Well it's that time of year again where all the leaves are falling from the trees. Stanleys leaf mad - as soon as one blows he pounces on it. He usually walks lovely on a loose lead but it means I'm getting pulled all over and he's significantly stronger this year than he was last year. I don't know how to proof against it because usually I would start with some distance and get closer but they're everywhere! And they blow at unpredictable times. So we'll be plodding along nicely than POW he's dived for one. I'm scared he's gunna catch me off guard and jump into the road or something. Has anyone got any tips for how to get him to stop doing this? Thanks
How about taking some leaves indoors in a more controlled environment? Not sure what you could use (stooge) to blow with...that might cause another distraction, but worth a go. Maybe fanning, hair drier, just dropping? Good luck - sounds like a toughie.
Embrace it and have a leaf-fight. Brilliant fun Sorry, no help at all. The suggestions above would work, but they're nowhere near as much fun as a leaf-fight.
Nelly is also leaf mad , so if you do find a solution, please share , until then I just let her get on with it xx
That's a tough one Jen and obviously you need to sort it out for everyones sake as you don't want your walks to become difficult as you've worked so hard. If you have leaves in your garden (if not pinch a big bag full from the park ) throw them in your garden and before you take Stanley out for a walk let him go crazy in the garden, chase him, throw them, hide treats or a ball in them for him to hunt out. Do this everyday for fun and hopefully he might then not be so bothered when walking amongst them. I'm sure leaf desensitisation can be achieved! Maybe worth a try. xx
Thanks everyone! Getting some leaves and practicing in the garden is a good idea - I'll give it a go. I don't mind when he's in the park or somewhere off lead, it's really cute watching him pouncing around It's just when we're walking next to a busy road he gets so focussed on them he could catch me off guard and jump into the road or something. Even a treat under his nose doesn't seem to work! And my MIL who walks him is even smaller than me and I know she finds it a bit stressful. It's his one vice
If your harness has a front ring you could attach the lead at the front and then he can't lunge. It should be fine if he walks next to you, but if he walks in front the lead can get in the way and be a bit annoying. I've started doing this with my boy because he is obsessed with workmen... he can walk to heel past them now, but with the front clip I know that if he does try to leap towards them, he can't physically reach them. Last week we walked past a group of five men clearing leaves off the street with only one attempt from Lucky to launch himself at them
