HELP! Problems Walking my Sheltie!

[Caro]

If he loves the ball then let him see you take a ball out on your walks - you should see Tully run to the door when she sees me get a ball out, even if you can find a neighbour who will let you roll a ball around in their yard, or squeak the ball as you walk. You might even want to teach him how to tug and take a tug toy on your walk to get him revved up.

I wouldnt worry about the impact of getting him neutered - it didnt make any difference to the weight or energy levels of mine.

 

[Maxwells Mom]

Regarding the ball...that is sounds like a really good idea! Sounds like a good lure too!

Regaring the neutering....will he continually be trying to get at the female...guessing I probably know that answer???

Thanks so much! I'm gonna try the ball for sure. Off to the store to check out a car harness that buckles below the ribs.

Jennie

 

[mbfrench]

Regarding the ball...that is sounds like a really good idea! Sounds like a good lure too!

Regaring the neutering....will he continually be trying to get at the female...guessing I probably know that answer???

Thanks so much! I'm gonna try the ball for sure. Off to the store to check out a car harness that buckles below the ribs.

Jennie

Just thought I would attach a picture of a car harness that we use as a double duty,walking harness. Jasper is wearng it in the picture.

I got it at Walmart,and I love the ease of putting it on,plus the other features it has.
You need to put the front feet in,then bring it up around on top of the withers.The front is padded,and made very well.I honestly do not think a pup could back out of this harness.

The closure on top is not only a clip closure,but also has velcro tabs that must be folded over one another,then loops pass thru that.These loops is what you would attach the leash to.There are 2 loops.

The harness came with additional fastening for differant lengths while buckling in the vehicle.All for about 20.00

 

[Maxwells Mom]

Thank you, I had not bought another yet but did find the one he had when younger. Of course it is too small but he remembered it well and of course...we had to take a drive....LOL

I'll go check them out in just a few. Thank you for the idea. When I get back we'll try walking and let you know if it works.

Your dogs are gorgeous. They look so much like Maxwell, but Max's ears fall to the side. Wish I could post a pic of him, but don't know how.

Thank you again,
Jennie

 

[BarbV]

I agree with others on the forum. Get him used to walking with you first.

There are lots of techniques for getting a nice walk out of your dog, and it would be enjoyable for him once he figures out that "walkies" are fantastic.

Sometimes its baby steps. Your baby is no longer a puppy, but you might as well go back to puppy 101. Take him out on the leash. When you get to the end of the drive, praise and treat. Go a few steps further. If pup stays with you, praise and treat. Do this constantly until pup is walking fairly confidently at your side.

Then you can start introducing other distractions like other dogs...one at a time. Someone suggested above having the big dogs together on one side, and the Sheltie on the other. That makes sense as they would have different "gaits", even if they can go the same speed.

btw - I'm not fond of special harnesses for Shelties. But I'm a little biased that way. I just don't think they are necessary for these pups, but there are always exceptions. I prefer to work on the behaviour before I resort to "tools". And yes, I use martingale collars, but that is purely safety and comfort.

I can walk my two Shelties together on separate leads because they can match their strides to each other