Bear dog is wonderful, house trained, loving, sleeps in his crate, great off lead BUT he's started to become 'unreasonable'. In what way I hear you ask, well I'll tell you. We walk him twice a day, usually on lead until we get to a wide open space. He then runs around, coming back frequently and rewarded with a treat every time. Unfortunately, because he has had some 'run-ins' with bigger dogs that have not been so friendly, I leash him when I see another dog. This is no problem but when he spots another dog.......he wants to say hello so bad! Sometimes this is ok and I'll ask the owner if he can 'sniff their doggies butt' (dog speak for hello) More often than not this is fine but he will leap and jump towards them. After saying Hi he will come away fine (still leashed). My problem is that I'm only little, not quite 5ft tall and of small build. He has nearly pulled me over and he's only nearly 7mths old. I really want to nip this in the bud as I can see it getting to the point that I won't be able to take out. He's great on the way home, needs little to remind him to walk with loose leash. Unless we see another dog. He's not aggressive in any way just wants to say hello and or play. I have increased time on his leash to try to 'train' him not to pull but I'm not having much success. This is fairly new behaviour or I've not really struggled as he was smaller/lighter. I use a collar and lead although I do have a harness for him but this seems to make him worse. He's so strong with his harness he could pull a truck along let alone me. Thanks in advance xx
I use something called an easy walk which is a training harness that stops them from pulling. My lab is 8 months old and does the same thing. Im about 4 foot 9 inches an with the easy walk she cant pull me over. I honestly wouldnt be able to walk her without it.
Hi @Donerkebab Dogs have to be taught not to pull. Harnesses will not stop a dog from pulling. Anyone for a dog sled? Some harnesses help with the training of loose lead walking. But the harness itself is no panacea for the issue of pulling. I wish manufacturers would stop making false claims about no-pull harnesses. It's deceptive and misleading. Two suggestions. I would attend an obedience class emphasizing positive reinforcement. Working your dog around other dogs in the class will be helpful in learning how how to reduce his pulling when he see other dogs. Second study the folder on this site on Look at That training https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/look-at-that.22184/ There is an excellent video therein that will help you with your training of the protocol. The LAT protocol will help with calming him. You will need to practise the technique before taking it out where there are other dogs. I really would avoid letting me dog jump up on other dogs, even if the owner says that her dog is friendly.Some dogs, as you recognise do not appreciate the overly forward advance your dog is undertaking. In the class you might find another owner and dog who will want to exercise with your dog.
I'm surprised to hear the harness seems to make things worse. As soon as I got a harness for my 7 month old lab, I noticed a huge difference and walks became much easier for me, especially when dealing with distractions and pulling. Mainly though, I like the harness because it prevents the dog from being choked or injured and making that awful choking sound if they are pulling. I have the Rabitgoo harness and it's working really well for me. I haven't heard much about the harness on here, but it has good reviews and it's easily available on amazon for 25 US Dollars, which isn't all that much. The TrueLove Harness seems to also be similar to the Rabitgoo and has equally good reviews. Many people recommend the Freedom No Pull Harness on here, so maybe you can give that one a shot? I just really think Harnesses are beneficial if your pup pulls at times (which most pups do) to keep their necks safe It is easier said than done, however, especially if you have a small and petite frame. These labs are strong. It may take time to get used to the harness, but I think it should help with the pulling if you get the right one.
Thank you Michael. I did attend the Puppy classes with him mainly for socialisation but he seemed to enjoy it. I didn't need to attend the gym on those days........I was exhausted afterwards. Further classes are fully booked and it's a case of being on a waiting list. I have looked at the LAT training and will definitely give this a go. His 'magic' word is 'whatsthis!' I've also found dried Sprats in place of soggy sardines which stink but he loves them with an added bonus of a beautiful, shiny coat too! Believe me, I do try not to let him jump on other dogs but he's quite a lump and my size and age make it a little difficult to control so I avoid whenever possible. I've had a looksee at the Easywalk harness and may try it. Although my husband says if I buy any more things for the dog. he's going to take away my bank card........Harsh! I'm at a loss as to why this behaviour has started. He's been great up until now so as you can imagine I'm wondering what we've done wrong. At the weekends he goes out with my son and his friends for great walks with his pals, a Frenchie and a Boxer. He's great on these walks and comes home very happy and tired out. He's let off lead and runs about all the place, should these walks be more disciplined? He's so sociable but I do worry he's learning to be boisterous with his pals and then tries to do this other dogs. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you again x
You've reinforced your dog for this behaviour. He wants to go and leap all over the other dog and behaves by jumping and lunging in the air; you reinforce his jumping and lunging by taking him closer to what he wants to reach; he pulls you to reach them on the way; you still continue approaching and allow him to sniff the dog's butt; you reinforce his pulling. Of course he is only going to do all this, more and more - you have taught him to. I don't allow my dogs to meet any strange dogs when we are out. End of subject. If we see a strange dog when we are out, that is a cue to return to me if off leash, or to look at me, if on leash. There's no way I would allow my dog to tow me up to 'say hello' to another dog. Because I want control over my dog around other dogs, and I won't get that if I teach them that we are going to pull up to every dog we see. Other dogs are not available as reinforcers, on 'walks'. Lastly, you need to be able to physically control your dog and to prevent pulling. That means that whatever equipment you are using, needs to be adequate for that purpose - otherwise you're not in control. If you are finding him hard to control, I would recommend a Freedom harness using the double-clipped leash which comes with it...
[QUOTE="Michael A Brooks, post: 387342, member: I wish manufacturers would stop making false claims about no-pull harnesses. It's deceptive and misleading.[/QUOTE] I agree. The harness i use for my dog is supposed to be a no pull harness. My dog is still able to pull, but not nearly as hard.
Yea, the dogs obviously still will pull. It just helps so they can't pull as hard and prevents them being neck choked as well. It is interesting though, I noticed right when I tried the harness on my pup, it's like he knew with it on he didn't have the same freedom to pull as he did with out it, so he didn't try to pull as much. That sense of restriction he feels with the harness, along with the continuous heel walk training has led to better walks. So harnesses definitely do help in my opinion, but they aren't a magical cure.
There can be classical conditioning with the choice of equipment. With my dog if the lead comes out, she gets excited--she knows we are are going somewhere. With your dog, she is learning that she should not pull when the harness is on. But it's the training that is achieving that result. If one just left the harness on the dog all the time without any training whatsoever, then it wouldn't have any effect on the dog. I made the comment because a new member at the Club I belong to was being pulled towards her car by her Labrador. She looked at me, and said, "This is not supposed to be happening. The dog is wearing a no-pull harness". I sense that some new members here have a similar mindset--that the equipment alone will solve the problem. As I said in the original post, the choice of equipment can help in the training.
Thanks for the feedback. Please don't get upset. You know something is not right, and have asked for help. Is it possible to get into a class, even if you have to drive bit farther? In addition to all the good points Jo made, and at the risk of compounding your woes, the danger of letting your dog run silly with other dogs, is that he begins to think that being highly aroused and jumping around is the appropriate way to feel and act when he is the company of other dogs. Perhaps your son can take him for a walk just on his own. Your son is going to spend time positively rewarding your dog for checking in. Use a long line if you do not have a reliable recall. There is a very insightful chapter in Eva Bodfäldt's book Follow Me on things to do when out for walk on your own that will help to calm and bond with your dog. Perhaps it's an opportune time for mother and son to do it together?
Thank you Michael I'm sure Jo didn't mean to be harsh but as we all know with reading text, we can sometimes misinterpret the emotion behind it as there is no tone to the words. Reading back Jo's words after sleeping on it, I can see that she has a valid point. But as you correctly observed, I am aware I am doing something wrong and it's certainly not my Bear's fault.......it's mine. I will be avoiding other dogs whilst I work on training myself and him to overcome this. I will again try with the harness to see if that helps keep a better control of him. As I said, this is new behaviour so it has thrown me somewhat. Walks with him are a joy especially now the weather is turning and we have some much needed sunshine. He is fine when we are alone together so I know I can do this. I will investigate classes further afield as I still want to ensure he is socialised with other dogs. I've watched the LAT training video a few times and have started to do this at home in the kitchen and our large garden and he seems to be doing it right. Not sure about the mother/son time together. I think I'd rather cramp his style lol Thank you again for reading and offering your thoughts and advice. Much appreciated once again x
If you need more control buy a cotton based lead with attachments at each end. Attach to front and back D rings on the harness. Grab the lead with both hands, while you bend your knees, and drop your centre of gravity. The cotton will be softer on your hands. Or try biothane lead. I don't like the material because my hands perspire and I lose fine control of the lead. But cotton or biothane is a lot easier on your hands than nylon, and will give you more control. Tell your husband that he can blame me for giving more things to acquire. The plan is to reduce the need for such exertion, even if it means you save on gym fees. The LAT training will really help towards that end. And reward your dog when he pays attention to you and walks next to you rather than being pulled away from you by the environment. Funny that you should mention better weather. Here at 43 degrees south the nights are becoming quite cold. My Lab expects to go out each night. A hangover from my working days. The late evening walks have their own rewards. I discovered a fairy penguin scampering over the rocks down at the local blowhole. First one I have seen there.
Just online shopping (secretly) for new harness........Looking at the Rabbitgoo and Freedom harness. Both look pretty good and reviews are positive. I've washed my gloves in preparation for his next walk so that may help until I get a replacement (secretly again) I will tell my present husband that it is your idea though. Sorry not sorry LOL I remain positive that I will do this. Bear learns so quickly and I'm looking forward to stepping it up a gear with his training. We succumbed and purchased a baby gate for the kitchen door. He greeted it with indignation at first but now knows he can't come in when we are cooking or eating. No protests either just his Gold standard 'sad look'. We live in South East UK about 16k from Dover and it has been glorious today. We aren't lucky enough to get penguins roaming around but we have plenty of hardcore seagulls. I expect you were stoked at seeing such a beautiful little creature. Lucky you. Thank you again Michael. You are indeed a gentleman and a scholar xx
Yes, sorry, it came across as a bit blunt - I thought that just stating the factual sequence of learning events was the best way to get across what was happening... When working with a dog, always be aware 1) what does the dog want, in that situation? That is the reinforcer. (For you, meeting the other dog.) 2) What is the dog doing, just before getting that reinforcer? Because that behaviour is going to be reinforced, when they get it. (For you, towing you up to the other dog; lunging; and being out of control.) Now, if you had perfect control over the other dog and owner, you would be able to use the situation to your advantage. For example, you could ask for a 'Watch Me', wait for focus on you and attention - then release the dog to run over to the other dog to be reinforced - and drop the leash on the floor. The dog would learn that the best way to get what he wants (the other dog) is to give you what you want (attention). However, from your current position, that is going to be difficult: Partly because we don't have control over other dogs and owners and they are liable to let their dogs come running up to us when our dog isn't doing anything we want at all. Which is why the best thing for now, is completely avoiding other dogs (to the extent that is possible) and working on a lot of training when out and about with him. I would have him trailing a 10m long-line and be working on recalls. Once you have got the training in place away from other dogs, then you need to get it working around other dogs. Go somewhere that other dogs are around but on leash - like a pavement or boardwalk - and work at Look At That from a distance. In all ways, you are trying to achieve a dog that is focussed on you, in the presence of other dogs. And I do think that attending a class is going to be part of that journey, since you will learn to retain his attention in close proximity to other dogs - but it might be that you are not quite ready for a class at this point without doing some more preliminary training. In terms of the equipment: Equipment doesn't replace training. You can't compensate for an untrained dog by 'upping' the equipment on the dog. BUT equipment can make or break training - simply because you need to be able to control the dog to adequately prevent him from accessing other dogs when he wants to. I think the Freedom harness would be a good choice for you at this point, given the situation.
Thanks for the very kind words @Donerkebab I was certainly surprised to see the penguin. The penguins do avoid surburbia. They normally nest along isolated parts of the coast. There is an unpopulated coast on Bruny Island, a little south of where I live. There I have seen hundreds of penguins, living in close company with a massive flock of Shearwater birds (wanders indeed which fly each year very far, north of the equator). My Lab was even more surprised; she momentarily stopped in her tracks, and barked a warning at the penguin. Unfortunately, the bark was reinforced because the bird disappeared.
Thank you Jo. I have taken on board all you've advised and I truly do understand your point. I am awaiting the delivery of a Freedom Harness to help me but until then my husband is helping me with walking Bear. Also a 10m long line to get his recall improved. We have decided that neither of us will allow him to meet any strange dogs and to leash him and walk in the other direction if we spot one. He's a great dog and I don't want an unruly beast. He's so worth the time and effort and I appreciate all the advice, no matter how hard it is to swallow sometimes. So please be assured I did not take offence but digested all you said and am grateful for steering me down the right path. No doubt I'll be posting again for help in the future. Thanks again
How lovely. Don't think I'm stalking but had a look on the map of the area you live near. I noticed there's a Dover on the mainland......I'll bet it's nothing like our Dover lol.
