[Click-l] Was Training collar, now Pulling

[p_kush]

--- mary carson <grizbob at ev1.net> wrote:
> actually it is all over the internet called Oak
> Tree.

My thoughts on being a tree, most students won't use
it. Either becuase they're too impatient or just too
lazy. I also don't regard Halti's and Gentle Leaders
as training tools...they're mearly management tools.
Here's how I teach loose leash walking (adapted from
Lana Mitchell and Dani Weinberg)

1. Create a "Starting Line," using some existing
feature (like a piece of furniture) or putting a strip
of masking tape on the floor.

2. Create a "Goal," about 15 feet from your Starting
Line, by putting something your dog really likes (a
special treat or toy) on a chair. 
Let your dog see you do this!

3. With your dog on a short leash (3 feet) at the
Starting Line, begin walking towards the Goal.

4. When your dog starts to move ahead of you by even
one dog-head length, immediately take a few running
steps backwards and a little to your right till you're
behind the Starting Line again. When you do this, be
sure to hold your leash-holding hand touching your
body so that you're not tempted to yank your dog on
your way backward. If your dog turns and looks at you
while you're moving backwards, smile and praise ­ and
continue moving backwards.

5. Wait at the Starting Line until your dog calms down
and looks at you. Then repeat steps 3 and 4.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you can walk all the way to
the Goal, with your dog remaining beside you on a
loose leash. When you reach the Goal, click and give
your dog the treat or toy that was at the Goal ­ along
with lots of soft verbal praise. Then, end that
training session.

7. Practice these 6 steps only once during a training
session, and at least 5 times a day.

While you're teaching Walking With a Goal, it's best
to avoid taking your dog for recreational walks for a
full 2 weeks. If you must go on recreational walks,
there are things you can do to prevent undermining
this training. Use a different leash (maybe a long
retractable leash) and a different collar or a
harness. Consider using a head halter for recreational
walks. This is only a temporary training aid, used in
conjunction with teaching loose-leash walking, and
you'll be able to do without it once your dog has
learned to walk nicely.


Hope that helps :)

Aaron



=====
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

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