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Originally Posted by Maximo  Welcome to YorkieTalk. I agree, no collars. Use a short nylon leash, no flexi or retractable leashes. This will help you in gaining control of the walk.
If you haven't already, I would try a basic doggy obedience class with Miko. Work with her inside your home on basic commands like sit, stay, and "watch me." Then move outside and work on these commands. The training will help focus Miko on you. Use a really yummy treat or special squeaky toy that you reserve for walks only.
Try extending the length of your walk. Miko may relax sooner if she knows that her walk won't be brief and the fun won't be fleeting.
My boys are sometimes really excited when they first get out the door and it takes some work to relax them. If they start pulling hard, I stop and make them sit and tell them "settle down." When they relax, we start moving again. Sometimes it takes many stops before they settle into a nice rhythm. |
Great suggestions. Another thing you can try is prior to the walk, play ball with her in the house, get her to run around. Our guys like the game; Find the toy!. I usually now that they are older have them sit/stay in one room. Then I go and hide toys for them. They are released from stay, and I say Find toy!. If your pooch doesn't have a reliable stay yet, then xpen or crate, or simply close off in another room, until you have hidden your toys.
Also on walks, about the midpoint, we usually find ourselves in a park or open field, I take out my long lead 20ft training cloth lead, and put on the harness. Then we play fetch outside, and work with come. Razzle still doesn't have a reliable come, so this lead is a good training aid. Of course, practice situational awareness, no long lead, for razz if there are other dogs off lead and nearby in the park. These beasties are so smart, that after a couple of times, they know walk nicely and after a bit, we shall go to the park, and I can run and play.