Staffie pup

[danilee222]

I've got 3 staffie dogs, one had 3 pups 3 months ago, I kept one and he pulls like crazy when walking, although he is alot calmer than the other pups, he isn't copying his mum because she has a halti on so doesn't pull. How do I stop him pulling at an early age so I dont have to use the halti in later life? (no choke chains)

[lankeela]

Correctly used check (note NOT choke) chains can teach a dog not to pull. They are only choke chains if you use them the wrong way round.

Try a half check or combi collar, and teach him to not pull, by repeatedly pulling the lead to bring him back to heel then releasing, don't just expect him to copy another dog.

Why don't you want to use a halti on him, if it works for his mother?

[amaham]

If my Weimaraner used to pull, I would simply turn round and walk the other way for a bit, and then back again, repetitively, just to confuse him. Failing that as lankeela said, a halti is another excellent measure because as it controls the head, he will be less inclined to pull as he would do on an ordinary lead. By the way, I do notice that a lot of Staffie owners use a head/girdle-type lead, and as this breed is rather powerful in the chest, they will make full use of it!

[danilee222]

Thanks for that, it's just he is too young for the halti now and I dont want him choking himself on the lead. I hate walking his mum on the halti because she gets angry and hates it and i think it's rubbing the fur off her nose.

[Snappy]

I agree with amaham. I don't like using any kind of check chains or jerking my dog aound on the lead!! It takes a bit longer but stopping, then walking the dog round in a circle before carrying on works, if you are consistant. The dogs focus on whatever he's pulling to get at is broken and you can start walking again. On a 20min walk you may only get a few yards but the dog soon learns pulling doesn't get him anywhere fast!

[niknax71]

My boxer used to pull and pulling on the lead worked for about 1 minute.I found that putting the lead under the front leg works eventually.When they pull it causes discomfort under the top of the leg so they slow down.I used to just say heel good girl every time they slowed down.They learn the heel command quicker.Its not cruel nor does it damage them.