

I'm near Malton - we live in caves and eat straw

LOVEGSD · #8 28-04-11, 11:45 AM

Diesel pulled as a youngster, I did the stop and turn around every time he did it and he soon realised he was getting nowhere. You have to remain consistent and keep at it and you will get there.

ClaireandDaisy · #9 28-04-11, 01:03 PM

I use the Drunken Walk method and it has never failed. Walk the dog on a loose lead. As soon as the dog moves ahead, change direction. Weave round lamp-posts, change pace.. be unpredictable. As soon as the dog is following you, praise or reward and continue on your way. When the dog rushes ahead again, repeat.

It takes time and patience, but it always works.

Heather · #10 28-04-11, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anni

Hi Steve, sorry to hear you're having problems with Pru. Sounds like she's trying it on being older now.. pushing boundaries with you. Back to basics with the obedience is a good start.

For pulling have you read My Dog Pulls What Do I Do by Turid Rugass? It explains very well why they pull and how to stop them doing it - BUT you have to be consistent.

Remus was the puller from hell - and still pulls when my OH walks him - not me though. The reason? He knows we don't go anywhere if he pulls with me, we only move forward on a loose leash ALL of the time. No 'I'm in a rush to walk the dog before work' so let it pull a bit. All that does is reinforce the dog for pulling - dog wants to be ahead, dog pulls, you move forward.

Because I walk 2, I can't do the turn 180 when one pulls, so anytime there's lead tension I just walk backwards still facing forward, and I mean ANY time. Dog knows I'll do it, so if he does get ahead at the start of the walk, he just backs up of his own accord now. Zee doesn't pull at all.

BTW I'm in North Yorks too, big county though.. whereabouts are you?

I love this book- it is so simple and I'm sure if I was more consistent Kira wouldn't pull so much. But I must say she's getting better and knows that when I stop when she pulls she has to back up.