Maximus heels well, pays attention and more or less keeps his focus. But then at least twice on a mile long walk he gets super aggressive towards the leash and towards me. He just wants me to let him go so that he can play/ run around. It's probably a trigger to something around him or just tired of being on a leash. He lunges on me and goes for the leash. I am not sure how to deal with it. I am worried he will hurt me or himself. He is a big dog for his age. I use a front loop harness. I am considering using a gentle leader. Need advise!
Hi @Supermom I would put your dog on a 10 metre long line. If he heels well for say 5 metres, then give him a relesse cue. He can have time off. Back to heeling. Yes release cue. He can play. So instead of requiring 1 mile of heeling you are alternating. He gets to play if and only if he heels properly. When he understands the exercise, then vary the distance he must before given some fun time. 5 months? Go easy on distance. A mile is probably too far.
This sounds like a good idea. I will try it and maybe the distance is too much also. I will keep an eye on his limit to the distance that he can endure easily. Though, I do think he does a mile comfortably.
Looks like 1.25mi for 5mo is okay: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-puppy-exercise-how-much-is-too-much/
Understood. But during the reward parts you may be standing there while you're dog sniffs. That's good. Distance should not be the objective. Letting the dog dawdle over rough terrain appears to be better for their young bodies than a long walk over flat ground.
Sounds like a plan. I think this is exactly what triggered his lunging today. He wanted to sniff around and explore while I kept him on the pathway. Thanks for the advise. Will update you on the progress.
