What the hell just happened?

[joshuagough]

I should do a video on this, I get the question all the time.

Macy did about 200 circles around me over the first week we worked together, she was a freight train puller.. won't get to the end of that leash now. Just takes constancy.

Thank you from one smartass to another. I will def give it a try.

 

[cinnamon roll]

Then what are you waiting for???? I would love to see it.

 

[Hector]

I have also used a prong before, but it didn't work on Hector. Not that it didn't show him who was boss, but he was too sensitive. A real correction and he'd lay down and his eyes would squint and he was done for the rest of the walk - like his feelings were hurt and he was afraid to make another move. He would actually trip me because he was too worried. Not trying to discourage you or anything, but just wanted to share.

 

[cinnamon roll]

Thank you I appreciate it. I am gonna try the prong first and see if that works if that is too much for her I will try a halti. I just fear that if the martingale isn't enough then the halti won't be.

I have also used a prong before, but it didn't work on Hector. Not that it didn't show him who was boss, but he was too sensitive. A real correction and he'd lay down and his eyes would squint and he was done for the rest of the walk - like his feelings were hurt and he was afraid to make another move. He would actually trip me because he was too worried. Not trying to discourage you or anything, but just wanted to share.

 

[Hector]

Thank you I appreciate it. I am gonna try the prong first and see if that works if that is too much for her I will try a halti. I just fear that if the martingale isn't enough then the halti won't be.

I totally understand - it's all about trial and error - every dog is different. Good luck

 

[cinnamon roll]

Thank you. I am gonna continue with more walks and exposure to different sights and sounds I will update the thread and let everyone know how it is going.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Prongs aren't for every dog for sure. The problem with a head halter is if the dog moves out to quickly they can result in his head getting yanked around, which isn't good for his spine or neck. Also some dogs figure out how to pull against it and keep going forward.

I use a traffic lead cause its easier to keep Apollo close with it, i hate trying to grab the body of the reglar leash to shorten up in a hurry. With the combination of a regular lead and a traffic lead I have options!

 

[cinnamon roll]

That was my fear is with the spine and the neck. And then the fact that a martingale does nothing for her so I am questionable on the halti being effective.

Prongs aren't for every dog for sure. The problem with a head halter is if the dog moves out to quickly they can result in his head getting yanked around, which isn't good for his spine or neck. Also some dogs figure out how to pull against it and keep going forward.

I use a traffic lead cause its easier to keep Apollo close with it, i hate trying to grab the body of the reglar leash to shorten up in a hurry. With the combination of a regular lead and a traffic lead I have options!

 

[Hector]

I agree - that is why people need to work on focus exercises and learn how to read their dog and strike before they can get all worked up and react

 

[joshuagough]

Simple solution, take the long lead and tie a hand hold in-it.. then you have the best of both worlds. I've got a few leashes that have both a traffic lead & 4/5ftregular leash combined but all that mess is a pain to keep up with.

Soft temp dogs should be kept on a flat collar, but a prong should always be chosen over a choker. You can cause damage with a choker, the only true use a true choker should be a dominate dog choker for aggressive dogs.

If Apollo doesn't want to be close to you then you should try being sweet'er & add more treats

Prongs aren't for every dog for sure. The problem with a head halter is if the dog moves out to quickly they can result in his head getting yanked around, which isn't good for his spine or neck. Also some dogs figure out how to pull against it and keep going forward.

I use a traffic lead cause its easier to keep Apollo close with it, i hate trying to grab the body of the reglar leash to shorten up in a hurry. With the combination of a regular lead and a traffic lead I have options!

 

[cinnamon roll]

Great news I went and bought a prong collar. And after watching many many videos we tried the collar out yesterday. WOW what a difference!!!!! It was like walking a new dog she did try to pull a few times but stopped when the collar started to pinch her. I never even put tension on the leash to correct her, her pulling was enough of a correction. She listened way better I didn't have to argue with her to get her to sit before we crossed each road. As always thanks everyone for the wonderful advice

 

[ruthcatrin]

Simple solution, take the long lead and tie a hand hold in-it.. then you have the best of both worlds. I've got a few leashes that have both a traffic lead & 4/5ftregular leash combined but all that mess is a pain to keep up with.

.....

If Apollo doesn't want to be close to you then you should try being sweet'er & add more treats

He's completely not treat driven Joshua.

But thats basically what I've done with the traffic lead. Its actually clipped to the base ring of the 4ft lead and its just an eaier handle. Its not a mess, and its quite easy to manage. And since I prefer leather leashs its easier than trying to tie a knot in it.

He's decent at staying close with no effort on my part, but there are occasions when the extra hand hold is handy. Like when the damn chi down the road charges us, or the psychotic GSD bounce off their efence (Apollo's convinced that one of these days they're not going to stop, honestly, so am I), or when walking through a crowded show floor....

 

[Hector]

CR, I'm glad you found a solution !

 

[cinnamon roll]

Thank you Linda! It was amazing. I could not be happier with the outcome.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Yay!

Now any luck on getting her more comfortable with the kids?

 

[cinnamon roll]

It was raining today so we didn't walk. Although last week when I took her up there she only got scared at one lil girl that ran by. We actually had about 10 kids stop and pet her on their way bye and she just sat there like a good girl soaking it up. If it doesn't rain all day again tomorrow I will take her back to the school.

 

[ruthcatrin]

It was raining today so we didn't walk. Although last week when I took her up there she only got scared at one lil girl that ran by. We actually had about 10 kids stop and pet her on their way bye and she just sat there like a good girl soaking it up. If it doesn't rain all day again tomorrow I will take her back to the school.

I'll take it!

 

[cinnamon roll]

And she stopped barking at the inflatables!!!!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Sweet!