Leash training
By dfinster
@dfinster (3528)
United States
February 28, 2007 10:22pm CST
I have a yellow lab that's almost years old. We live in the country and let him run loose when we're outside with him but never when he's by himself. Now with the winter months here and all the snowstorms and extremely cold weather, it's hard to be outside for long. He needs to get his exercise everyday so I thought I'd put the leash on him and take him for a few short walks everyday. The problem is, he's almost impossible to walk that way. He puts the leash in his mouth and shakes it around like it's a toy and instead of walking next to me he jumps back and forth right in frnt of me. I almost fell on top of him today. I don't know how to break him of these behaviors and don't want to use anything drastic like those spiked chokers. He's extremely intelligent and learns very quickly. In fact, this is the only problem I've had with him. If anybody has ideas to help me fix this it would be great. I want to make sure I can get him out for his exercise to keep him healthy and happy.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Don't give him enough leash to walk in front of you.
Give him only enough leash to walk beside you. This will limit how walking to understand that you two will trip each other. Also, keep the leash guide him to stay on one side of you. If he tries to go on the other side, just strict his movement and tell him no. It will take some time. But if he is smart, you will be surprised how good he really will do! :)
Once he gets the idea that the leash is to guide him, he will no longer wave back and forth in front of you. And do not forget to give positive re-enforcement. Telling while he is walking that he is doing a good job. And when the walk is done, get down to his level and praise him for a good job that he did.
I hope this helps!!! I dog had an issue and only after a few trips, she started to get better. :)
2 people like this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I've tried this but for some reason he just thinks it's the coolest thing in the world and will grab onto it no matter how short I hold it. Like I said, he's really intelligent but when it comes to this one thing, he definatley is at the back of the class right now. I try to praise him like you said too, but then he gets excited and starts jumping in front of me again like it's playtime. Oh well, I guess he'll be my latest work in progress. I ned a project to get me through the rest of the winter, LOL!
@beaniefanatic13 (5068)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
1 Mar 07
It sounds like you just introduced a leash to your dog, so like anything else it will take some time for him to get use to it. If after a little while you don't see any improvement then I would suggest an obedience class that both of you can learn how to use a leash. I hope this helps. :)
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Actually, I've been using a leash or a tie on him since he was a baby. He's just never gotten out of this bad habit and I fear you're right. I think I'll have to take obedience classes with him if I can't get him to break this habit. Thanks.
1 person likes this
