So, Boo is awesome, as you all know. It's just this leash training -- you know, the part where we teach her not to pull -- has kind of come to a standstill.
As in, I sometimes wonder if she is any better AT ALL than she was when we got her in December.
Dear readers, we have done everything you suggested.
1) Frequent changes of direction (easier when the sidewalk is more than 8 feet wide, but we go to the park and do it there sometimes)
2) Refusal to move forward should any pulling occur at all
3) Treats! When she actually is calm and walks where she should (which she inevitably interprets as a license to zoom ahead as soon as she receives said treat).
4) The gentle leader -- she even pulls with this! Though, if you wear her out enough and drag her around by the face with multiple direction changes, after about an hour of so she gets the idea and walks like a nice girl. Too bad this doesn't translate to the normal collar.
5) We even got a chain (because of the ghastly drowning/choking noise she makes when panting with the gentle leader on), and it works better than the regular collar, but I am truly afraid that she will decapitate herself.
"She just needs more exercise!" you all chime in.
Dear readers, I KNOW. We tried to sign her up for the dog park, but despite the fact that there is NEVER anyone in there when I walk by during the day, received a terse reply that there is "no room" and that we are on a "very long" wait list, that isn't expected to open up "until October." Oh, and "Good luck finding another outdoor space for your dog to play in this summer!"
Good luck indeed. You want to know where you can shove your empty-ass dog park, lady?
Anyway. So we're back to long walks. Which have been excellent for my waistline (we're minus 4 lbs and counting since December), but not so much for my patience (see: maniacal pulling, above). Add to the fact that I have this sneaking suspicion that when ever anyone else (read: husband and dog walker) walk Boo, I am pretty sure they undo any training I have accomplished.
Grrrrrr......
I am told that all my problems will be solved if we got Boo a sister. I wholeheartedly endorse the idea. However my husband (who is a mess-o-phobe) does not. And I do see where he is coming from, somewhat. On the other hand, he's not the one who sits at home with Boo all day as she clamors for constant attention.
Of course, with a second dog, perhaps they both would be clamoring. But then they would probably also self-entertain, which would be a very cute/awesome diversion from my studying (which is progressing nicely despite my canine distraction).
Oh, and as for obedience classes? Well, we found a class that is probably pretty reputable. But it is all the way across the city at 6:30PM Wednesday nights. It seems nobody offers these things on the weekends. And I do not have access to a car during the week, so that is more or less out of the question.
But also? Boo already sits, stays, lies down, heels off leash (in house only), comes. And does all manner of this in any number of ways in the house every day. What she really needs is some doggy socialization, and to learn to focus her attention on me when there is some sort of distraction (dog, cat, bird, squirrel, plastic bag). I've talked to the doggy trainers and they're all like, "SUUUUUUUREEEE she does all those things (yeah right -- I don't believe you for one minute). Why don't you give me $150 and come to this beginning class where we teach dogs to sit. Since that is exactly what she needs."
No, what she needs is to do this when she is outside being distracted by other dogs. She needs constant practice. And I can tell you that a once a week class? Ain't gonna accomplish any of that.
I guess most owners think their dog is awesome, but really the dog is a total nightmare. I find this assumption really irritating, not to mention a bit condescending. But then, I guess I also think most dog owners are idiots too.
But still, I don't like feeling like I'm being scammed, is what I'm saying. And also, as I mentioned, there's no way I can get to doggy class, which I'm not sure will solve our issues anyway.
Any advice, dear readers? Other than prohibiting the dog walker and husband from walking the dog? The next nearest dog park is about 3 miles away, and is thus probably only an option on the weekends, or maybe evenings during the summer.
(It's ok, you can say, "Get a second dog." I won't mind. Heehee.)
16 Pearls of Wisdom:
I use a no-pull harness on my puller. It works most of the time. I'd heard from several people that they had better luck with these than with the ones that go on their heads.
I trained my other (non-pulling) dog to heal with a stick with peanut butter attached to it. Might be worth a try.
Also, as you can probably tell from my reply, I have two dogs (and I'm in med school). I say go for it. They really do wear each other out.
Honestly?
You're AWESOME with Boo!!!
She needs a brother or sister to hang with... might I suggest, a clean haired, playful, well-bred great dane?
Yes, they can get H U G E... but they are very quiet, loving, and most of all, playful with other dogs... and no, they don't eat small children and horses for dinner, nor is their... umm... roughage a huge issue either (I feed Canidae or Taste of The Wild - Pacific Salmon)...
Get a 2nd dog either way. Boo will love you and honestly, one more hair is nothing different when vacuumed than the first :)
Trust me - I had 5 dogs at one time and there is no difference between having those 5 and the three (on the way down to 2 :( )
Let us know - better yet, post pics!
You can try Wonderdogs for dog classes. They do offer once a week Saturday classes, although they are not in the city, but in the suburbs, if you are willing to go out that far on Saturdays. We took our puppy there for puppy kindergarten, but they have a bunch of classes including ones for terrible teens, which may be what you're looking for. The instructors are nice and they really know what they're doing. They also try to give each family lots of personal attention by going over their specific issues over the past week with them first thing during class. Our puppy class was only 7 puppies and I think that's the biggest they get. Plus, there's 30 minutes of socialization at the end of each class.
http://wonderdogs.com/index.html
I have the same problem. My fiance and I (but really only I) are working on the exact same problem, complete indoor obedience included. Our dog is just not used to the sensory overload when the entire world is open.
I'm working on her though, and she seems to be getting better. We used her favorite treat, small pieces of lunch meat, getting her to do tricks. We went from inside to front yard, to back yard off leash, to parks on/off leash. My thinking goes that she's simply learning to identify the need to respond to me, even when there are new things going on.
Oddly enough she's better at listening off leash, she will even stop from chasing something she shouldn't be (if called with a stern voice). It has been marginally successful at allowing me to maintain her focus, except going to the dog park. As soon as she sees the fenced in dogs she freaks out.
At the end of the day it has been frustrating because squirrels are the biggest reason we need this. We've been able to filter just about everything else from that instant, arm yanking explosion, but still can't get her full attention after she's spotted a squirrel, while on the leash. If she's off the leash, the previously mentioned, stern yell gets her to stop.
On a side note, she is well behaved for me and not for the fiance. Even though the fiance isn't in control my work doesn't seem to be undone when I get back to doing the walking/commanding.
I second the harness -- Gentle Leader makes an Easy Walk harness (http://www.dog.com/item/easy-walk-harness/100612/) that I have for my two pull-crazy pits. I was very skeptical about it, and some dogs WILL learn how to pull with it on, but it's vastly better than walking them on regular collars, Gentle Leaders, or Haltis. I THINK it works by pinching behind their front legs if they pull (based on the fact that they don't like running in it, and I think they have a shorter running stride with it on).
Boo would probably be a medium, and you can try them on at PetSmart. The important thing is to put it on with the leash loop under her chin -- everyone always wants to orient it with the leash loop over the shoulders, like a normal harness, and it won't work that way. And pull all the straps as snug as possible without pinching. The 2 front straps do loosen themselves -- I have to retighten them every time we go for a walk, and sometimes in the middle of long walks. But it is infinitely worth the trouble!
Oh, and getting a second dog might be just the thing she needs . . . . or it might turn out that they spend the entire day sleeping on the bed together, and then you end up with TWO overenthusiastic dogs to walk! (Not that I'm speaking from experience, or anything). :)
you have to sign up for the dog park?? that's crazy!
my dog was extremely mellow, but for years I sent him to doggie day care one day each week. it's good socialization and company for them; also, the owner and employees all were dog trainers and worked with the dogs on commands and manners sometimes. it's not cheap, but we don't have to save for their college funds, right?
oh, and get Boo a dog
My dog is out of control. I tried to go for a run with her last week. She saw another dog and would not stop howling the entire half-mile I dragged her 100-lb butt home.
I think that maybe you are right: Boo needs a buddy. It turns out they sell dogs on Amazon.com! Maybe you should get "Wrex the Dawg Robotic Dog." I hear he's great for mess-o-phobes. Does your dog like robots?
You could try calling in the Dog Whisperer :) Actually I have the same problem with my 2 yr old lab, and the best way I've found to prevent the pulling is to intensely focus on the dog & her body language as well as possible triggers in the vicinity. The key for me seems to be catching her right before she pulls or barks or whatever & correcting rather than responding the misbehavior after the fact
What I have found (from watching the Dog Whisperer actually) is that your dog needs to respect you from the VERY START of your walk. My dog is a huge puller and has serious issues with this. Recently, like the last four days, when I take him out in the morning, I open the door in front of him and wait until he chills out and won't run out right away, then we practice walking out of the door calmly. Then we progress toward the gate and so forth. Starting this from the very beginning seems to set the tone of the walk as "you're watching me for your cues" not "I get to go out and do what I want!!"
I hope this stuff helps you because Ted has been a near angel this morning after only a week with all of the practice!
On the other hand, Ted's not a puppy or adolescent anymore... so... maybe a puppy is the way to go!
Speaking of the Dog Whisperer - I saw an episode once (Pre-Med School when I had time and money for cable) where they used some sort of doggie saddle bags to give some, er, 'energetic' dogs more of a work out on walks. They would put water bottles or whatever in the saddle bags to add a little weight. Maybe worth a try?
That really sucks about the dog park too! I can't believe you have sign up, etc. If you can get into one, even if you have to drive to one until a spot opens in one closer to you, I would highly recommend it. It is SO fun. Daisy *loves* it and so do I. It's so fun to watch her play and to pet other dogs and talk with other dog owners. I think you both would really enjoy it :).
A very dog savy friend showed me how to walk my (large) dog with no pulling - it took all of 15 minutes to train her. You will want to make the leash rather short wraping the end closest to the dog's coller lightly around your hand and hold the other end in your other hand. Have him/her sit at your side where they will heel as you walk - you want them to walk right beside you all the time. Let them sit a good while until they are comfortable with the idea that you are just standing and they are just sitting beside you. If they want to go just give the a firm tug and tell the dog to sit. Once the dog will sit for you, you can begin your walk. (I guess I'm assuming that the dog knows the sit command - if not you'll have to teach that one first.) Anyway, as you walk at a pace comfortable for you the dog will try to pull away to the front or side, each time a firm tug with the hand closest to the dog at your side should return the dog to your side. There should be only a few inches of leeway here. When the dog is where he should be at your side, there should be no tension on the leash at all. This is hard to explain in words and much easier if a trainer shows you. A class could be well worth the money.
I am cracking up at what I am about to write and how dumb it will sound. We were in basically the same situation as you are and when we got the second dog Maya HATED it. Well, when it first came she loved playing with him. Then as the days went on she got more and more angry that he was still at our house until she finally was hiding in her "naughty spot" (the place she goes when she does something she shouldn't and for some reason thinks we can't see her there) and peeing all over the house. I couldn't take it so we had to get rid of the dog. The ridiculous part that I am cracking up about? Since then she has been perfectly behaved. Seriously, like a new well trained dog. So I guess my advice is to get a second dog because either way it will probably make things easier whether you end up keeping it or not. But I hear most dogs are more social than ours is. She does like to PLAY with other dogs but has showed us she absolutely does not want another one living in our house.
Good luck!
We had a 125-lb German Shepherd, who was a terrible puller. Our dog trainer recommended a pinch collar, which looks very inhumane, but after a couple of lessons, he didnt pull anymore, so he never got pinched. This worked well for over 12 years (we just lost him last month, spinal stenosis) and it was, as advertized, "Power steering"! After he ate the sprinkler system down to the ground, we got a small auxilliary dog, and he was much happier. Our sprinkler system never recovered, but they did entertain each other. He also enjoyed raising kittens, but that's a bit more chancy. Good luck! oh, the book, The Art of Raising Puppy, by the monks of New Skeet, was also helpful.
RG -- That's freaking hysterical, because that's basically what happened to my parents. They got Polly a "playmate" who she ended up hating. Only, they never got rid of the playmate. After 12 years the playmate finally had a stroke and died and Polly couldn't have been happier.
The playmate was Lucy, who was a wonderful dog in her own way. She loved Polly, but I'm afraid she never understood why Polly hated her so much.
I had the same problem. Smart, willing dog could do lots of things I wanted but would not stop pulling.
In desperation I decided he would learn to heel and just stay on heel all the time except when actually in the dog park.
Problem solved: not because he heels all the time, but after he spent massive amounts of time on heel, he stopped pulling when not heeling. Except, of course, when the Evil Feline Forces of the Universe manifest somewhere within his sensory range, but that's another problem.
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