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The Power Puller

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Why is the Art of Leash Walking the Family Dog so Challenging?

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c Diane Rich 2013
The Husky was bred to pull but still can be taught to walk nicely on a leash

One of the many requests I get when meeting a new client whether they parent a pup or older dog is to help  the dog learn to walk nicely on a leash.  If you find walking the dog a struggle as the dog continually pulls your arm out of its socket or the dog is gagging at the end of the leash you are not alone.

brochure mogovondagirlsdubs me fraser
c Diane Rich 2013
Malamutes are another breed bred to pull and like the Husky can still be taught to walk nicely on a loose leash

The problem is so big that collars and harness have been invented to help people short circuit the training process. In fact, so many products are on the market to help with this problem the options take up quite a bit of wall space at your local retail pet shop.

Choices
There are head halters, no pull harnesses, the old metal choke and prong collars, shock collars, and newer  types of collar and leash combinations made so that part of the leash encircles the dogs hip or chest area with the goal of putting “slight” pressure in those areas  to help slow the dog down.

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c Diane Rich 2013

Trainers who advocate clicker training swear by clicking or marking the moment the dog walks in the zone when the leash is relaxed and then follow up with treating or rewarding this behavior. Great theory when in an environment with minimal to no distractions but if it were that easy in real world situations the equipment listed above would be unnecessary.  It is not the theory or method that doesn’t work. A percentage of the dog owning public does not have the patience to take the time to implement this training method or other methodologies  so new equipment entered  the marketplace to help fast track  the leash walking process.

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Leash
1.  We are slow
2.  They want to smell everything
3.  They want to mark everything
4.  They want to lunge at people, dogs, bikes a bee or a squirrel
5.  Owners who find the training process takes up too much time or the dog’s behavior is embarrassing in public or it is just too much work tend to opt out of teaching the dog good leash skills outside of the classroom 

Tips on Choosing the Right Equipment
I do not believe one size fits all with training equipment. What works for a light to moderate puller may be useless for the power puller.  Technique and patience are everthing so if you continue to experience problems when walking the dog seek the help of a professional to guide  you through the process.  Some dogs are just too powerful for their human so that person may require specific equipment for their own physical safety when walking the family dog.

Head Halters
Most dogs don’t accept head halters readily or may accept the head halter part of the time but tries to paw it off or rub its face on the ground or you to get that strap off their face. The head halter was created to slow the dog down by gently putting pressure on the dog’s nose or muzzle pulling the dog’s head to one side or the other should that dog pull.  I do not find they fit most dogs well and most ride up too high and set directly under the dog’s eyes. I am also concerned about the whiplash affect for people who leash correct the dog wearing these collars or use the head halter with flexi type leashes. These collars were not made for leash correction.  Now, for some dogs, this piece of equipment is exactly what is needed and has proven successful for pulling.  Then of course the person who uses the head halter will usually be asked by strangers why the dog is wearing a muzzle and may steer clear believing the dog to be dangerous.

The Canny collar is similar to a head halter but instead of attaching the leash to the ring under the dog’s muzzle this product has a behind the head attachment. So, when the dog pulls, instead of this collar pulling the dog’s head to the side as with the other head halters the Canny collar pulls the head down, which also is made to slow the dog down.  Doesn’t mean the dog doesn’t protest something putting pressure on its nose.

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Canny collar   cDiane Rich 2013
The leash attaches to the rings I am holding

Little Noses
Of course with  Brachycephalic or “short nosed” breeds like the Pug or Bulldogs these head collars do not work as they don’t fit.

frenchie Pipa running towards camera 7-11
c Diane Rich 2013

Buckle or Snap Closure Collars
Many dogs can slip their heads out of regular buckle or snap closure collars which is why I heartily recommend limited slip or Martingale type collars to those dogs that love to back out of a collar. However, if not fitted well a dog can slip out of these collars also.  These collars are good for the escape artist but not a collar that is of great help for a pulling problem.

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c Diane Rich 2013
Martingale or Limited Slip collar

The Harness
Some dogs that are light to moderate pullers do well with the front clip harness. This harness attaches to the leash in the middle of the dog’s chest creating mild pressure in that area when the dog pulls. But, again, these harnesses are not effective for the power puller. There is another harness that has the clip for the leash between blades at the dog’s back.  This harness is made to put pressure right behind the dog’s armpits which can cause skin irritation and some dogs protest this pressure by not wanting to move. This harness may work for the light to moderate puller but not the power puller. Keep in mind the dog may be resistant to jumping up into your car due to the pressure points being affected by the harness.

Choke Collars and Prong Collars
There are trainers and breeders who advocate the use of the choke or prong collar although the choke collar is not as popular as in years past.  Without proper professional assistance the choke collar can cause tracheal damage, coughing or gagging.

Any collar can cause coughing or gagging so it is beneficial to all dog owners to learn how to use their equipment of choice.  Some trainers will not allow certain equipment in their classes and others may require specific equipment.

The prong collar is still used by many owners and trainers and if not used properly can cause pain and even create or exacerbate aggression in some dogs.

Train Early

Tibetan mastiff jetson walking him by water 10-11
c Diane Rich 2013
Much easier to begin your dog’s leash training early, especially for the giant breeds

Collar Wise
Your dog knows the collars you use for training. So if you have been using a head halter, harness, prong collar and think your dog is trained not to pull and decide to give a regular buckle collar a try for your walks be aware the dog will most likely still pull.  A professional trainer can help with the transition.

Don’t give up.

Woof,
Diane Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog

 

 

 


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