Comments on: Dog Training Method Using Collar and Leash Training

By: Lana Lang

Lana Lang — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:08:59 +0000

Apparently the halti works well. We didn't use it.

We just stopped every time our pitbull pulled and asked her to sit. Make the dog responsible for the loose leash. The leash should never be taut. We didn't get anywhere fast and it was annoying, but it broke her of pulling.

To get her to walk by our side, we did circles, also time consuming, but worth it. When she walked ahead of us, we would turn in the opposite direction, take a step or two, then resume in the original direction.

These two methods sound painstakingly slow, but nothing is easy. You will find this information in use all over the internet. Our pitbull heels off leash with us now.
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By: ClaireBear719

ClaireBear719 — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:06:59 +0000

First let me say leash training can be tedious and definitely does not happen over night. My little cockapoo taffy used to constantly pull on the leash to the point of choking herself so much that the dog training instructor I went to was concerned about her crushing her trachea! What I did was I worked with her everyday in the yard. I would hold the leash at my right hip with her at my right side without any tension in the leash. We would start walking and as soon as she started pulling I would turn around 180 degrees and walk the other direction. When she started pulling again I would do the same thing, etc. Dogs learn well through frustration, so sometimes I would practice this with her by a door that led outside, so the door would be our destination point. She would get frustrated when I wouldn't let her through the door, and eventually she learned that pulling would never get her anywhere, so we slowly made it closer and closer to the door without her pulling. It's good to have a reward or something like that to motivate your dog. For Taffy it was getting to go outside, but I'm sure it would work with like a treat or something. I know that method probably sounds confusing to you, so here's a video of a dog trainer who uses the same method: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg79NBOS8es&feature=channel
That guy also has a free dog training book that you can get online, but I've never read it so I don't know if it's any good. It's worth a try if it's free though I would say!

Again, this type of training is very tedious. For me it took a few months of working with Taffy before she stopped pulling altogether. Now she walks perfectly, right at my side with no pulling at all (unless she sees a deer or another dog, but that's a different story haha). So I know from personal experience that it works, and it should work with any dog. Good luck, your dog will probably learn quickly because he's small and boston terriers are smart dogs, they pick up on things pretty quickly usually. Hope that helps!
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By: Shadow's Melon

Shadow's Melon — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:04:59 +0000

Book... Brenda Aloff, Get Connected with your dog. Brenda has an excellent method for leash training based on using physical body position/pressure to help the dog "get it". Worked wonders for me.
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By: Timelady

Timelady — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:02:59 +0000

Take him out on the leash in an open area and walk, constantly changing directions so that he has to pay close attention to know where you are going to go next. Do this daily for a couple weeks and he will learn to keep his eye on you and follow your movements. If he's too wild outside, start by doing it inside the house for a couple of weeks. Make him follow from room to room with you several times a day for a couple weeks. When he's good at it inside, go outside and every time he pulls, change directions, even if you go nowhere but in a circle for half an hour. He'll eventually get the message.
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By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:59 +0000

I think the gentle leader sounds like it would suit your dog very well. They are sold at almost every pet store, give that a try The gentle harness is an anti-pulling harness, however it allows the dog to be free when walking. With this, it wont hurt the dogs skin, doesn't choke, and is great for a deaf dog because it will guide him.
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By: Stacy L

Stacy L — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:58:05 +0000

Favorite leash training method?
I was wondering what is the best leash training method to stop pulling?

Some special considerations with my dog:
1. He's deaf.
2. He has a very sensitive trachea, and will "reverse cough" (he's a boston terrier) when walked on his collar.
3. He has sensitive skin and thin hair, so a prong did not work for him. He ended up with pink sore spots on his neck (even nylon collars do this, he has a rolled leather kind now…)

I do NOT want to use any type of anti-pulling harness, I want him to actually learn how to walk.

Any links or book recommendations that explain your method would be fantastic