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Dog Pulls on Leash When Excited, What to Use Instead of Training Collar?

Posted September 3rd, 2007 by Marniem

I am the proud owner (a.k.a. human servant) of a 14 month old shepherdy mystery mix with some curly-tailed forebear. He has a lovely temperament, a goodly streak of mischief, and the massive chest of a sled dog. Most of his basic training—sit, down, stay, come, and a few tricks—has been accomplished with treat lures, treat rewards, and lots of praise.

"Flim-Flam" is well-socialized off-leash and walks on a reasonably loose leash for the most part, but barks and pulls if other dogs bark from their yards as we walk by. He also finds it hard to contain himself if he sees another dog whom he doesn't get to meet. I'm a newbie to be sure, but I don't see anything of either aggression or fear about this behavior although occasionally, especially at twilight, he will bark protectively when a man approaches.

I really want to move my pup from his training collar. He's such a sweetie that we don't use it for anything other than leash walking in situations where he might have trouble containing himself. Also, when he pulls while wearing a flat collar he wheezes and coughs, and I worry that it is more damaging than a training collar, against which he doesn't tend to tug at all.

I'm working on building focus with him so that I'll be able to get his attention when other dogs beckon, but we have a way to go with that! I've also just started working on relaxed "heeling" off-leash in our fenced yard, using clicker and treats, hoping that we'll be able to translate that to improved on-leash attention.

I'd be grateful for any tips and pointers, especially on retrieving and/or keeping his attention when there are other dogs involved, and how to establish alternatives to his pulling when he has all that stimulation.

We have a related issue having to do with entering the door to Doggy Day Care. He goes from time to time when I have to work long hours, so not every day—usually only a few times a month. He loves it, though, so much so that when we approach the door from the parking lot he begins whining, tugging, wriggling, and will even refuse a treat if it's not "high value" enough. I try to approach slowly, turning away if he begins to whine, turning back toward the door when he stops whining, taking a circuitous route, etc., etc., etc., but it's a gauntlet every time we go. I could use some new perspectives on this too. It's kind of like a "reverse phobia". His enthusiasm about being there takes him to a high stress level, and seems to be way beyond what the situation warrants. I'll give him little treats every time he quiets down on the way to and through the door, and almost invariably he will whine during the act of taking them. Remarkably he WILL sit on command, but he wriggles like a jello dog the whole time.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Comments

Full answer to this question posted here...

Aidan's picture
On September 5th, 2007 Aidan says:

http://positivepetzine.com/node/185

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

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