The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [57]
You need to start by increasing your own “curb appeal” so that Callie pays attention to you rather than to that squirrel scampering up the oak tree, that stray soccer ball kicked in your path, or that beckoning smell left on your route by the cute Westie up the street. Before you head out the door, prepare a bag of treats cut into tiny pieces. Teach Callie the watch me command, so she will look your way when you speak those magic words. Practice inside the house for a few days first and then on the sidewalk in front of your house. Then walk a bit and call watch me again. Treat her sporadically so Callie never knows when a reward will occur. Dogs will perform more consistently if they aren’t rewarded every single time they respond.
You also need the right tools. Please avoid choke or prong collars. Some dogs react to these by becoming testy and aggressive, and if used improperly, these collars can cause injury. Instead, opt for a nylon halter, which fits behind your dog’s ears with a loop over the nose. The leash is attached to a metal ring below your dog’s chin. It comes with directions, but if you’re not sure how to properly fit one on your dog, seek the help of a dog trainer or your veterinarian.
The halter works by applying pressure to the dog’s nose instead of her throat. Because the nose is more sensitive than the neck, she will back away from the pressure rather than leaning into it. You can also use a no-pull harness that puts pressure on the dog’s chest. Remember that the halter and other similar types of equipment should be viewed as training aids, not instant solutions to the problem. It is not the equipment but how it is used that makes it effective or dangerous.
Let me emphasize that the halter is not a muzzle. It doesn’t prevent your dog from being able to breathe, pant, drink, chew, or pick up toys or treats. It does control her head movement without causing pain and with a minimum of effort, which will save your shoulder muscles. It also doesn’t need to be a lifelong accessory. Once your dog learns the habit of walking politely, you can gradually wean her off the head halter if you want to.
Introduce the new gear inside the house at first. Let Callie sniff and inspect it. Put it on her and distract her with treats if she tries to rub it off (something many dogs will attempt). Keep the mood light and playful and do not reprimand her for trying to remove it. Then take her out for a short walk with the goal of teaching her to associate the head halter with two favorite doggy pleasures: going for a walk and getting treats.
As a dog’s head goes, so goes the direction of her body. A slight tug on the leash will automatically move Callie’s head back to look at you. No longer focused on moving forward, she should stop and look to you to see what’s next. Let a few seconds pass, and then resume the walk or abruptly change directions or pace. Keep her guessing. Reward her for keeping her attention on you.
If watch me and the halter aren’t working as well as you’d like, act like a tree. Trees don’t move. If Callie starts to yank, stop and remain still. Do not move forward again until the leash is slack. Or take a couple quick steps backward until she pays attention. Once she is focused on you, resume walking and dole out treats only when the leash is slack, not tight. When Callie is walking easily, point out her good behavior by using the proper word. Some people say heel, but I prefer walk nicely. It sounds more civilized. Praise Callie and treat her for her stretches of walking nicely.
Training a dog to stop tugging on her leash takes time and patience, but the payoff is worth it. The two of you can enjoy your walks together, and your role as leader will become more firmly established with your dog, which will benefit your whole relationship.
Cosmo Cools It
COSMO, A FOUR-YEAR-OLD neutered cocker spaniel, behaved like a barroom bouncer when his owners Gaby and Tony asked him