Any success with leash pulling? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Rockdiva · 04-16-2009, 04:35 AM

I am just about at my wits end with this whole leash pulling thing. Wookie is 3 years old now and will not stop pulling! I hate to think that I just have to quit taking him for walks! I have tried sooooo many things. I tried Victoria Stillwell's method of turning him to go another direction when he pulls...nothing. Tried Tamar Gellars method of stop walking and don't start walking again til he takes a step back and feels the slack in the leash...nothing...he starts pulling again as soon as we start back. It takes us FOREVER just to go a few houses down the street. I have tried giving him treats when he does the behavior that I want, but when we are outside, he wants nothing to do with treats. Even boiled chicken!! I bought the EZ walk harness that clips in front, as soon as he pulls hard and his legs raise up off the ground the harness comes off his legs! I have tried 3 different sizes and adjusted them a million ways. I just get so aggravated because he is choking and hacking, and I know its not good for him. He can't be getting a good walk out of it, and neither do I. Has anyone tried anything else or have any recommendations that we could try?

morrislaz · 04-16-2009, 05:13 AM

I wish I could have some good advice for you. I read your post and it was like I was posting it. Lola is EXACTLY everything you have said. I too have tried all the methods you have used and have had the exact same problem with the gentle leader harness--even bought another brand and the same thing--she steps out of it.
Lola is 2 and we are tired of waiting for her to grow out of it!!
If you ever hear of anything that works please let me know
morrislaz

chattiesmom · 04-16-2009, 06:01 AM

If the EZ harness is slipping off, it doesn't sound like it fits correctly. The harness should fit snug but not tight.

I have two golden rules for training which I gleaned from a horse trainer that I respect:

#1) Is it safe for me and my dog

#2) Is what I am doing working? If not, try something else. Be creative, have fun, after all YOU are your dog's best trainer.

I would try some different tactics. Forget food treats for this one. His reward will be on a mental level. Wookie can quickly learn to pay attention and respect you while walking using these few simple little tricks.

Make sure your harness is properly fit AND safe - be absolutely certain that there is nothing in the throat area. This will require that YOU be quick and on your feet

and that you focus 100% of your attention on Wookie. It will require that you follow through EVERY SINGLE TIME until Wookie gets the idea. Don't jerk the leash, and above all, don't get angry. In fact, enjoy yourself, sing a song, whistle, etc. You want Wookie to get the idea that you are enjoying a nice pleasant walk, but it won't be pleasant for Wookie until he stops pulling on the leash.

Remember, this is a training exercise, not a regular walk - and every single walks should turn into a focused training exercise until Wookie is walking nicely. Start the walk as normal. BUT before Wookie gets to the end of the leash, turn and start walking the other way. When Wookie gets to the end of the leash he will have no option but to turn and go with you or he will stop being the puller and start being pulled.

I guarantee that Wookie will dash ahead as soon as he realizes that something went wrong, so be ready and before Wookie gets to the end of the leash again, turn and walk in a different direction. ANY time that Wookie is NOT pulling, quietly praise him. His biggest reward will be that he is doesn't have to keep up with your quick direction changes.

You will look silly and for the first few walks you probably won't make it out of your own driveway, BUT it won't take long for Wookie to get the idea. Continue with this until he stops tugging and when he is walking nicely reward him by letting him have a turn at deciding which direction you walk. But any time he starts pulling, just turn and walk in a different direction. You can also add a verbal command, to remind him not to pull - NOPULL would work. This is helpful once he gets pretty good at not pulling and if he gets excited and forgets.

rtsmichele · 04-16-2009, 06:04 AM

The Dog Whisperer (I just love that guy!) says that if you pull back on their leash they will always pull forward He says that you have to keep them on a short leash, so that they're right beisde you. If they start to pull or do any behavior that you're not happy with you give the leash a quick little jerk straight up and stop until they calm down. Also, you have to be in a calm frame of mind on not be anticipating the "bad" behavior but be anticipating the "good" behavior that you want. Don't get frustrated as the dogs can feel our energy and this is mostly what they react to.

Maybe you can try googling Dog Whisperer and leash pulling to see if you can get a better explanantion.

Hope this helps a little!!

Michele :-)

dogbert · 04-16-2009, 06:31 AM

My 4 year old does this too, but she is new to the leash, harness and going for walks as she is a rescue that spent her life in a cage till we got her last June. I hope she settles down when the excitement wears off a bit.

Rockdiva · 04-16-2009, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

If the EZ harness is slipping off, it doesn't sound like it fits correctly. The harness should fit snug but not tight.

I have two golden rules for training which I gleaned from a horse trainer that I respect:

#1) Is it safe for me and my dog

#2) Is what I am doing working? If not, try something else. Be creative, have fun, after all YOU are your dog's best trainer.

I would try some different tactics. Forget food treats for this one. His reward will be on a mental level. Wookie can quickly learn to pay attention and respect you while walking using these few simple little tricks.

Make sure your harness is properly fit AND safe - be absolutely certain that there is nothing in the throat area. This will require that YOU be quick and on your feet

and that you focus 100% of your attention on Wookie. It will require that you follow through EVERY SINGLE TIME until Wookie gets the idea. Don't jerk the leash, and above all, don't get angry. In fact, enjoy yourself, sing a song, whistle, etc. You want Wookie to get the idea that you are enjoying a nice pleasant walk, but it won't be pleasant for Wookie until he stops pulling on the leash.

Remember, this is a training exercise, not a regular walk - and every single walks should turn into a focused training exercise until Wookie is walking nicely. Start the walk as normal. BUT before Wookie gets to the end of the leash, turn and start walking the other way. When Wookie gets to the end of the leash he will have no option but to turn and go with you or he will stop being the puller and start being pulled.

I guarantee that Wookie will dash ahead as soon as he realizes that something went wrong, so be ready and before Wookie gets to the end of the leash again, turn and walk in a different direction. ANY time that Wookie is NOT pulling, quietly praise him. His biggest reward will be that he is doesn't have to keep up with your quick direction changes.

You will look silly and for the first few walks you probably won't make it out of your own driveway, BUT it won't take long for Wookie to get the idea. Continue with this until he stops tugging and when he is walking nicely reward him by letting him have a turn at deciding which direction you walk. But any time he starts pulling, just turn and walk in a different direction. You can also add a verbal command, to remind him not to pull - NOPULL would work. This is helpful once he gets pretty good at not pulling and if he gets excited and forgets.

I just ordered the Petite/Small of the Easy Walk Harness. Tried the Small and the Petite, but guess he is in between sizes. I think the Petite that he has now is too tight across the chest, it is pulling the belly strap forward and all he has to do is raise his leg up high enough and it slips from under his belly. The small wouldn't adjust enough and was really loose. So, hopefully this size will fit right.

I am tellin ya, I have tried exactly what you mentioned. Tried it for a month!!! Almost everyday! Then went to the stopping til there is slack in the leash method, still doesn't work!! I will give it another go the way you are describing again and see what happens! I have been really successful at training him in so many other areas, so I know about patience and repetition, but man.....he is just not getting this! Stubborn!!!! I am wondering if he is just getting too stimulated when we go outside and walk down the sidewalk. (And at the park....)

cutieusagi · 04-16-2009, 07:24 AM

Ahh, this sounds just like Teddi when we're going out for a walk! I swear he looks like he could pull me on a sled! I'll try chattiesmom's advice the next time we go out. Teddi wears a comfy harness that goes around the neck and the chest, maybe too comfy because he tends to push forward by walking only with his hind legs. I'm contemplating on getting an Easy Walk Harness or something similar...

Lynn WDW · 04-16-2009, 07:29 AM

When Baxter is acting out on his leash - which can be any # of things from attacking my big dog to running around in circles - I pick him up and carry him for a while. He is almost to the point of learning that being bad means no walking and being carried. And he is worse than a 2 year old child about being "toted." He wants to walk on his own. You might try that. Good luck.

dogbert · 04-16-2009, 07:31 AM

Isn't it funny how they pull so hard? I was thinking the other day mine could probably pull me on roller blades! If I hadn't felt her pulling so hard I'd never believed it. She really wants to control the walk right up to the end. We walk a mile everyday which is twice around the lake. The second time we come to the parking lot instead of turning left to go again she goes straight and leads me to the car. I take off her harness and leash and give her water, and we go home. She's smart!

KJLive · 04-16-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtsmichele

The Dog Whisperer (I just love that guy!) says that if you pull back on their leash they will always pull forward He says that you have to keep them on a short leash, so that they're right beisde you. If they start to pull or do any behavior that you're not happy with you give the leash a quick little jerk straight up and stop until they calm down. Also, you have to be in a calm frame of mind on not be anticipating the "bad" behavior but be anticipating the "good" behavior that you want. Don't get frustrated as the dogs can feel our energy and this is mostly what they react to.

Maybe you can try googling Dog Whisperer and leash pulling to see if you can get a better explanantion.

Hope this helps a little!!

Michele :-)

I'm with you on the Cesar Milan method. Sophie too pulls when we walk. I use a harness for our daily walks. I also keep a very tight leash by holding the end of the leash in my right hand and with Sophie on my left side, I shorten the leash there by wrapping it around my left hand once or twice at a lower level (around my mid thigh). The first 5 min. of the walk she's bouncing on her back legs, but she soon settles in with the walk and realizes that she can't pull anymore. Another item that Cesar focuses on is "calm". Walk as if you are the Queen and emit a "presence". This in turn calms the dog....and I must say it works! If I walk proud, so does Sophie. If I pull, rant and rave at her, the walk is horrible. It may sound silly, but if it works...great!

chachi · 04-16-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJLive

I'm with you on the Cesar Milan method. Sophie too pulls when we walk. I use a harness for our daily walks. I also keep a very tight leash by holding the end of the leash in my right hand and with Sophie on my left side, I shorten the leash there by wrapping it around my left hand once or twice at a lower level (around my mid thigh). The first 5 min. of the walk she's bouncing on her back legs, but she soon settles in with the walk and realizes that she can't pull anymore. Another item that Cesar focuses on is "calm". Walk as if you are the Queen and emit a "presence". This in turn calms the dog....and I must say it works! If I walk proud, so does Sophie. If I pull, rant and rave at her, the walk is horrible. It may sound silly, but if it works...great!

I used the cesar milan method also with my chachi who pulled for a long time. now I can just walk him regular and he doesnt pull

Britster · 04-16-2009, 12:08 PM

Cesar is genius with certain things! I loved this method for leash walking and it has worked on Jackson.

QuickSilver · 04-16-2009, 03:53 PM

I got an incredibly useful suggestion from an eBook someone sent me. It's similar to chattiesmom's method.

Go to a park if you can (I did this on the sidewalk and dealt with looking completely crazy).

Your goal is to make your dog realize that he can't make any assumptions about which direction you are going in. So basically, move as unpredictably as you can. Run a couple steps backwards, stop dead, and shuffle off to the right. Spin in circles. Do figure eights. Change your speed. Hop. The weirder you can get, the better.

The book said this is very tiring mentally for the dog, so just do it for ten minutes or so, and then let them go off and play.

The book suggested doing this several times a week, but I just had to do it once! I was getting incredibly frustrated with Thor, because he would insist on running ahead of me, despite the fact that I was completely consistent with stopping or turning around EVERY SINGLE TIME. Now though, I can see him checking to the side to make sure he's in step with me. If he does get a little ahead, I stop, make a little correction noise, and he walks back to my side.

He's not absolutely perfect yet - he ran in front of me to bark at some dogs today - but he's seriously like 99% better. He'll even walk by my side when we're in front of a park.

jc212 · 04-16-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I got an incredibly useful suggestion from an eBook someone sent me. It's similar to chattiesmom's method.

Go to a park if you can (I did this on the sidewalk and dealt with looking completely crazy).

Your goal is to make your dog realize that he can't make any assumptions about which direction you are going in. So basically, move as unpredictably as you can. Run a couple steps backwards, stop dead, and shuffle off to the right. Spin in circles. Do figure eights. Change your speed. Hop. The weirder you can get, the better.

The book said this is very tiring mentally for the dog, so just do it for ten minutes or so, and then let them go off and play.

The book suggested doing this several times a week, but I just had to do it once! I was getting incredibly frustrated with Thor, because he would insist on running ahead of me, despite the fact that I was completely consistent with stopping or turning around EVERY SINGLE TIME. Now though, I can see him checking to the side to make sure he's in step with me. If he does get a little ahead, I stop, make a little correction noise, and he walks back to my side.

He's not absolutely perfect yet - he ran in front of me to bark at some dogs today - but he's seriously like 99% better. He'll even walk by my side when we're in front of a park.

Great advice! I'm going to try this with Chase. He is by no means a perfect leash walker either.

Lexismom09 · 04-16-2009, 04:16 PM

Lexi and I just got back from our walk and here is this thread! I do have a harness with a hook under her chin, (can't remember the name) but when she gets to the end of the leash it turns her head back toward me. This only works to a certain extent, and I did catch myself being frustrated today. There were alot more distractions today. Tomorrow I will whistle or sing! Thank you for your ideas!

04-16-2009, 06:01 AM	#3
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	If the EZ harness is slipping off, it doesn't sound like it fits correctly. The harness should fit snug but not tight. I have two golden rules for training which I gleaned from a horse trainer that I respect: #1) Is it safe for me and my dog #2) Is what I am doing working? If not, try something else. Be creative, have fun, after all YOU are your dog's best trainer. I would try some different tactics. Forget food treats for this one. His reward will be on a mental level. Wookie can quickly learn to pay attention and respect you while walking using these few simple little tricks. Make sure your harness is properly fit AND safe - be absolutely certain that there is nothing in the throat area. This will require that YOU be quick and on your feet and that you focus 100% of your attention on Wookie. It will require that you follow through EVERY SINGLE TIME until Wookie gets the idea. Don't jerk the leash, and above all, don't get angry. In fact, enjoy yourself, sing a song, whistle, etc. You want Wookie to get the idea that you are enjoying a nice pleasant walk, but it won't be pleasant for Wookie until he stops pulling on the leash. Remember, this is a training exercise, not a regular walk - and every single walks should turn into a focused training exercise until Wookie is walking nicely. Start the walk as normal. BUT before Wookie gets to the end of the leash, turn and start walking the other way. When Wookie gets to the end of the leash he will have no option but to turn and go with you or he will stop being the puller and start being pulled. I guarantee that Wookie will dash ahead as soon as he realizes that something went wrong, so be ready and before Wookie gets to the end of the leash again, turn and walk in a different direction. ANY time that Wookie is NOT pulling, quietly praise him. His biggest reward will be that he is doesn't have to keep up with your quick direction changes. You will look silly and for the first few walks you probably won't make it out of your own driveway, BUT it won't take long for Wookie to get the idea. Continue with this until he stops tugging and when he is walking nicely reward him by letting him have a turn at deciding which direction you walk. But any time he starts pulling, just turn and walk in a different direction. You can also add a verbal command, to remind him not to pull - NOPULL would work. This is helpful once he gets pretty good at not pulling and if he gets excited and forgets. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

04-16-2009, 06:31 AM	#5
dogbert Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southern, MN,USA Posts: 3,271 Blog Entries: 1	My 4 year old does this too, but she is new to the leash, harness and going for walks as she is a rescue that spent her life in a cage till we got her last June. I hope she settles down when the excitement wears off a bit. __________________ Mammadoodle to my Yorkiedoodle Barney and our crazy cat Ms. Sassy Pants. RIP Audrey-Belle Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved

04-16-2009, 07:24 AM	#7
cutieusagi Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 43	Ahh, this sounds just like Teddi when we're going out for a walk! I swear he looks like he could pull me on a sled! I'll try chattiesmom's advice the next time we go out. Teddi wears a comfy harness that goes around the neck and the chest, maybe too comfy because he tends to push forward by walking only with his hind legs. I'm contemplating on getting an Easy Walk Harness or something similar... __________________ ----------{{---{(@ Teddi Alexander, my daily dose of cuddly cuteness

04-16-2009, 07:31 AM	#9
dogbert Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southern, MN,USA Posts: 3,271 Blog Entries: 1	Isn't it funny how they pull so hard? I was thinking the other day mine could probably pull me on roller blades! If I hadn't felt her pulling so hard I'd never believed it. She really wants to control the walk right up to the end. We walk a mile everyday which is twice around the lake. The second time we come to the parking lot instead of turning left to go again she goes straight and leads me to the car. I take off her harness and leash and give her water, and we go home. She's smart! __________________ Mammadoodle to my Yorkiedoodle Barney and our crazy cat Ms. Sassy Pants. RIP Audrey-Belle Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved

04-16-2009, 12:08 PM	#12
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	Cesar is genius with certain things! I loved this method for leash walking and it has worked on Jackson. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

04-16-2009, 04:35 AM	#1
Rockdiva YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX, US Posts: 254	Any success with leash pulling? I am just about at my wits end with this whole leash pulling thing. Wookie is 3 years old now and will not stop pulling! I hate to think that I just have to quit taking him for walks! I have tried sooooo many things. I tried Victoria Stillwell's method of turning him to go another direction when he pulls...nothing. Tried Tamar Gellars method of stop walking and don't start walking again til he takes a step back and feels the slack in the leash...nothing...he starts pulling again as soon as we start back. It takes us FOREVER just to go a few houses down the street. I have tried giving him treats when he does the behavior that I want, but when we are outside, he wants nothing to do with treats. Even boiled chicken!! I bought the EZ walk harness that clips in front, as soon as he pulls hard and his legs raise up off the ground the harness comes off his legs! I have tried 3 different sizes and adjusted them a million ways. I just get so aggravated because he is choking and hacking, and I know its not good for him. He can't be getting a good walk out of it, and neither do I. Has anyone tried anything else or have any recommendations that we could try? __________________ Shelly and Wookie

04-16-2009, 05:13 AM	#2
morrislaz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: new jersey Posts: 76	I wish I could have some good advice for you. I read your post and it was like I was posting it. Lola is EXACTLY everything you have said. I too have tried all the methods you have used and have had the exact same problem with the gentle leader harness--even bought another brand and the same thing--she steps out of it. Lola is 2 and we are tired of waiting for her to grow out of it!! If you ever hear of anything that works please let me know morrislaz

04-16-2009, 06:04 AM	#4
rtsmichele YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 289	The Dog Whisperer (I just love that guy!) says that if you pull back on their leash they will always pull forward He says that you have to keep them on a short leash, so that they're right beisde you. If they start to pull or do any behavior that you're not happy with you give the leash a quick little jerk straight up and stop until they calm down. Also, you have to be in a calm frame of mind on not be anticipating the "bad" behavior but be anticipating the "good" behavior that you want. Don't get frustrated as the dogs can feel our energy and this is mostly what they react to. Maybe you can try googling Dog Whisperer and leash pulling to see if you can get a better explanantion. Hope this helps a little!! Michele :-)

04-16-2009, 07:29 AM	#8
Lynn WDW YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 397	When Baxter is acting out on his leash - which can be any # of things from attacking my big dog to running around in circles - I pick him up and carry him for a while. He is almost to the point of learning that being bad means no walking and being carried. And he is worse than a 2 year old child about being "toted." He wants to walk on his own. You might try that. Good luck.

04-16-2009, 03:53 PM	#13
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I got an incredibly useful suggestion from an eBook someone sent me. It's similar to chattiesmom's method. Go to a park if you can (I did this on the sidewalk and dealt with looking completely crazy). Your goal is to make your dog realize that he can't make any assumptions about which direction you are going in. So basically, move as unpredictably as you can. Run a couple steps backwards, stop dead, and shuffle off to the right. Spin in circles. Do figure eights. Change your speed. Hop. The weirder you can get, the better. The book said this is very tiring mentally for the dog, so just do it for ten minutes or so, and then let them go off and play. The book suggested doing this several times a week, but I just had to do it once! I was getting incredibly frustrated with Thor, because he would insist on running ahead of me, despite the fact that I was completely consistent with stopping or turning around EVERY SINGLE TIME. Now though, I can see him checking to the side to make sure he's in step with me. If he does get a little ahead, I stop, make a little correction noise, and he walks back to my side. He's not absolutely perfect yet - he ran in front of me to bark at some dogs today - but he's seriously like 99% better. He'll even walk by my side when we're in front of a park. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger.

04-16-2009, 04:16 PM	#15
Lexismom09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 219	Lexi and I just got back from our walk and here is this thread! I do have a harness with a hook under her chin, (can't remember the name) but when she gets to the end of the leash it turns her head back toward me. This only works to a certain extent, and I did catch myself being frustrated today. There were alot more distractions today. Tomorrow I will whistle or sing! Thank you for your ideas!