When Pigs Fly_ Training Success With Impossible Dogs - Jane Killion [58]
When casual walking, your dog can be in any position relative to you so long as the leash is not tight. He is free to stop and sniff or do his business, but he has to come along with you when you start moving.
A relaxed trail walk with your best friend is one of the great pleasures in life. In contrast to attention walking, Ruby knows she can do whatever she likes, as long as she stays within the length of the leash.
Shape. By now, your dog probably is conditioned to stay pretty close to you when you are walking. Now, just put the leash on and start walking. Depending on whether your dog is a “puller” or a “planter,” we will approach the walk slightly differently.
For pullers: The fact that your dog is pulling tells you that moving forward is something he wants to do very much. What does that mean to you as a trainer? Moving forward can be used as a reinforcer! So, use the opportunity to move forward the same way you use any other reinforcer like food or toys or opportunity to play. If your dog will give you the behavior you want (slack leash) he gets the reinforcer (move forward.) If he does not give you the behavior you want (he pulls on the leash) he does not get the reinforcer (you stand still and keep him from going forward.) Follow these steps:
The rules of this game are simple—keep the leash loose, and you get to move forward. Tighten up the leash, and I will stop until you turn around and put some slack in the leash.
1. As long as your dog is with you in any position that you find acceptable, keep moseying around. The rules of this game are, so long as he is not pulling, he gets to walk.
2. If the leash gets tight, stop moving. Don’t give your dog any verbal or physical cue or correction other than your cessation of motion. Be like a rock and stand there. You have to make a commitment never to move forward if your dog is pulling on the leash. The reinforcer is the opportunity to move forward. You give that reinforcer to your dog in exchange for keeping the leash loose.
3. The instant there is any slack in the leash, move forward. Make it very obvious to your dog what the key is to forward movement. So long as you are consistent, it will not take long at all for him to figure out that pulling does not pay.
For planters: If walking your dog is like dragging a cement lawn ornament, that means that standing in one place is more reinforcing than walking with you. That is because either: 1) he has physical problems that keep him from enjoying a walk; or 2) walking with you has not been a fun or rewarding experience in the past.
First rule out any physical problems. Have your vet examine your dog and do a full thyroid panel, check for tick borne diseases (which can lead to lethargy and severe lameness), injury, and lameness. Take a good look at your dog’s physical condition. It is hard for your dog to want to walk when he is so fat that standing up is an effort. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs and he should have an hourglass shape when viewed from above. Also, be aware of your dog’s natural physical limitations and do not drag him on long walks that are past his ability. A Border Collie might love to run with you for miles while you rollerblade along the boulevard, but you don’t own a Border Collie. Dragging a Scottie behind you for miles when his little legs can barely keep up and his heart is screaming for you to stop is not the way to make your dog love walking!
Shape walking with you to be a fun and rewarding experience. The fact that you are there and breathing is not enough to pique his interest. Keep the picture of a happy dog trotting next to you in your mind and approximate that picture in small segments.
1. Start by reinforcing for attention
2. Take ONE step and reinforce your dog like crazy when he follows you. Be sure to reinforce him after he has followed you. If you lure him with food and toys before he offers to walk for you, then you are always going to have to bring food and toys with you on a walk and