Dog Leash Training problems?
Have an 8 week old pitbull…..just got his leash and collar yesterday. At first, he wouldn’t even walk with the damn thing on – lol stubborn ass would just not move. But anyway, he moves freely now, a little hesitant some times, but its only the second day.
My problem is, when he does start walking, he always cuts me off!!! Its the most annoying thing ever. He just doesn’t walk in a straight line, he just walks on the side of me, and cuts my feet off. I have to extend my arm with the leash just so he doesn’t cut me off. But that makes walking more difficult.
Any suggestions?
Should i just step on him one good time to teach him a lesson lol j/k i know thats cruel….lol but thats why i’m here asking for advice.
Tagged with: Leash • problems • Training
Filed under: Dog Leash Training
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First this is normal for most pups you have to train them I would suggest taking him to a puppy dog obedience class this helps to train him correctly and also helps with socializing
Since puppies are not born lead trained, its up to you to teach him. He’s not being stubborn, he doesn’t have a clue what you want!!!
When you walk a young puppy that you’re trying to leash train, keep him on a very short leash (you see, now he can’t cut you off!), have some treats in your pocket and keep talking to him, encourage him along, pat your leg. At 8 weeks old, he’s a total baby and you shouldn’t be expecting him to heel.
The object here is to get him to walk reasonably close to you without pulling (and if he does, just stop walking), and remember, you want him to enjoy HIS walks.
It’s normal of any dog to cut you off. He is just learning.
It’s simple. When you walk with him hold the leash short and firm next to your side not allowing him to get enough distance to cut you off. One he learns to walk by your side give him more space and if he tries to walk to the other side again keep telling him “take your side” and gently pull him to the side and shorten the leash again. worked for me!
you walk. His job is to follow. So, if you happen to kick him a bit now and then…too bad. Actually, just try to walk…after a couple of gentle pokes wwith your feet he’ll get the idea.
Maybe you should try walking him in a place where there are little distractions first. Like indoors. Let him get the idea of what you want then try stepping it up. At his age it’s very easy to get distracted and not pay attention. carry something tasty, too….that’ll keep him focused on you and what your asking.
Use gentle training techniques. Dogs learn by praise, and love it. Keep him at one side, usually the left side is the method used in obedience classes. Try short lessons in which you walk a few steps, stop, and ask him to sit. He may not know what you mean, so when you stop, shorten the leash, say “sit”, pull gently up on the leash and help his little butt down by gently pushing it down at the same time. Wait a few seconds, praise him, then give a little tug on the leash and walk forward, saying “heel”. Repeat this every few feet or so, continuing to make him sit each time, which will help his attention to be on you and where you want him to walk. This will also help slow him down if he is too fast, and keep him more in one place. Once he seems to do this pretty well, you can allow him to walk a little more distance between the sits, perhaps 10 or 15 feet. Repeat in the same way. After awhile you will be able to extend the distance, as he learns what you actually want, and that he needs to walk next to you. Eight weeks is young, and you have to be gentle with the puppy. He will probably learn what you want, if you are patient and do not make the lessons too long. Ten minutes may be all he can tolerate at first. Also keep treats in your pocket as you walk, offering one every here and there. This keeps his attention on you, rather than everything around him, and will be a great advantage when training the “come” command. Remember, lots of praise, as dogs and puppies live for praise. Also, crate-train for housetraining. This works the very best and keeps you house clean. We have used it for three dogs and have been very happy with the results.People who have not crate-trained often need to retrain their dogs with much time and effort necessary. Read a book about this for help. Oh, it’s good that he got used to his collar and leash on only the second day. That is a brand new thing for him. One other thing that new dog owners sometimes get frustrated with is the beginnings of “mouthing” which is when the puppy starts to bite and chew on everything, including your hands. This is normal. If you are too harsh it can be difficult for the puppy. Just play with the pup, and take your hand away if it chews on it, not making a huge deal over it. Give it a toy, be kind, it will eventually pass. Give it a rawhide bone if it needs one and enjoys the chewing, or rub its tummy to calm it down. But all dogs will go through this stage.