How can I feel more comfortable and confient walking my dog rather than using my bike?
Posted by James on May 11, 2013 · 2 Comments
Question by Makoce: How can I feel more comfortable and confient walking my dog rather than using my bike?
I usually take her for a bike ride rather than a walk — its because i feel like a target when i walk her.
if a dog runs after me down the street, i can petal away with her.
if there is a person walking down the street with a dog — i can pass before she notices and i can give a easier correction.
if something happens im just faster and slicker.
when i walk she jumps and pulls at other dogs, even with the prong collar and other corrections like cesar millan. if i body block she wraps up my feet, and if i turn her back to them she keeps turning around.
i feel stupid pulling on my dogs leash and making weird motions and such — especially sicne 95% of the people in my neighborhood have horrible dogs! So they wouldnt know dog training even if it smacked them in the face.
for some reason my parents hate the gentle leader
but agree with the prong
go figure x_X i dont get it either
maybe cause its misleading on the face
but i want to train her, not cloak over it
once you remove the head halter the dog isnt trained, just knows its not on and can do what it wants
Best answer:
Answer by Missy
Try a Gentle Leader. I use one with my APBT and it works wonders! Before buying it, he was a SUPER puller, but now if he tries to pull, I give a gentle tug and he settles right down.
***Well, then all you can do is train your dog to “Heel” on command. Seek a professional trainer to help if you need one***
Give your answer to this question below!
well take one step at a time, if you are not ready do not push yourself. just put your best foot foward
I trained my dogs to walk on a collar call the gentle leader
http://www.buygentleleader.com/View.aspx?page=dogs/products/behavior/gentleleader/description
you can have a much better control on the dog without worry about hurting them on a prong collar. Cesar’s wife also designed a collar that they sell on their website call the Illusion Collar which does the same thing.
For another method that Cesar use for dog is you look forward…do not look down on your dog to see what he’s doing/what he’s looking at..It actually works to keep your dog moving forward. (hard to do at the beginning because you have to be in tune with your dog’s body language)
I also took my dog to a dog trainer to help on walks when they were little. What works best on gaining confidence on a walk is to take a dog to a track or some empty parking lot where you know you won’t see too many dogs…walk them with a gentle leader or Illusion collar, keep her on a short leash, your dog should walk behind or next to you. For the gentle leader you can change direction when you dog start to pull…if you are walking forward, turn to the left and start walking that way…after a few change in direction you will get a better control on your dog. I always bring treats with me when I got for a walk. There is nothing that get a dog’s attention better than a good dog treat. You give your dog a treat the minute is walking slowing. A behaviorist also taught me to bring different level of treats..good, better and “I hit the jack pot treat” See the website below she also got good dog training books.
http://www.tamargeller.com/
Concept of good…better and best treat depends on your dog. If you can get your dog to sit on a milk bone that’s your regular treat. if a liver treat can get your dog to roll over without a command that’s a good or maybe even a better treat…if a piece of hot dog can lead your dog around the house drooling that’s your best treat. Rule of thumb is you want a stash of best treat first when you want your dog to do what you ask quickly and gladly. This make for very very positive training along with verbal praises. Give a treat anytime she is doing what you want, I use heel…so Good Heel and a good treat mean she’s walking the way I like. No treat or verbal correction if she’s pulling…change direction and walk again.
If you want to work on your dog, keep in mind the more time you put in, the better she will be. The session itself doesn’t have to be long (5-10 minute is just fine). You can even start at home if a track is too much distraction for your dog. Go with the least amount of distraction possible to work on your skills..you want to be able to lead your dog around the house without him pulling. He should never pull at home (he will at the beginning because he already associated the leash as a walk outside. so that’s why it’s a good place to start.)
I would also consult with a dog trainer in your area for loose leash walking. Petsmart has a basic training that teaches that, sit, stay, heel, wait, down command for about $70 I believe. It might be a good start for you if you don’t mind spending the money.
The gentle leader is $30 at a petstore but cost less on Dog.com.
I can send you more info if you have questions but I know the best is to work with a trainer if you don’t feel confident walking her. It actually make a different in a dog’s walk with your mind set.
Did you know Cesar also have a web training that you get access to help online for $130 for 6 months.
http://www.sessionswithcesar.com/?utm_source=CMI&utm_medium=largead&utm_campaign=CMIlrgad
you got some options on where to get help from…Good Luck