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Cocker Specific Discussion => Puppies => Topic started by: abzy0309 on October 01, 2013, 07:50:13 PM

Title: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 01, 2013, 07:50:13 PM
Advice please COL experts....

Reggie loves going for a walk but has started pulling like mad. I've watched a few videos on training tips, and done my research but it's not really paying off. He has a lead and collar.

Thanks :) 
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 02, 2013, 01:24:59 PM
hi, i have the same problems with my 5 month pup. i have tried stopping when she pulls, for over 3 weeks, doesnt seem to help. from monday i have been trying the reverse walking technique, when pup pulls then change direction. yesturday i had her walking next to me . it wasnt for long, just about 6 strides , but thats the best she has done  and only started it monday. i think different technques suit different dogs, but i would definitely give that a go. ill let you know how i gettingon
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: janek on October 02, 2013, 01:33:02 PM
I have the same with my 5 month , we do the same ,reverse walk and wait and sit before starting off again ,although i would say she pulls more on the way home this i think is down to her being a little nervous even though she was socialized from 11 weeks when we had her ,im just going to keep changing routs and reassuring i will be interested to hear how you get on with your pup i may be learn some thing
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Macette on October 02, 2013, 01:42:32 PM
I had the same trouble ....tried non pull harness, tried stopping, have resorted to Halti and it's great, now it's a pleasure walking again. If you get one make sure it's a good fit. Size 1 was to loose and she was able to get it in her mouth so went down to size 0 fits nice and neat she can still open her mouth to pant. Must say I am very happy and it took 3 minutes walking for her to get use to it. Good luck :)
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 02, 2013, 02:15:59 PM
this is just a quick message just to say that i have just taken brandy out for some training. i have changed where i take her, the streets were of too much distraction, took her somewhere quiet. she done even better today with her reverse walking. ok it only about 8 or ten steps but its still better than yesturday, i kept treating her when she was next to me.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 02, 2013, 04:00:21 PM
Thanks everyone.... I'm going to give the reverse walking a try... What do you treat with? Kibble?  :D
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 02, 2013, 06:12:32 PM
yes sometimes, because i treat her quite a bit while we doing this, using other treats can be expensive, so i use kibble mostly, but sometimes like today i used treats that i bought x x
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 02, 2013, 08:23:05 PM
I was thinking of that, also thought that as treating a lot you have to limit how many you have don't you!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: JamiesGirl on October 03, 2013, 02:51:46 AM
There's a really really good post on here somewhere - im sure it was from Karma? with a step by step guide to lead walking using a clicker - i will try and find it for you.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: JamiesGirl on October 03, 2013, 02:52:44 AM
5th reply down http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=86610.0
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 03, 2013, 05:00:14 PM
Thank you!!! Sounds def worth a try!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 08, 2013, 01:06:16 PM
hi, just thought i would give an update on training brandy to not pull. last week i decided to do the reverse walkng method . at first practised down my road but found it frustrating as brandy pulls so much i never got past the third house and ended up not giving her much of a walk. so after a couple of days i thought the best plan was to take her somewhere i can let her run around on an extended lead first to give her exercise and to tire her out slightly then to do some training on lead.  i done 20 minutes run then changed from her extended lead to normal one and practised reverse walking for 20 minutes. everytime she pulled i turned direction, she then was behind me and when she caught up with me i gave her treats. on second day of doing this she walked by my side for 10 steps, now i know it doesnt seem much but thats the most she had ever done. next day it was 26 steps, next day it was 35 steps. and today i just took her out down my road,on normal lead and she walked without pulling half way up my road and back. thats the best she has ever done. i am really pleased with her. up until now i thought we were getting nowhere, she pulls really hard. i just thought i would put my progress on here as it might help you.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lilliegez on October 08, 2013, 01:57:15 PM
im still working on maisies walking she is 7 months nearly and pretty much a nightmare pulls like a train.  she has been going training every week also.  I have tried stopping changing direction etc.  I have a gentle leader for her and although I have put it on her and tried to make it a nice experience by giving her treats and playing with her, she hates it and just refuses to walk on it.  Its odd because I also got her a dog games fleece harness which is lovely and comfy but she also hates wearing that.  This week she hurt her throat from pulling on lead and I had to take her to the vet.  I am not sure what to try next as now im worried about her pulling and causing damage to herself.  I don't understand why she hates her harness so much she just stand still, puts her head down and looks so sad with it on.  I am looking for ways to overcome this, anyone have any tips.  thanks.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 08, 2013, 02:25:49 PM
hi, i not an expert im afraid, but what about putting harness on and extendable lead and taking her somewhere where she can just run about, this might take her mind off the harness and get her use to it a bit more. x x
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 08, 2013, 03:57:40 PM
Changing direction seems to be working with us... Or stopping and sitting, then going again.. (If I've got somewhere I actually want to go)
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: *Marie* on October 09, 2013, 12:49:10 PM
Bracken is a puller and he pulled, pulled, pulled, he did great if we held a treat just above his head but not too close, after a few weeks the treats got less and he wasn't too bad but he started pulling again, brought him a fleece harness where you clip the two ends of the lead one on his chest clip and on his back,  he is better now but it has taken 10 months of consistency, & he still pulls sometimes, cockers are known to be pullers! good luck!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: sheenawilson on October 09, 2013, 01:31:15 PM
Ive started the pull stop thing 2 days ago. My boy flint is 5months,when he pulls i stop and wait till he walks towards me then praise. Its actually working,just came back from a perfect long walk,really pleased. Also i use a retractable lead,if thats what there called? Hope this helps,walkings no fun when being pulled is it? Xx
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 09, 2013, 01:37:02 PM
well today i got 3/4 up the road without her pulling. its a massive improvement from before when i thought she would never stop pulling.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: HBP on October 09, 2013, 01:47:23 PM
I always use the stop dead tactic with pulling, but it has limited success as he usually continues to pull whilst screeching and making a holy show of us! It's worse when we walk with other dogs are he's always desperate to chase/ play. I'm thinking of getting him a harness. Have you tried teaching to walk to heel? I found a massive general improvement in walking since we started training him to walk to heel... he doesn't always actually do it but for some reason is better behaved out walking since!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: sheenawilson on October 09, 2013, 01:55:57 PM
Im not really a beliver in walking to heel after watching victoria stillwell. She made me ask myself about the reasons why and couldnt find any lol xx
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: HBP on October 09, 2013, 02:16:33 PM
When I say walking to heel I guess I mean walking next to you, in a straight line,  rather than weaving in and out of your legs and haring off every which way!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: woollypigs on October 09, 2013, 02:21:54 PM
We've been working really hard on loose lead walking with our Tilley (seven month collie cross rescue dog, with a bit of spaniel in her, so the vet thinks). She is distracted by the slightest thing and we've been doing the reverse direction method for a month, consistently: i.e. we never let her pull. She gets about four to five 20-minute walks a day. We also do clicker training and click and treat when she is near us and the  lead is loose (it's not that often!). We've been working hard on the 'watch me' cue which can be helpful when out and about.

She was doing great, but has taken a step backwards recently on her morning and afternoon walks (evening walks are fine as 1. she is tired and 2. there are fewer distractions) and ignores treats and games when there is a lot going on. So, our latest 'secret weapons' are prawn primula in a tube and a brand new Skineeez fox toy on the end of a stick, as a flirt pole, which she goes absolutely mad for. These only come out for walks and are handy for getting her attention, and making her realise that it is more fun to be near us, than pulling away at the end of the lead! I wouldn't say it's a miracle cure, but we're always having to be creative with TilleyWinks to keep her attention. :)
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: sheenawilson on October 09, 2013, 03:05:59 PM
God yes that weaving in and out is a nightmare lol xx
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: saracens123 on October 10, 2013, 07:48:55 PM
Hi Sam our pup is now walked with a gentle leader.like you we tried training however found it very hard.Sam sounded like a steam train because he was pulling so hard :lol:now he walks far better and this is a humane walking aid.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Mudmagnets on October 11, 2013, 12:53:51 PM
To me, some of these puppy antics whilst learning to walk properly - not strictly to heel, but just walking nicely beside you - I liken to toddler tantrums  :lol2: tho I have never had a toddler it is much the same 'don't want to do this, so I'm going to play up merry stink till she gives up' I don't use treats to coax whilst I am out with him for two reasons: I find it encourages him to be naughty, and I don't want to be walking down the road like the hunchback of Notredam, hurting my back in the process.

So he will have to get used to the idea that walking nicely isn't up for debate - this to some may seem harsh, to me it is just telling him I am not being messed about  ;)
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: dantheman on October 12, 2013, 09:54:54 AM
I have done the stop and walk the other way idea but didn't get very far with it, I now in the house say heal and then when Woody comes to me, I make him come to the left hand side of me at the back and when he sits I praise him and treat.

After a few days of all his treats in the same position I can now walk down the hall with him at my side with no lead on, keep saying heal all the way down round and back then once in kitchen again praise and treat.

Now when he goes out on the lead he is 90% where he should be which I'm really happy about as he has done this in about a week(could only go out for the first time last sat)

Woody loves food which helps a lot, especially chicken, he will do anything for!!

To be honest I think there aren't many things left he cant do at 13.5 weeks (had him since 9)
He can:

Recall to his name even off the lead out on a walk
Sit
Lay down
Lay down, roll over.
Give his paw, either side.
Stay for around a minute even if I go into another room.
Heel and walk around in the right position
Lets me know when he wants to go outside for toilet
Quite all night from  to 10 to 5 then wines for the loo, straight back to bed and the quiet till 7ish
Go to his bed
Fetch and bring back toys
Not mugging the hand, this really hurt for a day till he learned not to do it!
No more biting or more or less gone
Quiet cue and he will be

Things to improve on
Not jumping up.
Needs socialisation with other dogs, goes mad running around and very excited

No idea why I've wrote that lot think it's my list of to doos :) is there anything else he needs to do pls?


Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Mudmagnets on October 12, 2013, 10:56:58 AM
Sounds like he is pleasing you, bless him.

Just make sure he does not suffer from 'burn out' later, like in his teens - some very clever kids  can do everything for a while - then have a  relapse and don't remember a thing.  ;)



Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: hilhames on October 12, 2013, 10:18:35 PM
what is a Halti please, someone mentioned it but no one commented. thanks
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Mudmagnets on October 13, 2013, 09:32:03 AM
what is a Halti please, someone mentioned it but no one commented. thanks

It is a kind of head collar, with I think a lead attached, designed to help pups/dog walk nicely. I think a 'gentle leader' works in roughtly the same way. - hopefully someone who knows will see your question and reply.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Emilyoliver on October 13, 2013, 10:00:33 AM
Im not really a beliver in walking to heel after watching victoria stillwell. She made me ask myself about the reasons why and couldnt find any lol xx
Does she suggest it's not necessary? It is in many situations, especially where dogs are working.  It's also a 'physics' thing (particularly with a large dog).  A dog at the end of even a normal length lead is much harder to control if it lunges in any direction than if it were beside the handler on a shorter lead. I don't ask for obedience style heelwork from my dogs, but when on lead they are kept close.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: HBP on October 13, 2013, 10:07:57 AM
Im not really a beliver in walking to heel after watching victoria stillwell. She made me ask myself about the reasons why and couldnt find any lol xx
Does she suggest it's not necessary? It is in many situations, especially where dogs are working.  It's also a 'physics' thing (particularly with a large dog).  A dog at the end of even a normal length lead is much harder to control if it lunges in any direction than if it were beside the handler on a shorter lead. I don't ask for obedience style heelwork from my dogs, but when on lead they are kept close.

In "Its me or the dog" book, she writes that dogs are better walking in front as "they have 4 legs, so naturally walk faster". Which is all well and good when they know how to behave on a lead, but I find it difficult with a puppy. I'm teaching heel as a way to control initially but it's not like I expect him to walk everywhere like this!!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: woollypigs on October 13, 2013, 10:16:46 AM
what is a Halti please, someone mentioned it but no one commented. thanks
We've been looking into these for our Tilley (not a spaniel, but a puller!). The most popular Halti is a headcollar which fits around the dog's muzzle and provides control for the head, not just the body. Our trainer has recommended we use one in conjunction with a harness, as using a headcollar alone on a pup that pulls could seriously damage its neck. We're going to try one soon with a training lead attached to the headcollar and other end of the training lead attached to her normal harness. This supposedly helps to 'balance' the dog when walking, and gives some control of the head as well as the body.

Halti also make a harness which has a front-fastening loop for the lead, rather than rear-fastening. We tried one on Tilley but couldn't get even the smallest size to fit properly: the lead simply pulled the entire harness around to the side. 

Our harness of choice at the moment is the Ancol Happy at Heel. It has a unique (as far as we know) side fastening, which brings the lead across the front of the dog's chest and therefore when it pulls, the harness 'guides' it around to face you. It provides by far the most control against Tilley pulling of all the harnesses we've tried so far, and makes it easier to train her, as she is automatically brought around to face us. However, it is not padded and we're keeping a careful eye in case it ends up chafing her and causing discomfort.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: woollypigs on October 13, 2013, 10:17:16 AM
Edit to add: Tilley is eight months, a pretty strong Collie cross, hence the need to save our backs and get a bit of control!
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Emilyoliver on October 13, 2013, 10:17:23 AM
Im not really a beliver in walking to heel after watching victoria stillwell. She made me ask myself about the reasons why and couldnt find any lol xx
Does she suggest it's not necessary? It is in many situations, especially where dogs are working.  It's also a 'physics' thing (particularly with a large dog).  A dog at the end of even a normal length lead is much harder to control if it lunges in any direction than if it were beside the handler on a shorter lead. I don't ask for obedience style heelwork from my dogs, but when on lead they are kept close.

In "Its me or the dog" book, she writes that dogs are better walking in front as "they have 4 legs, so naturally walk faster". Which is all well and good when they know how to behave on a lead, but I find it difficult with a puppy. I'm teaching heel as a way to control initially but it's not like I expect him to walk everywhere like this!!
Interesting...  depends on how fast the owner walks (or breed of dog)? Don't see either why a dog (or horse for that matter) shouldn't be taught to adjust its speed/stride to the owner's requirements?  But haven't got the book so probably shouldn't be commenting  :005:
Agree with you, though - control is definitely needed initially.  I have 3 dogs - if I allowed them to dictate the pace I'd spend a lot of time sprawled on the pavement  :005:
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Sharpie on October 13, 2013, 10:26:22 AM
I have used a "lupi" harness (£5 ish off ebay) for Daisy to get her used to walking slowly. It has worked a treat in getting her to slow down. It goes around the chest and just doesnt allow pulling. I have then clicked and treated as we have gone along.

She's now pretty good at walking on a lead around town etc...I keep telling her "that's nice Daisy" and give her a treat, and she continues along very nicely.

I also ask her to sit before she crosses the road.

 I don't use the lupi any more now..it was a short term thing.

.......Although she does still pull my arm out of it's socket sometimes at the start of a walk :016:  >:(
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: lindsmat on October 13, 2013, 06:55:07 PM
ok, so ive had some great response and advice on the  thread i started, everyone obviously has there own way of how to teach there dog not to pull. now some more advice needed. People with adult cockers have been constantly telling me that as i have a cocker i will sooner or later end up buying a halti, or something called a gencon, which i presume is nearly the same. Now brandy is only nearly 6 months old. she is not a large 6 months, so i dont really like the thought of her having one of them halti round her nose, thats why i am persisting on the reverse walking option. am i wrong? are halti's right for puppys of 6 months, giving that of course she is only a small cocker.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: Macette on October 14, 2013, 07:05:01 PM
I put a Halti on Lexi at about 9 months I think...she is a small cocker and size 1 was a bit big she was able to get it into her mouth..I got the smallest size 0 and it fits very neatly she is able to open her mouth to pant but not to loose bit like a horses bridle .Within a few minutes of her having it on she was walking like an angel. They really can not pull with their nose. Our walks were an absolute nightmare and now they are a pleasure. She sits to get e Halti on and it does not bother her at all. I am still waiting for her to grow into the size 1. It really is the best thing I have ever bought. We have had two or 3 harnesses and they were a waste of money. Worth a try the pet shop will let you try it out.
Title: Re: Walking on a lead
Post by: abzy0309 on October 15, 2013, 07:41:53 AM
So glad I started this discussion  :D

Thanks for all the useful information everyone, Reggie's walking is getting better and you've given me lots of advice as to not just give in and have a steam train pulling me everywhere!