Having personally seen many small breed dogs with collapsing trachea, I cringe anytime I see someone using a collar to walk a small breed. Once you see CT, you won't forget it, it is truly horrible to see a dog suffer from it.
Any dog can be trained to walk properly regardless whether it is a harness or collar. I always train my dogs that are 25lbs and under on a harness and for the 25lbs or over they are trained on primarily a collar but a harness as well.
If your puppy starts pulling on the harness, stop, gently pull her back and put her is a sit for about 10 seconds or an allotted time you choose. Make sure she sits, if she gets up before you tell her make her sit again until she stays the full time. Start your walk again saying "heel" so she knows you are ready to walk again, if she pulls repeat the process. Praise and reward when she doesn't pull. Use the same technique if for example she is walking nicely and sees a cat all of the sudden and starts pulling. Also if you come across an intersection or drive way, as soon as you reach the end put her in a sit and do this every time. This way when you are walking and you come across an intersection she will automatically sit so she isn't potentially trying to walk into a dangerous intersection. Yes it can be a long process and requires lots of patience but it works.
Also train her "watch me." Get her attention to where she sees the treat, bring the treat to your face and say watch me, this will teach her to focus and pain attention to you.
In the end you should be able to walk your dog on a harness with her at your side or only a couple of feet ahead of you without any pulling. Watch me also helps keep them in pace with you when your walking so your paces match each others because every so often they will look back at you to make sure they are staying steady with you.
It all makes for a safer and more pleasant walk. |