Ask Sherlick Hound
Dear Sherlick,
I have a two-year-old black lab/border collie mix. He is absolutely wonderful! I am so lucky to be his human. I would love to take him on more walks, but he pulls and is so strong that it can be miserable for both of us. I’ve tried simply stopping when he pulls. That has worked a little, but he gets so excited for walks, he forgets. And I think what he actually learned is not to yank. He still pulls hard; he just gets there without yanking. I’ve tried thunder shirts and a couple regular harnesses and they didn’t seem to make a difference. I’ve tried a gentle leader and it rubbed so badly that it created a sore on his jaw. I’ve felt so guilty about it we haven’t been on a walk since.
I have seen these “No-choke No-pull Front-leading Dog Harnesses” advertised on the internet that look like they might have promise. It would be worth ten times the money if it worked, but I’m reluctant to try it if the advertising is just hype. What is your opinion on these harnesses? Do you have other suggestions?
Please help. We want/need to go on more walks.
Whoa!-Ful in Cheyenne
Hi WFiC,
Sometimes you have to just keep trying different tools, to get the results you want. We have dogs that walk very nicely on gentle leaders, some do best with nightingale collars, and we have a couple of dogs that do best with no-pull harnesses. The front-leading harnesses, do work, because as the dog begins to pull, he will actually turn to face you, and that promptly ends the walk, which is no fun for him. If you don't want to purchase one right away, ask the people in your dog world, if someone has one you could try before you buy.
And That's The Poop Scoop, Sherlick Hound
Howdy, Mister Hound,
What can I use as a reward to train my dog? My dog is getting sick of biscuits!
Bored in Big Piney
Hello BiBP,
The four most important rewards you can give your dog are:
Food
Toys
Access to people
Access to other dogs
Food includes everything from regular dog food to soft dog treats to human food such as cheese, lunch meats, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Toys include things like squeaky toys, rope/tug toys, balls.
People are “rewards” when they give attention, praise and petting. People can also give rewards, such as putting down the food bowl, letting the dog out the door and allowing the dog up on furniture or the big bed.
Other Dogs can serve as huge rewards too. Especially playing with and greeting other dogs. Dogs are social pack creatures, and love to have a buddy to pal around with, or simply curl up with, for a nap.
It is best to try out all these rewards, and find out which ones your dog really likes and use many different rewards. Some dogs do not like to be petted; some dogs do not play well with others. Get to know what your dog thinks is a good reward, and use many of them. It should always be a surprise for your dog on whether he is going to get a pat on the head, a piece of cheese, or a tennis ball. It will keep them interested and excited about training.
And That's The Poop Scoop, Sherlick Hound
Have a question about your pet? Just ask me and I’ll dig and dig, till I find an answer; after all, I was born to dig!
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(Sherlick is assisted by Teresa Shively)
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