Advice for leash pulling with 11 week old

E

eyost

Forums Regular
Hi all,

I hope I haven't allowed my Sheltie to get too far conditioned to think that this is acceptable.

When we go out on a leash, the moment I start walking she feels like she has to be ahead of me and as a result there is no slack in the leash and there is pulling.

I saw some videos that others have referenced here for similar issues and boy does it look so easy; that is until I try.

When she pulls I immediately stop until she calms down and pull her back to my left. Once there and slack in leash, I start walking again and then she charges ahead. Repeat process, and results are the same. I literally seem to only get two steps before I have to stop. She is food driven and seems to be able to focus on me with the kibble close to my face and we can walk light that for a further distance, but then a distraction and she charges ahead.

My current fenced in backyard is in questionable condition so all outside activities require her to be on a leash; she is too fast and the last thing I want is to lose her.

Any thoughts and suggestions on my technique are eagerly welcomed. I am using a clicker and when she walks well I click, treat, and praise. Only catch is that sometimes she sits when she hears the clicker which is how I originally taught her sit and down. I try not to award that when we are out to avoid confusion when walking but sometimes it happens.

I want to get her to be able to walk without pulling but I am thinking that no more walks until we get this under control; training in my backyard only where there are less distractions.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Ed
 
Your on the right track with stopping and not going until she calms down.

Another thing that will help is an easy walk harness. It did wonders for my Beau who did the same thing
 
I used an easy walk on Lexi for several months. It worked great. It's not the kind that goes over their nose. It's like a regular harness, but the part where the leash fastens is on the front of their chest. If they pull, it causes them to basically swing around until they are facing you going the wrong direction. Great tool!
 
I think 11 weeks is a little young to be worried, but you are correct that you want to nip this sooner than later.

As mentioned, the easy walk is a good suggestion, but a last resort. Personally, I hate the idea of harnesses on Shelties because they can be trained. But I do sell at my store, mostly for owners though that don't have the strength for dealing with a large dog pulling (i.e. BIG dogs!)

One of the techniques is when the dog starts to pull, you about face and walk in the other direction. This forces the dog to turn around to you and catch up. Then when he pulls again ahead of you, you repeat.

I admit you are going to look silly walking your dog this way for a few days, but I really think it works if you stick to it.

The other approach is to use two hands on the lead. Hold the loop in your right hand, cross the lead in front of you and hold the lead close to your leg with your left hand. This gives you greater control. A gentle tug to "correct".

And of course, don't forget to praise and treat when the dog comes back to you!
 
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