Canine Bootcamp by Rick Caran

Author:Rick Caran
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Adams Media
Published: 2007-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

Going AWOL: Outdoor Problems

Outdoor problems are tough with a new recruit, because the outside world is so exciting for a young private. The trick is to be understanding yet firm.

If there is a common problem among dogs, it is pulling on the leash to get to where they want to go. From the biggest Great Dane to the tiniest Chihuahua, all dogs regardless of their size learn to pull on their leashes from an early age.

The Only Solution Is Training

Leash pulling doesn’t seem to be such a big problem until you try to walk around the block with a dog that thinks she’s the lead dog in a sled team, determined to reach the dog park in record time. Pulling on the leash is one of the major reasons people stop taking their dogs for walks—it takes all the fun out of a leisurely walk around the neighborhood when one of your arms feels as though it is being pulled out of its socket.

If you look in pet stores and in pet supply catalogs, you will see dozens of devices that supposedly magically stop your dog from pulling. The truth of the matter, however, is that dogs will continue to pull until you teach them to stop, regardless of the equipment you are using. Only you, as your dog’s trusted companion, can choose what method you want to use to teach your dog to walk with you instead of drag you, and there are many options out there that you can try.

The key to any training program, however, is you—how much time you invest in the project and how consistent you are about sticking to it until the job is done.

Define Your Terms

Whenever you want to fix any behavior problem, it is a good idea to sit down and figure out what you would like your dog to do instead. In this case, it is important to define how you want your dog to behave on leash. Do you want her to walk at perfect heel position or is a loose leash sufficient? Where exactly would you like your dog to be, and what will it look like when she’s there? Will your arm be relaxed or extended, is sniffing okay, and which side should she be on?

Narrowing down what you are looking for gives you a better idea of what you are going to reinforce and will help you recognize it and reward it. Only by reinforcing the right behavior will you be able to get rid of the undesirable one. If you don’t know what your dog has to do to get the reward, you will not be successful at getting rid of pulling and teaching him an acceptable alternative. Sit down with your family now and decide how you want your dog to behave on leash.

Lack of Exercise Contribution

Nowhere is a lack of exercise more apparent than when a dog is on leash. A dog with few outlets for his energy will pull, spin, and tug on leash to get where he wants to go.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.