This afternoon we’ve been to a monthly rally class. There were only three of us there so i felt less awkward about taking time to set Molly up for each exercise. I used a soft toy and played for about 20 seconds before each exercise, then putting it on the floor, doing the exercise and sending Molly to the toy again at the end of each exercise for another brief play. This strategy worked really well most of the time (and at no time when off lead did she break from heel to run to the toy.) Generally much better than last month - and I kept calm and cheerful. However once when I tried not using the toy before an exercise, Molly jumped and grabbed at the lead, trying to tug it half way through. And she did again, even when I had used the toy, when we were doing on-lead fast pace (off-lead fast was fine, but to compete we have to work on lead as well.) The trainer has suggested buying a chain lead. Not a choke chain, just an ordinary lead made of chain instead of nylon / leather. I’ve been looking at some very lightweight ones, (marketed as suitable for Yorkshire terriers). However my OH says he thinks it is a bad idea (he never uses any adversives at all) as he says it will only work if it hurts her if she grabs it and we shouldn’t do that. I hope it might just deter her from trying. I’m torn - what do you all think?
Well I wouldn't with Ripple. He also grabs at the lead when overexcited (usually agility) and I think he would do it anyway and I'd be worried he would hurt his mouth or break a tooth.
I don't think it's necessarily aversive; it could work because it's just not as rewarding; it doesn't feel as nice in the mouth. It doesn't have to mean it's gone the other way on the scale. That said, I wouldn't use one for a dog that bites the lead in case she catches a tooth. But, if she never bites it, then I wouldn't mind using one. If you can find one cheap enough, it might be worth a try just to see if she tries to bite it.
I used an aversive with Twiglet. I put bitter apple on the lead. It didn’t cause her to hate the lead, but it did cause her to leave it alone. .
Well she grabs it and pulls but I always drop my end when she does. It’s frustrating as she has never done it when we’ve been practising alone. @Boogie Someone else at the class suggested bitter apple, but when I put that on the chair legs when Molly was little it had no effect at all. My OH doesn’t like the idea of it. I’m beginning to think I should settle for a lovely pet dog who enjoys fun and games.
I wouldn't use chain either, just in case she does try to grab it. Maybe just try a different material? If you are currently using nylon, try leather, etc.
