Pulling on the lead

[BobLoblaw]

I'm really hoping for some hints on getting my collieXkelpie to walk nicely on the lead

She is probably around 1 now, she was a rescue so we're not 100% sure how old she is. She is eager to learn; can sit, stay, drop, fetch and has good recall but pulls a lot whenever she's on the lead. We have a shortish lead as we were told she had a habit of chasing wheels but we've curbed that habit, and I wonder whether a long or extending lead would be better? I've read Positive Dog Training and one of the Cesar Milan books but she seems too excited to remember not to pull, we stop and she stands next to me but as soon as we move off she pulls. Help...please

I feel your pain......my baby Viz girl was just the same We tried

1. changing direction (as advocated by pup training class we were attending).

1. stopping and waiting until she stood next to us.

1. barking at her whenever she pulled (apparently supposed to pull her into line with the pack leader.......!)

1. keeping her on a fairly relaxed lead and just checking her whenever she pulls by just gently flicking your wrist so it gives a tug on the leash. Just enough to make her stop and look and pay attention.

Number 4 is the final option which has totally worked for us. She doesn't walk perfectly at heel but I didn't mind so much about that - I just wanted her to stop pulling

We used a gentle leader on our dog when he was pulling, he was like a steam train some days and although hes not a big dog it was causeing a major problem as i have a back problem and in the end I couldnt walk him. The gentle leader was recomended by a dog trainer and its brilliant took him about a week to get used to it but he walks like a dream now (now without the gentle leader) and I have no problems walking him, my daughter uses a Halti which is a similar product on her rottewieler who would pull and now even the kids could walk her it makes a difference.

Thanks for your replies

Tulpe- Thank you I'll give 4 a go, I think she's too excitable to be bothered by a change of direction, turns into a different doggy as soon as the lead comes out.

MaggyMay- I'll have a look for those next time we go to the pet shop, ds would love to walk her on the lead but she pulls too much atm so thank you.

My dogs pulled the gentle leader off (too clever) but no-pull harnesses are a god send. They work amazing well and I'm sure must be better for them than being pulled by the neck too!

Teach your dog to walk to heel off the lead. Lure the dog into the correcgt position and then click and treat the correct position. Do this is a safe palce without any distractions.

If you train on the lead you pull the lead, the dog pulls against you and you just teach the dog to pull on the lead.

Once the dog knows the correct position then put on a lead but always keep it a loose lead. Say heel and click and treat the correct position. ( you do get the hand of clicking and treating and holding a lead honest) When the dog is reliable in a boring location up the training and take to a more exciting venue.

It is very easy to do but do take slow steps and set the dog up to succeed not fail.

Whilst you are intensively training this try not to take the dog into situations that will allow them to pull.

If you put dog treats in your hand and drop it by your side the dog can only take them if they are in the correct position. When they take the treat say 'heel'.

Have the dog on your left side, lead in your right hand, across you body and then you can keep putting treats into your left hand ifyswim.

I was taught this by a police dog handler.

You have been given some great advice already. Not much too add, except it takes a lotof patience. We have been working on Bella's pulling for 3 months now,and it is getting better...but we work on it every day!Oh ,and dont use an extending lead, that just teaches them that pulling gives them more space! A regular (around 5 ft) lead is best.and ditch the Caeser Milan book!
And just wanted tosay...A collie X kelpie you are very brave!!!!Bet he is wonderful!!Well done for taking him on.

Thanks so much, I've ordered a longer normal lead and a halti collar thing. I think the treats will work well, Penny will do anything for a bit of chicken

We weren't looking for a collie but fell in love when we saw her in the rescue centre and went back the next day to do our second walk, she was ours 2 days later. She is brilliant, a real pleasure, she goes to work with my OH who works outside and then gets walked morning and evening and she's no hassle at all at home, no chewing, nipping or mouthing. I'd never had a dog but feel very lucky Penny is so lovely.

Thank you so much for all the advice, I really appreciate it