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Thread: Leash Training

  1. #1
    Puppy
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    Leash Training

    Hazel is 8 months old now and 80 pounds. She is doing great but I still have one problem, walking on a leash... it's impossible. SHe is much stronger than I am.. And if she gets off the leash she is GONE.. it is very scary, she came back the one time it happened, but still so scary. We did take a basic training class, but the leash thing never worked for her... help!

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    What techniques have you tried to get her to walk properly? The stopping one did nothing for us but the random change of direction was very good. Different strokes ....

  3. #3
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Start in the back yard, with few distractions. Work consistently and with positive reinforcement and love. Use treats to keep her attention on you. Slowly move to areas with more distractions. If she still pulls, step back a step. It's not a failure, it's just means she needs more time to learn.

    One training place around us has a class just for this. You might find one near you.

    Don't discount training aids like a gentle leader or even a prong collar. Have a trainer show you have to fit and use them. They are a great teaching tool when used properly and Hazel will eventually graduate out of needing one.

  4. #4
    Best Friend Retriever xracer4844's Avatar
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    At 8 months, I wouldn't try any positive re-reinforcement. If you can't walk her nicely, where is she getting exercise? What kind of collar are you using? What have you done to teach her to heel? Is there any reason you haven't put her in more classes?

    Having no recall and not being able to trust a dog off leash is extremely scary. Also, I'd train her recall with a whistle...you can use it for emergencies. It's basically guaranteed never to fail - the dog will come running back every time if you train it correctly. I'd be more than happy to give you some help.

  5. #5
    House Broken
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    Get into a class and then be very consistent with making time and training what you learned at least a few times a day. It doesn't have to be super long training sessions but spend 15 minutes, 3 times a day minimum training and reinforcing the class. At 8 months she should be walking nicely on a leash and recall should be solid= as in you call and she stops what she is doing and runs back to you and then sits. When you aren't going forward with training or an issue that is when it is time to get back into a class. It is difficult to replicate the amount of distractions that a class offers. Good luck!

  6. #6
    Best Friend Retriever emma_Dad's Avatar
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    I'd even start practicing inside the house with almost zero distractions. Start off very slow, 1 or 2 steps with her healing and slowly progress. When you move to a new location, make sure you don't ask for to much, lower the criteria a bit. labs tend to be very food motivated use that to your advantage.

 



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