I have a Jack Russel Terrier called Rudy but he pulls at the lead badly, what should I do?
Tanyshia from United Kingdom, Redruth
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You have to teach him not to do that. A dog should walk beside you, so that there is slack in the leash. We always give a sharp tug to the leash and said "Heel!" in a firm voice every time one of our dogs pull. It takes awhile but the dog will eventually 'get it'. Consistency is key. Good luck!
I watched a show about a couple of people who were rehabilitating Michael Vick's dogs, and whenever the dogs pulled on the leash, the people simply stopped, and when the dog stopped pulling, they continued. They stopped each time the dog pulled. It seemed to work really well!
First you need a proper collar and led. A regular collar is for the tags. A "choke" chain is for walking on a leash. Whenever the dogs pulls, simply stop.
If you train your dog correctly, you will never need a choke collar. Some people do use them, but they are really unnecessary.
Here is one tried and true way to train your dog to heel:
Teach your dog to "focus". This is done by taking a treat and putting it by your nose. As the dog's eyes follow the treat and you lock eyes, say "Good Boy/Girl!" and give her the treat. Continue this until you know that when you say "focus" the dog will look at you. Of course, you will ween the dog off the treat as you go.
Teach the "sit command. Again, use treats. If you are trying to walk your dog I assume that the dog knows the "sit" command.
With the dog sitting at you left side, take 1 long, slow step forward.
Now motivate the dog to take 2 steps with you and sit when you stop. Give a treat when done correctly.
Repeat this until your dog automatically follows you into the "Heel" position and automatically "Sits" 9 out of 10 tries.
As soon as the dog continues to walk without you, stop dead in your tracks. Don't scold, just stop. The dog now has to figure out what he has to do to get you to move. This process takes time and persistance, and you will feel like a fool standing in the same place as your dog tries to keep going, but if you stick with it you will be so proud of your dog and yourself when he gets it!
Gradually increase the steps to 5, 15, 30, etc. Make sure your dog can accomplish each one 9 out of 10 tries before moving on.
Your dog wants to know how to act in the human world he lives in- sometimes he just hasn't gotten it yet. Be consistent, patient and kind and this will work.
There's a show called The Dog Whisperer, which is very educational. He says that when a dog is pulling the leash to pull on the leash to the side. This will break their concentration. The dogs neck is the strongest part of their body. By pulling sideways you knock them off balance for a second and break their concentration, this teaches them that pulling in not acceptable.
I took my puppy to training this summer. Trainer only uses the Gentle Leader Easy Walk collar. I bought one for my puppy and would recommend it to anyone for their dog. Sometimes I forget and put it on up side down and she will pull, at that time I realize its on wrong.
Try a halter rather than a collar with your leash. You will find that it pulls a lot less.
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