Walking to heel

[spotit3]

Any suggestions on getting a dog to stop pulling on the lead? Unfortunately there are no training classes nearby. I have tried a few books but nothing seems to be working. She is quite good at sitting and lying down but walking her is a nightmare especially when she meet other dogs. My arm is almost pulled out of it's socket! She is a miniature poodle and gets about an hour's walk each day. Any tips greatly appreciated.

[spotit3]

I will try some of the kinder methods suggested here and report back in a few weeks to let you all know results. Thanks everyone for taking time out to help. I am just about to take her to the seaside for a run so she can possibly have some off lead freedom if I can find a quiet spot.

[kita1]

This is a video that shows the 'kinder' methods already suggested:

http://www.youtube.co...&feature=channel_page

In the video the trainer is using a 'clicker' so that she can reward the dog instantly when it is in the correct position.

[woofgang]

chris this is NOT how professional dog handlers do it and any vet nurse asked to show how to use a slip chain collar should be showing the enquirer the door!

[lankeela]

Having been brought up on the 'yank and choke' method of dog training I would not recommend it for a novice owner - however I do feel there are still the very rare occasions where a check chain (note I say check and not choke) is the correct tool for the job. It needs to be used correctly - and I don't just mean put on the right way, you would be amazed how many people don't know its on wrong! It needs to be the correct length for the dog, put on correctly and kept up near the dogs ears to have any effect and used with a quick release action when the dog is walking properly. My preferrred collar is a half check, which gives you some control without the severity of the check chain used incorrectly. Obviously for a young dog it is preferable to not allow it to pull in the first place but for most dogs that turn up at dog training or have never been they are already past that stage. A Halti or Canny Collar can be useful but although they do stop the dog pulling they don't actually teach it not to pull and when you take them off the dog will still pull. A Harness in my opinion is not only a waste of space but can be very dangerous if used incorrectly, many dogs have had spinal problems because the owners yank the dog up in the middle of their back causing the spine to curve upwards. Harnesses were invented for horses (and sled dogs) to allow them to transfer the weight they are pulling to their shoulders and by the time a harness on a dog kicks in the front legs have already pulled so it is too late. Those very fine nylon harnesses cut into a dogs flesh and cause injuries. Mine are all taught to walk from a young age on a loose half check (often called a combi collar) and this goes for the tiny Heelers to the hefty great GSD. They need to be fitted correctly with the chain part forming a triangle when you put the slightest pressure on. This allows the handler to bring the dog back to their side and as they do so the chain makes a 'zip' noise and releases as soon as the dog is in the correct position. Used with titbits or toys they learn that it is a good place to be, and the handler praises them which is the best way to learn.

[kait18]

not sure if you found anything that worked but i have a great dane pitbull mix who was 3 when i rescued him and he was full grown with no leash/lead training. go slow when you go out have a choke chain on him with a short leash. step one when you are leaving your house make him sit by the door when you are opening it. you go out first then say come. to tell him its his turn. once outside tell him to either sit or stand next to you. you don't want him dragging you out of the house. it hurts :(. repeat this until he is comfortable with what your asking. then move on to step two. that is when he is outside the door have him positioned right next to your body with a short leash. when you take a step he should take a step not the other way around. once he starts to pull you stop and give him a quick tug on the leash to tighten the choker and tell him no. do not start moving until he either sits on his own or relaxs enough on the leash. once he is relaxed and there is no tension start walking again. repeat this until he understands what your asking. i did it for a week with my guy and saw improvements almost instantly. by the 2nd week i didn't have to teach anymore he understood what was expected on walks. gradually you can move to a longer leash but only when you are confident he will listen to you from afar. :) good luck hope this helped

[kait18]

i had the same problem with my great dane pitbull mix who was 3 when i rescued him untrained. start slow!!!! go out and get a choker chain and a short leash (you will be happy i suggested this it really helps when used right) step 1 start when dog is hooked up and your ready. walk him to door and tell him to sit. open door if he moves close door immediately and tell him to sit. repeat this until you can open door without him moving. once you can open door and have him not move go to step 2 which is you stepping outside without the dog moving. if he moves when you step go back to step one. if he doesn't move then tell him to come and once he is outside tell him to sit. repeat this until you no longer have to which is when he automatically sits when coming outside. then go to step 3. tell him lets go and make sure you take the first step! very important you lead. once he starts to pull stop immediately and give a quick tug with the leash to tighten the choker. (do not hold the leash tight for to long as it can cut off air ways.)wait for him to relax he will either relax enough standing up or you can ask him to come to you and sit(Which is what i did). once he does what you think is relaxed then walk again making sure you take first step like when you started the walk. just keep repeating. within a week i had my doing everything without any tension on the leash but with just body language and commands. its been 4 years and i can do all of this now without a leash on!!! so just keep up the repetition and it will work out. good luck

[spotit3]

Just to let you all know that Bonnie is now walking great on a loose lead. Many thanks to all who took the time to help me with their answers. Much appreciated.