Dog Too Spoiled To Walk On Leash

By Adam Katz

Dear Mr. Katz:

I have a 4 month old female pup, AmStaff/Boxer (we think – she was a rescue). She responds well to all training, EXCEPT for walking and heeling.

We’ve practiced the loose-leash “turning on a dime” technique described in your book and audio tape at length, but she refuses to cooperate.

[See http://www.dogproblems.com/secretsbook.htm]

It’s not a matter of distraction – when I attempt to train her in this style, she pulls back with all her strength. When the loose leash is snapped, she sits, paws braced, or lays down on her back. These responses are immediate.

I’ve tried instantly righting her, and continuing the training, but she responds as above just as quickly. This can go on indefinitely. I’ve tried correcting her with a low “No,” and praising her if she responds correctly for even an instant. I’ve tried using treats to get her to at least walk with me briefly…… all to no success.

What else should I try?

Thanks,

Geoff

Dear Geoff,

It’s a good question you’ve asked.

First, you DO NOT want to work the dog around distractions at this point in the game.

Second, you should not be telling the dog, “No!” and jerking the leash for this behavior. Instead, you need to simply glue the leash to your belt and keep walking.

Now here’s where your problem will arise: You’ve already inadvertently taught your dog that if she kicks and screams long enough (or rolls on her back and throws a tantrum)… that eventually you will stop walking and come to see what’s wrong.

The only problem is… NOTHING IS WRONG!

It’s like if I take you in a helicopter and drop you off in the middle of the desert and tell you that I’m going to leave you there, but will eventually come back and pick you up in half an hour (or 2 hours, or a whole day!!!) … you will simply sit there and not attempt to remedy your situation, as you know that I’m coming back to pick you up. Eventually, this situation will end and I’ll come back and your problems will be over.

However, if I instead drop you off in the middle of the desert and tell you that I’m never coming back… then all of the sudden you’re in a position where you MUST START TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS TO BETTER YOUR SITUATION.

Maybe you start to look for some twigs you can start a smoke fire with, to draw the attention of an airplane overhead.

Or perhaps you climb on top of a rock, to look for a nearby highway so that you can hitch hike to a nearby pay phone.

But the point is… you start actively looking for a solution because you IMMEDIATELY REALIZE THAT YOUR SITUATION WILL NOT SIMPLY END BY ITSELF.

And this is the same thing you need to teach your dog. And it’s a lesson that will extend beyond this one exercise. Your dog must learn that just because she does not want to do something DOES NOT mean that you will give in and let her not do the exercise.

BECAUSE THIS CREATES A SPOILED DOG.

So… what should you do? The answer is really quite simple. Just keep walking. No matter how much the dog kicks and screams and throws a tantrum, remember: You’re not asking her to do anything she cannot do if she chooses. We’re asking her to SIMPLY WALK WITH YOU.

Now, in light of everything you’ve already taught her (remember, every action you do teaches your dog something)… you may have to keep walking a quarter of a mile before she finally realizes that you’re not stopping and that it’s easier to walk alongside you than it is to be dragged on her rump.

Trust me… it won’t be a pretty scene for your neighbors to look out their window and see you dragging your dog on her rump down the street.

But when you will be able to take that same dog out for a casual stroll later that evening, your neighbors will wonder if you didn’t trade your dog in for a different one and will gasp at how well she walks alongside you on the leash.

That’s all for now, folks!

Adam

Dogproblems.com

About the Author: Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider’s Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History.” Get a free copy of his report “Games To Play With Your Dog” when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

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Leash Training Your Dog

By David Beart

The sight of a human and dog walking harmoniously down the sidewalk, leash loose as if entirely unnecessary, sparks envy in many dog owners who dare to dream of such behavior from their own pets. What this perfect picture does not show, however, is the amount of time, effort, and training that went into teaching the animal how to comfortably walk on leash. Although it is not a natural occurrence for a dog to walk on leash, it is required in many cities, as well as veterinarian offices, and the sooner you begin leash training your dog, the sooner you and your dog will be that perfect picture!

Ideally, the time to begin leash training is around eight weeks of age. At this point, your puppy is mature enough to learn basic commands, like come or let’s go. If your dog is past this age, do not worry. Even an older dog can be taught to walk on leash, but it may take a bit more effort on your part as his bad ‘on leash’ behavior may be quite engrained. To prepare your animal for the leash, first get him used to wearing a collar. Put the collar on for short periods of time at first, and try to distract your dog from biting or trying to remove it. Do not remove the collar when he is actively fighting it; only remove the collar when he is calm and tolerant. Once he is used to the collar, add the leash. Allow him to eat or play (supervised by you) with the leash on so that he can associate it with fun activities. A six foot nylon, non-extendable leash works best.

The key to beginning leash training is getting your dog to come to you when called. Using treats is perfectly acceptable, but be sure to praise as well. You can even begin in your own backyard; have your dog wear collar and leash, and let him walk freely through the yard. Call him to come close to you, and when he does, give him a treat. Hang onto another treat, show it to him, and have him follow you for a short distance. After a minute, give him the treat. You should be able to gradually increase the amount of time the pup follows you, and he learns that following you and paying attention equals treats and praise.

When you are ready to take your dog or puppy out of the backyard, arm yourself with motivation (food). The first few walks should be short, and remember that until your dog learns to walk without pulling, each and every walk is a training session. Begin walking, and give the command of ‘walk,’ or ‘let’s go.’ If your dog follows, say ‘good walk,’ if he freezes and refuses to move, drop a few treats in front of him, leash loose, and wait. Never pull or drag your dog, as this may frighten him even more. You can also try to encourage forward movement by touching the dog’s hindquarters, or turn your back to the dog and wait for him to become bored of sitting there. If, on the other hand, your dog runs to the end of the leash and pulls, stop moving. Do not pull back. As soon as the pup realizes that pulling did not work because you are no longer moving forward, get his attention, and motivate him to follow you in another direction. You are much more likely to keep a puppy’s attention by making a game out of following you, and you will have more fun too!

For an older dog that pulls, stopping alone may not work. Remember that the goal is to walk with the leash loose at all times, so you must be very careful not to allow the dog to experience tension from the leash. Arm position is very important; your arm should be relaxed, slightly bent, with your elbow in toward your body. An outstretched arm offers less control. The instant that the leash becomes taught from your dog pulling, straighten your arm to create slack in the leash, and take a step in a different direction. The dog may feel a tug at the leash, but he will recognize that you made a change in direction that he missed. This will encourage your dog to pay careful attention to your body language, and rely less on cues from the leash.

Leash training your dog can be extremely rewarding, and is essential for a safe, well-exercised pet. Your dog will enjoy trips out of the yard, and you will enjoy the ease with which your pet walks along side of you. You may even become the envy of your neighbors as you and your dog take pleasant strolls throughout the neighborhood.

About the Author: David Beart is the owner of www.professorshouse.com. Our site covers dog training, cats, cooking and family issues

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Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?

By Niall Kennedy

A leash can help you keep control of your cat when you don’t want her to stray too far away, but still get some exercise.

Even if you never plan to take your cat for regular walks like you would a dog, you still need to insure that your cat can tolerate the collar and leash. You will need to take her to the vet and getting her used to it now can help considerably. There are specific collars, harnesses and leashes designed for the cat that you can use.

Cat Leashes

Leashes are designed in several ways from a standard form to a retractable one. No matter which you choose, make sure that it is lightweight enough to allow the cat the ability to move under its weight. Retractable will allow the cat to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe areas. You’ll want to keep the cats close when walking to and from their homes.

Getting used to the leash takes training. Cats don’t do well with negative correction so by tugging on the leash you will not get them to stay at your side. Instead of negative feedback, cats do better with praise and positive reinforcement. Ignore her when she does something wrong. You can teach the cat to tolerate the leash but more than likely she will not be consistently healing or obeying commands.

Collars

Cat collars are not commonly made for leashes. Because the cat’s head is shaped so, it can easily slide any collar off. Collars are used for other reasons such as accessories. For example, a jeweled collar offers a cute look for the cat. Others use cat collars to hold identification tags in case the animal gets lost. Also, you can use the collar to warn birds that he’s in the area and approaching by using bells or a low tech alarm system.

The Harness

The harness is another option that the owner has. These stay on your cat securely so that the cat leash can be used. A simple nylon harness for your cat is a good choice or you can go with the deluxe models that look like padded vests. The only thing that is important is that they are completely adjustable.

If possible start training the cat when she is a kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Put the harness on her and allow her to walk around in it unrestrained. Then, add the leash a few times later. Don’t apply any pressure to the leash though. Once she’s used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach her that you can be on the other end of it. Use a little pressure on the leash and call your cat to you. When she does what you want him to, praise her and reward him. Eventually, she’ll be okay with it.

The leash allows you to take your cat outside for a walk to just to explore the yard. You don’t have to worry, then, that she’ll escape or get into trouble.

About the Author: Cat leashes and harnesses are just some of the fun and practical products available from Best Pet Health Information. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info
Copyright http://Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved.

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Training Your Dog To Walk Nicely On A Leash And Collar

By Ken Snowie

There are many different techniques you can use to train your dog, and it is important to find one that works for you and your family in order to have the most loyal and well-behaved pet possible. All successful styles of dog training emphasize the bond between dog and owner, and the basis of a successful training program is earning the dog’s respect. It is fortunate that dogs are innately programmed to submit to a leader, it allows them to follow commands and make training easier.

This article will discuss on of the more common types of dog training –leash/collar training. Other articles will examine other common dog-training techniques, known as reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both the leash/collar styles of dog training and reward-based dog training have been proven to be effective methods of dog training over time. The method of training that is most effective is dependent on the dog’s breed and his temperament. Each dog has its own personality, which is emphasized even further by many years of selective breeding.

The personalities of individual dogs can be very different, even within the same breed. It is up to you, as the owner, to determine which method of training will work best for your dog, so it is important to work with the trainer in order to attain your goal of an eager, well-trained and friendly dog.

Leash/collar training is the best way to fulfill many factions of dog training, especially in circumstances where the dog must be very dependable. For example, certain working dogs, such as police dogs, rescue dogs or guard dogs, tend to gain from leash and collar training.

In leash/collar training, different levels of force can be used, varying from light modifications with the lead to firmer corrections. The level of correction used should be relative to the situation, as too much correction, or not enough, can prove unproductive.

In a leash/collar emphasized dog-training program, the dog is first taught a desired behavior on the leash. Once the dog seems to understand the command, the leash is then used to modify incorrect behaviors. The leash is used as the main form of control and communication with the dog in this form of training.

With leash/collar training, the dog must learn to trust the handler and follow commands without any hesitation. The dog is considered fully trained when the handler is able to show that the dog will follow a command even if he does not want to. While this does not mean using brute force, it will likely necessitate some physical handling. This type of handling is most effectively completed by use of the leash.

Anyone attempting to train his or her dog should understand that the leash is merely a device. While the leash is necessary for this style of dog training, it is important for the dog trainer to strive for the same results using whatever gear are nearby.

No matter what device the owner uses for training, such as the owner’s body and voice, the dog should be eager to comply. Building a trusting relationship between owner and dog is vital, and it is important that the leash is used as a tool rather than a crutch. A properly trained dog should be eager to obey with or without a leash.

About the Author: To learn more about dog training visit http://www.discoverdogtraining.info

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How to Do Dog Leash Training

By Andy Ayres

Leashes are made up of cotton, nylon and leather. It is better to use leather leash for your dog as your dog can easily tare into pieces cotton leashes. Nylon leashes can slip from your hands easily and your dog can run away and may affect anyone including you too. Therefore, leather leashes are the best as they neither slip from your hands soon nor your dog can tare them into pieces within minutes. During dog leash training, a dog is taught to make a habit of having a leash on its neck.

When the dog wears first time leash on its neck in the beginning of dog leash training, every single dog does not like leash and wants to get rid of it but as time passes, your dog does not feel irritation when it sees leash on its neck. All dogs seize the leash when they wear it in the beginning, you should not stop your dog or beat it when it seizes its leash but let it seizing its leash. It is necessary for making successful dog leash training because when your dog touches the leash, it comes to know that this leash does not affect it when it touches it and does not cause pain. Your dog will soon leave the habit of seizing the leash in this way and that is what you want to see during dog leash training.

Always tide loosely the leash on your dog’s neck. It is necessary to tide loosely the leash on your dog’s neck as if you are not around your dog and your dog tides more its tight leash, it may result in the suffocation and your dog leash training will surely end but the result will not be the positive and according to your desires. Do not tie too much loosely the leash as in this case, your dog can take the leash inside its foot and the result will be once again the suffocation. Therefore, you should always be careful about tying the leash on your dog’s neck during dog leash training. Neither tie it too loose nor too tight. Tide the leash in such a way that the leash may not affect your dog even in your absence.

If you want to cut out the habit of seizing from your dog, never stop your dog when it seizes the leash as if your dog is stubborn, it will never stop seizing the leash but will seize it more. Therefore, let it seize and as time goes by, it will automatically stop seizing it. Another method of cutting out the habit of the seizing from your dog is that you should never catch tightly the leash when you take your dog anywhere with you as when your dog feels pain or irritation on its neck due to the leash, it will try to get rid of it permanently instead of developing the habit of having the leash permanently on its neck during dog leash training.

About the Author: Andy Ayres is a dog training specialist and helps dog owners solve problems with their pets. If you want to stop your dog’s excessive barking then learn how a bark collar can help or look here for the most popular bark collars.

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Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?

By Niall Kennedy

A leash can help you keep control of your cat when you don’t want her to stray too far away, but still get some exercise.

Even if you never plan to take your cat for regular walks like you would a dog, you still need to insure that your cat can tolerate the collar and leash. You will need to take her to the vet and getting her used to it now can help considerably. There are specific collars, harnesses and leashes designed for the cat that you can use.

Cat Leashes

Leashes are designed in several ways from a standard form to a retractable one. No matter which you choose, make sure that it is lightweight enough to allow the cat the ability to move under its weight. Retractable will allow the cat to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe areas. You’ll want to keep the cats close when walking to and from their homes.

Getting used to the leash takes training. Cats don’t do well with negative correction so by tugging on the leash you will not get them to stay at your side. Instead of negative feedback, cats do better with praise and positive reinforcement. Ignore her when she does something wrong. You can teach the cat to tolerate the leash but more than likely she will not be consistently healing or obeying commands.

Collars

Cat collars are not commonly made for leashes. Because the cat’s head is shaped so, it can easily slide any collar off. Collars are used for other reasons such as accessories. For example, a jeweled collar offers a cute look for the cat. Others use cat collars to hold identification tags in case the animal gets lost. Also, you can use the collar to warn birds that he’s in the area and approaching by using bells or a low tech alarm system.

The Harness

The harness is another option that the owner has. These stay on your cat securely so that the cat leash can be used. A simple nylon harness for your cat is a good choice or you can go with the deluxe models that look like padded vests. The only thing that is important is that they are completely adjustable.

If possible start training the cat when she is a kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Put the harness on her and allow her to walk around in it unrestrained. Then, add the leash a few times later. Don’t apply any pressure to the leash though. Once she’s used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach her that you can be on the other end of it. Use a little pressure on the leash and call your cat to you. When she does what you want him to, praise her and reward him. Eventually, she’ll be okay with it.

The leash allows you to take your cat outside for a walk to just to explore the yard. You don’t have to worry, then, that she’ll escape or get into trouble.

About the Author: Cat leashes and harnesses are just some of the fun and practical products available from Best Pet Health Information. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info
Copyright http://Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved.

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Leash Training – Answers to Your Leash Training Questions

By Kelly Marshall

Many dog owners neglect leash training their dogs. Why? Because they feel that is too much hassle and they feel that leash training is a waste of time. It’s not – leash training is widely underestimated by new dog owners. The method of getting your dog used to being on leash is very easy and just takes a little bit of your time. This small investment of properly training your dog to walk the right way is worth it in the near future, especially if your puppy will grow up weighing 50 or more pounds.

Every week I receive a dozen or more questions from new dog owners that ask me about leash training. Dog owners want to know what type of leash is best, what type to avoid, how long they should walk their dog, how to get the dog to stop pulling.

The following information below is a list of a few of the most common leash training questions for your benefit. Don’t forget, there is no one best way to do anything so when it comes to dog training, whether it involves leash training or other lesson, it is okay to include in your own training ideas so long as you keep it extremely positive – Negative dog training is never recommended and highly discouraged.

So, here are a few basic leash training questions and answers:

• What kind of material should my leash be made of? When you walk into any pet-specific store you’ll discover that most leashes for sale are made of nylon. Nylon is easy to wash and comes in an assortment of pretty colors. Nevertheless, they will burn your hand if the dog suddenly pulls and the leash moves through your fingers.

• I recommend that you buy a leather leash. In fact, a six-foot leash made of leather is a great size and material. It is long lasting you will not experience any type of burning sensation if it is pulled. Plus the grip is firm and your control is increased.

• Should you use using chain leashes? You can, however, chain leashes are just like nylon material, a chain leash can hurt your hands if the dog yanks hard and your grip slips. The benefit of this is that they are practically indestructible and will last a very long time. But injury could be much more severe than a nylon burn.

• How much room should you allow the leash to extend when walking your dog? Experienced dog trainers suggest that your puppy or adult dog does not need any more than 5 – 6 feet of distance to roam when you are walking it. This is plenty of room for you to keep control of the situation, while at the same time giving your dog a chance to sniff out small areas along the way.

• Lastly, how wide should your dog’s leash be? This answer is very simple. A leash that is approximately

Leash Training: What Equipment Not to Use When Leash Training Your Puppy

By Kelly Marshall

There’s nothing cuter than a tiny 9-week-old German Retriever walking around the park with its owner, pulling at the leash as it happily greets people who walk by. Puppies put so much effort into watching what’s going on and are almost always greeted with a rub on the head and a smile from strangers who passes by.

It’s cute and adoring, that is until the dog develops a bodyweight of 50 to 60 pounds and is dragging its owner down the street on the leash. The once happily smiling puppy owner is now gritting his teeth and doing everything he possibly can to keep the dog from dragging him down the sidewalk.

When people pass by it takes all of the owner’s muscle and might just to hold the dog back from getting its dirty paws all over everyone. in due course, these types of dogs who have no leash control end up spending the rest of their dog years in the backyard without ever being walked.

Leash Training Should Begin Instantly

Several dog owners who buy a new puppy totally misjudge just how important it is to invest time into leash training, and from as early an age as quickly as possible – especially when they have a puppy that will grow 6 to 10 times its puppy size. People do not realize that training begins as soon as their new dog comes home.

All behaviors a puppy practices will become a learned unintentional activity. In due course, the dog will not think twice about what it is doing, even though it may be a wrong action that you disapprove of. In all fairness to the puppy, what do you expect if you disregard sound training principles early in his life? What choice does a puppy have?

The Importance Of Having The Proper Leash

So, having the right type of tools can make or break dog training. Using the proper equipment can either make your training experience nice and productive, or a complete waste of your time.

So, what is the best leash for dog training purposes?

Luckily, when it comes to leash equipment, you can’t go wrong with the majority of them. On the other hand, there is one type of leash that is not recommended for training purposes and that is known as the retractable kind.

Retractable leashes are come in all sizes and extend at a variety lengths. These leash devices are just a plastic casing that fits into the palm of your hand which has a control trigger that either releases the leash to extend up to a certain length. It can then be locked at the specific distance you select.

So, these types of leashes can really be a benefit for a variety of situations. However, for training purposes – a new puppy or even an adult dog – you need to buy a leash that can provide constant tension on your puppy’s neck.

Additionally, you should keep a very short distance between you and your dog, which is very difficult to do when using a retractable leash. When you have too much distance, your puppy will have no idea that you are even walking with him.

Last but not least, you should have steady leash pressure and release moments in order for the dog to understand the commands you are training him, for example, heeling. When you have a retractable leash, it can extend at different distances and be locked at a variety of levels. Your dog can become very frustrated as he perceives unfair and inconsistent corrections every time you change the length and lock it in place.

About the Author: Authored by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies – the place to go for dog steps in all shapes and sizes

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Original post: Leash Training: What Equipment Not to Use When Leash Training Your Puppy

It’s A Dog’s Life

There is a phrase used by people who have little in their lives but their work and commitments at home, with little scope for fun. “It’s a dog’s life”, people will sometimes mutter when the stream of demands on their time simply will not stop. They mean that it is tiring, unrewarding and punishing. And yet, if you look at the average dog, their life seems pretty sweet in comparison. Think about this; would you swap places with your dog? Most of us would probably say “yes”.

However there is, it must be said, something in that well-worn phrase which chimes with the dog-owners among us. A dog, after all, is rarely given the freedom to do absolutely what it wants. If a human being had to lead a dog’s life, the chances are that we wouldn’t do all that well at it. As humans, we can go and get a snack when we feel like it, our toilet is convenient and hygienic, and we can ask for things and be instantly understood. For a dog, things are generally at the mercy of their owners.

When you are training your dog, then, it is wise to cut it some slack. As far as it is concerned, you are exhibiting some very strange behavior that it will not understand initially, and if it is slow to respond then this can be understood. It is not a stupid dog for getting things wrong. In fact, by paying attention to you it is being very obedient.

You Don’t Have To Be Cruel To Be Kind

There is a very commonly used phrase that most of us have heard and many have used, which goes as follows: “You have to be cruel to be kind”. Others among us will look at that phrase, or hear it said, and point out the inherent flaw in it. You do not have to be cruel to be kind. You have to be cruel to be cruel, and kind to be kind. In actual fact, cruelty and kindness are very rarely mutually applicable. Getting that straight will sort out a lot of problems, in life and when training your dog.

Now, certainly, there are times when you will need to be stern with your dog. Sometimes it will exhibit behaviors that you would really rather it did not. Some owners will tend towards the cruel side of things when punishing these behaviors, often punishing their dog with a physical blow. It should be recognised that punishing a dog consistently with physical reprimands will lead simply to either a hostile dog who will lash out without warning, or a lifeless dog which is scared to do anything for fear of reprisal.

There will be times when you need to reprimand your dog physically. A quick tap can often suffice when it is behaving in a threatening manner without good reason. Restraining it by the collar when it goes to attack a person or another animal is fine. But by beating your dog, all you are doing is removing the essential element of all pet-owner relationships – friendship.

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