Trust and your dog: adding boundaries
BY SIMON GOODALLSo far I've had you do some strange tasks such as looking at if your dog looks at you, and then using the walk of respect in your dog work. Now we're moving to the next step.
How far I take you on this journey will depend on how many comments and requests we get on this blog. Our goal, if we keep it going, will be in a fortnight to have your dogs walk off lead at heel (in the off-lead areas).
We need to add some boundaries in the park. At present when you head out your dog is still going to be focused on life outside of you. This time I want you to work hard on the heel command while on lead. Every time your dog goes slightly in front of you, say "no" and stop and return it to your side. Also try a couple of little tugs on the collar.
I have to admit here that I don't use choker chains, Haltis etc, so you'll be using your usual collar. It's what we call at Dog Guru a "table tennis hand". This is using two quick tugs and when the dog is walking nicely it gets a treat. It's not a huge tug and the reason we call it a table tennis hand is that it is a small tug to the side, not the back. It has to be done twice, not just once.
Do this for only a minute or so, not half an hour; we'll look at the entire walk later. Keep saying heel or whatever command you use.
There are a few warnings here. The first: don't yank the dog back. What we're trying to do is give the dog not a consequence but a gentle reminder. If you yank, the dog will get stressed out so make sure it's nice and relaxing.
When you go out, keep calm. Don't stress out too much.
I'm not actually seeing your dogs here but just trying a few things.
Let us know how you get on.
Simon Goodall is the director of Dog Guru, which has branches in the North Island and the South Island. Simon is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. On Facebook? Check out Dog Guru.
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Will try it! Thanks for the suggestions :)
I'm stoked that you are doing this blog - my dog and I definitely need it! Will let you know how it goes.
Hi Simon, any tips for walking 2 dogs at once?
Both dogs walk on my left in a reasonably nice manner, unless I give the "go sniff" command which means we can take a quick break to sniff and toilet. However my older dog won't walk next to the younger one, and prefers to walk in front of him, which means that she is slightly in front of me as well. This came from when he was a pup and got bored so would try to jump on her to get her to play while out walking - she'd get fed up and walk in front of him as if to say "leave me alone I'm walking". She doesn't pull or anything, and by herself is a lovely on lead walker, but when its the 2 of them together she always has to be out front.
I tried the exercise earlier in the week - and again she was quite respsonsive by herself. But when I tried with the 2 of them the younger one got annoyed, dug his heels in and refused to move another inch, while I was trying to coax him into walking the older one took this as an opportunity to do her own thing....
Any suggestions would be great.
Wow: that's some goal (to have Ramble walk at heel off lead). I'm going for it (and hoping that miracles DO happen)!
Seriously though: we only let Ramble run free through the bush at the bottom of our section because very rarely do we see anyone else. Trelissick Park is most definitely an "on the rope" environment, not in fear that he'd attack, but because he's just too friendly, and would rather run with your dogs than hang around boring old us!
@LaDi #4 I too have two dogs, both are excellent walkers by themselves, but together it is a competition to see who can be in the front of the pack. I have been working with them individually getting them to heal one on my left one on my right, so that when they come together they know their place on either side of me. Works sometimes, sometimes not. But we are still practising. Just an idea for you.
My Lab .. doesnt go pulling on the lead but walks just a few steps ahead.. Is that alright ??? And my neighbour as well takes him on a walk so its difficult to make him do the same.. but is it ok if we try and do this when we take him for walks?? Will that work?
Walking two dogs is an art I have decided. I walk mine on one of those joint lead things. When all is going well it looks fantastic and is enjoyable but when it turns to custard ON MY GOD!!! (which normally happens when the puppy decides it wants to say hello to something)
2 dogs here as well. The boys really good when they're off lead - he has his run around then gets bored and comes and walks beside me, usually half a pace behind me on my left (despite little to no training on this). He looks at me often and will sometimes nibble my hand (very gently - usually with his lips) to let me know hes there. The girl has had quite a bit of obedience training and will often go for a run then run back to me then take off again then come back. She knows to come when shes called but sometimes gets distracted. She also knows the 'watching' command which is where she looks at me (and is also the absolute 'get your backside back here NOW' command). But when on lead they both walk side by side out infront of me and always trying to get slightly out infront of the other (despite the same lead lengths). It's really infuriating so am hoping these tips will help - please keep up with them!
hi everyone. yes for a 4 month old pup probably expecting a little much but dont give up. I find with 2 dogs always have them on different sides so they do not compete, it is inevitable that the dogs will compete to get to that smell or item first.
Hi Simon, I'm 3 weeks into having a 4 month old pup. We take him out daily. He's doing well on the lead but mainly when he's near the end of our walk & is tired! Starting off he pulls & is very distracted by other dogs & people. I try stopping, getting him to sit, waiting a few seconds, praise & off we go again.I'm continually saying heel with a couple of quick tugs & slacken the lead when he does heel & of course praise him when he does. This goes on for a good 30 minutes until he's tired. What am I doing wrong? Am I expecting too much too soon?