learning to walk on lead - am I doing it wrong?

[Sarafina]

What method did you use and how old was your dog when you started out with this? How long did it take to teach them?

My puppy is now 11 weeks old, and I need some advice. We have started with small 5 minutes walk - I dont really have a method, we have just started walking with her. When she walks next to me, I will praise her, and when she pulls the lead I will stop. She is actually doing well, and seems to enjoy walking with us. But: Am I doing it all wrong??

We are starting on a puppy class in April or May. Isnt it best to teach her this way before we start on a course?

[Karma]

Sounds fine!! 

[mark1]

What method did you use and how old was your dog when you started out with this? How long did it take to teach them?

My puppy is now 11 weeks old, and I need some advice. We have started with small 5 minutes walk - I dont really have a method, we have just started walking with her. When she walks next to me, I will praise her, and when she pulls the lead I will stop. She is actually doing well, and seems to enjoy walking with us. But: Am I doing it all wrong??

We are starting on a puppy class in April or May. Isnt it best to teach her this way before we start on a course?

I think you said it there, she's enjoying walking with you. I think you're doing great. Poppy is 17 weeks and a nightmare on the lead. Have fun 

[Sarafina]

Ok, thanks 
But, isnt it best to use some sort of method??

[Karma]

That is a method. 
The "Start-Stop" method.
The only progress the dog makes is when they are not pulling, so the theory is that they learn not to pull! 

[Sarafina]

Thanks very much! Maybe it was a dumb question 
But it is always good to know that youre not doing it wrong 

[mark1]

I don't think it's a dumb question it's a good thing to ask what others think. Molly our 2 and half year old has always been pretty useless on her lead but the method that works for her is the stop start method. What we do is as soon as the lead goes tight take a step back and bring her back level so that the lead goes loose and then continue. You can look a bit strange but personally I've found it works. I really think at such a young age enjoying the experience is a big thing so It does sound like you're doing well 

[Karma]

Not a dumb question at all! 
Bringing up a pup is full of uncertainties, and if that was a dumb question, I definately asked my share of really dumb questions when Honey was a pup!!!
 

[coralee]

No question is a dumb question cos it shows your interested in doing it right  

One little trick I've learned from reading up is while you're walking, when she pulls, turn round and walk the other way, and give a treat (as soon as you turn) - it seems to be working with Harvey - I think they learn that no amount of pulling is going to get them anywhere fast! It takes a couple of turns for me, but then he gets the message - it makes him keep his eye on me too, cos he's always looking for the treat! Key is, to stick with it and be consistent - if you get bored and break the training - so will she, but in short five mins bursts, it should be OK...also, make sure the lead isn't too "dangly" - give it length for her to walk comfortably - but not so much as she's bombing along in front of you  

I think at this age too though (your pup is the same age as mine) it's equally important that they discover the "big outdoors" - so let her be inquisitive with smells and sights...but controlled (if that makes sense?!)

I'm not hugely experienced, but if works for us - hope it does for you too

[coralee]

Sorry, I cross posted with Mark1 and Karma!

[Sheepscheeks]

I have treats in my pocket, say "Good boy Freddie" when he is walking nicely and give him a treat. I also use a clicker but don't use it that often any more, I find that the continual "Good boy Freddie" makes him look up at me in anticipation of a treat! I used to treat lots and lots but now he doesn't get a treat every time - it's a guessing game for him now - still worth walking nicely because he MIGHT just get a treat. He's no angel - he pulls if he sees another dog, cat or interesting person but he is better than he used to be.

[Top Barks]

I use a tube of primula cheese to reward some ingrained pullers,(easier that dipping in for treats in some cases) also look at what kit you walk your dog on.
For some pullers two points of connection is a must which is why i like halti harnesses.

[Sarafina]

Thank you so much for your replies! I will definitely try some of these ideas! I really want to do everything right with my puppy, even if its hard sometimes...

One mistake I have already made, is letting her sit on my lap in the sofa. Now she is starting to jump on the sofa, to get up. Have stopped taking her up now, and saying no when she jumps...
Another is: I havent really started training sit (and so on) yet, but I should definitely get started as she is 11 weeks old now, almost 12..

[black taz]

puppy classes should help with "sit" etc, but many already expect the pup to react to "sit" when they start - but dont worry as i am sure you have found, cockers learn quickly.  Little and often with the training and start as you mean to go on.

One rule that i have followed with my 17 week old lab is to not let her know my biggest secret  - i cannot run as fast as she can  - so if she runs off i cannot catch her.  therefore i always get her to come to me rather than me going to her, so far her recall has been excellent.  I made the mistake with Taz that if he did not come back to recall i would try and catch up - what i should have done was walk in the opposite direction and then make sure i did more work on recall before i let him off again.