Cocker Specific Discussion > Behaviour & Training
STRESSFUL WALKIES!
Hel:
I am having a similar problem to you with a much older rescue (Pip). Pip has always pulled like a train on a short lead but, since both Pip and Fletch were attacked by an akita recently, Pip has started barking at other dogs and people - Fletch doesn't really care but joins in anyway. Pip is still fine with people and other dogs when on a long lead (he can't go off lead unless in a secure field as he gets a scent and is off).
To solve the pulling problem, I bought a harness last week. I now have a different dog - no pulling at all, even when he's barking at dogs and people.
To solve the barking problem (which is mainly fear after the attack), I am starting to take him for walks on his own - just so that he and I have full attention from each other and use treats to distract and reward him. I've also bought a clicker which I'm using on walks.
Pip is just like your boy - wouldn't hurt another dog or person, but is just feeling rather insecure at the moment as his mum couldn't stop him and Fletch being attacked :(
murphy2003:
Hi there
Just read your message and i have to agree with the harness comments, they really are alot better.
We also tried Murphy on a lead and he was the same so we took his toys and let him carry them and also had some treats in my pockets and jingle them about and he soon stop pulling and was wanting to know what i had got.
Try the harness if you can,it is a lot eaiser, mind you it takes me about half an hour to figure out what go's where when i am putting on him. ;D
Jen:
--- Quote from: murphy2003 on September 29, 2003, 05:28:04 PM ---Hi there
Just read your message and i have to agree with the harness comments, they really are alot better.
--- End quote ---
Yes - I too use a harness on Monty and have done since it was recommended at puppy training classes yonks ago.....I agree with you too - he really doesn't pull half as much when he has it on. I've been watching him closer since posting this thread to see if I can pick a pattern.....it's def not everyone he gets funny with.....it seems to be all dogs/some people who walk on the OTHER side of the road or footpath.....if he spots a dog who is walking by him on the SAME side- apart from the initial curious pull (well he is a dog!!!) - I encourage him along and he co-operates.......however, I could encourage him til the cows come home when he's having one of his turns and he just totally blanks me in his barking frenzie.... ::) I'd so love to know what on earth is going through that doggie brain of his ::) - mind you......I've thought that on many an occasion......just got to think up a cunning plan to sort this out...and then find the time to put it in place :-
KellyP:
Hi Jen,
We have a similar problem with Millie - but rather than wanting to frighten off other dogs she is just desperate to play and say hello - desperate to the point of nearly strangling herself with her lead shes pulling so hard! :o In some cases this actually causes a negative response from the poor dog in question, who starts to growl and bare its teeth!
Off the lead she's fine - loves to say hello a quick play and then off on her own business again.
In order to prevent her being like this I have taken to making her sit and wait, whilst gently talking to her and holding a treat in her view to keep her attention on me; firm NOs if she gets too excited and a treat when the dog has gone past - I'm not sure if this is right or not ::) :-
the thing is - I want her to say hello to other dogs, but I don't want her to get soo excited about the prospect
Any ideas anyone please?
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