15wk old pup and walks

[knat]

we've got a blue roan cocker spaniel bitch who is now in her third week of walks. She is a nightmare. She pulls constantly, jumps up and wont stay on one side, constantly criss crossing over. I've got her on a short lead to try and get more control (as with a longer lead she will cross over and go in the road). The pulling is the worse aspect. I've just taken her a walk and had to stop every 2 steps as as soon as i started to walk again she pulled. It doesnt seem to matter to her that it must hurt her neck, and she's panting like nobody's business. Anyone have any advice?

Try a halti or a gentle leader - head collar type of arrangements that stop them being able to pull effectively as it makes their head turn sideways instead. You may need to persist with them for a bit and if you do not get on with one try the other type as some dogs do better with one than the other. I would also HIGHLY recommend local dog training classes too to help you and your dog learn to communicate control between you. We're not talking crufts obedience champions, just some helpful advice for you all. Good luck - it will be a lot more fun where you can get her on your wavelength for behaving!

Agree with the idea of training classes. You do have to be utterly consistent if you want to stop her pulling. Here's one way:

Have her on a loose lead (not so long that she can go in the road, just long enough that there is no tension in it) and the moment she pulls ahead and you feel pressure on the lead, instantly turn around and walk in the other direction. If she jumps at you, turn your body away and ignore her (no attention, even telling off, as that is still attention) At first you will be practically going round in circles. Ignore strange looks from people... Eventually she will get a bit bemused and you will be able to walk further without her pulling. You need to make her think 'tight lead doesn't get me where I'm trying to go'. Basically forget about having a proper walk for a few days (where you actually go anywhere) while you teach her - if you do this every single time she pulls it will work, I promise you. Praise/treat her when she's trotting next to you. But in the early days every single time you allow her to pull sets you back. This is why it's a hard one to crack!

thanks. She is going to training classes. She starts off usually ok and very loose lead and ok but after abut 5 mins she then starts to pull. I've noticed today that a lot of the pulling comes when she's obviously smelling - her nose is to the ground an awful lot. The pulling does come at other times as well though. We did treat her initially when we started walking and she was ok but i didnt know whether she was jumping up at me because she now wants a treat? Any more ideas are welcome. Will try the going round in circles route!!!! I get enough funny looks as it is - stopping every two steps!!! Let's give them something else to look at!!!!