How did YOU train good lead-walking?

Proc

Springer Spaniel. Used a few methods;

1) As soon as he started to pull, turn around and walk the other way. Keep doing this. Sometimes it took 30 minutes just to get to the fields 100 yards away.

2) This was the most effective. As soon as he started to pull I would take 2 or 3 loud steps forward whilst loudly saying "Ow Ow Ow" then kind of pretend to fall over. Then I'd look at him and say "Get here" and pointed to the floor next to me. This generally made him think he was pulling me over, and the loud noises and drama I made would get his attention back.

I still use this tactic now when he's not on the lead and starts to get too far ahead.

3) Stick method. Swing it in front of his nose if he starts to walk ahead. A little poke in the hind-quarters brings him straight back too if he gets on too much. Rarely used this, only when shooting and it was more to see how it works. In the end I didn't feel comfortable as it generally caused him to cower too much.

lucyq

I was going to reply with the method i used but i see Proc has suggested it, it is an extremely effective way of getting a dog to walk to heel by turning in the opposite direction every 20paces say (or every 2minutes) this makes the dog keep looking at you for some direction.
A dog only needs around 1000 repetitions for the majority of commands, i know that sounds alot but it isn't when put into practice and you'll do that in the space of a week.
I'm not an advocate of choke chains at all, i am experienced with them but not everyone else is and to suggest it to someone that has no experience of using one shouldn't be advised.

Many people don't even know that theres a correct way to put on a choke chain! consistancy is the main key for a quicker option you could try a dogmatic or halti as you aren't controlling the weight of the dog but the direction you expect them to go in. (if you turn your head to the side your body will automatically lean to that side which is the principle behind head halters) but be prepared for the dog to hit any piece of grass to try and get it off which usually lasts a week lol.

EmptyPockets

Proc wrote: »

I would take 2 or 3 loud steps forward whilst loudly saying "Ow Ow Ow" then kind of pretend to fall over.

:rotfl: Proc, this sounds like a clever method, but it did make me :rotfl: when I read it and imagined myself doing it in the street! :T

Thanks for all the brilliant advice, it's good to know others have been successful with many different methods. I often feel like stopping random strangers in the street and asking them how they got their dog to walk so beautifully! There are many Staffy owners round here, and they seem to be the most perfectly-behaved dogs in the world, walking perfectly to heel.

I think I'm going to switch to the method of changing direction frequently, and see if I have any better success with that. I think I'll also continue walking them separately for a while - mainly because I like the one-to-one time with each dog and I think it's important

Lirin

Lucyq- You're right regarding a correct way for choke chains- I've seen neck damage with people using them incorrectly- usually yanking the dog to a stop does this.
Sticks I do use, though they're only there to tap the dog, NOT beat it- beating them or hitting them hard can make them cower. Mine as i've said usually settle for getting indignant on me when they were tapped- and I only needed to do this for a short time in any case. I usually would bring a stick walking with me anyway still- serves as a walking stick, a pointer to direct the dogs, other uses....
My two are rarely on the lead now, generally only in built up areas.
I'd love to try Proc's falling over method, but knowing the Lab I have, she'd stand on me, tail going a million miles an hour, and lick me to death!

dragonmonkey

One off my Border Collies pulls like mad, tried everything!!! even tried bringing his fave Ball along (which never leaves his side in house)


The Canny collar works well with him, but everytime you stop walking he near lifts you off the ground trying to get if the thing off by putting head between legs :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

His brother is fine out alone until they are together then its twice as bad.

I came to the conclusion long ago that BC's are just not suppose to be on leads :)