Walking On A Leash UPDATED PICTURES

[lizbud]

Place the collar or loop directly behind the dogs head, not down on her neck. It will probably sit just behind her ears. Think of dog shows, where the loop of the lead is placed up close to the head. (info found in the book Cesar's Way) (ETA: not a direct quote)

I placed her collar as advised, and kept a short firm lead (not tight, but not slack - again, like a show dog). She held herself much more proudly and just fell into place and trotted along side me. No pulling at all. No choking either. It was amazing!! I chose the right side, as I am right handed, and know nothing about right or left for 'heel'. That was all I did. I did not say anything to her, nor did I give her treats. I praise her occasionally. And walks became enjoyable, instead of struggles of will. We also practice sitting at intersections and at other times on our walks. I praise her for good sitting.

HTH

I have to agree, because I think the first thing you need to get across
to a full grown Boxer, is that you control the dog's movements and not the
other way around. Your first aim(with a strong breed) is to gain control on
the walk. Once a dog understands you are the "director", the leash can be
loosened for a more casual style of walking.

[gwen]

Buy a gentle leader they are brilliant!!

[agilityk9trainer]

Buy a gentle leader they are brilliant!!

I agree. Trained proerly, they are a powerful tool for the average dog owner.

[Canis-Lupess]

The Gentle leader was invented by UK pet behaviourist Peter Neville was it not?

The Late John Fisher also devised a similar one that he called a col-leash but I don't know where you can get those now he has passed on.
I know the col-leash was adjustable to grow with the dog so you could use it on them as a puppy and just adjust it as they grew so no buying seperate collars and leads for different stages of growth.

Both are designed to prevent the dog from learning to pull partly my making it so that there is nothing to pull against.

[NicoleLJ]

The Gentle leader was invented by UK pet behaviourist Peter Neville was it not?

Both are designed to prevent the dog from learning to pull partly my making it so that there is nothing to pull against.

I use a halti with Sheena. And many Service dog facilites and trainers use haltis to train the dogs and also for the dogs to wear and use when working. They are great for teaching the dogs to not sniff things, lick people and the like. Sheena wears one when working because just like her vest it is a signal that she is working when it is put on and she is to not be distracted at all. She is also trained to walk perfectly on a collar as well but we have trained her that when she is on leash with the collar she has a little more freedom to sniff things and greet people. So for her depending on which she is wearing tells her what is acceptable behaviour or not. I would defiantely suggest the halti or gentle leader as a training aid.

As for who ever said the dogs will be trained to walk on the left in a training class, this is not mandatory at all. Which ever side is more comfortable for you is the side you walk your dog on and train your dog on. The only time it is a must is most likely in competitions for obedience. Otherwise it is what ever side works for you. Many Service dogs are trained to walk at heel on either side. Both Sheena and Luca are trained to walk at heel on either side depending on which side I direct them too.
Nicole

[jenniffercalder]

I read the book by John Fisher entitled 'Why Does My Dog?" This was a great book to read, however the Col-leash can be purchased from Think Dog Products, Crow Hall Farm, Northfield Road, Soham, Nr Ely, Cambs (Tel 01353 720431; Fax 01353 624202). Hope this is of some help.

[timlewis]

Exactly what is a gentle leader im not sure, i dont have a big pet store within a hour and a half of me. And it has been a long time since i have visited PT, here are some pix of Daisy now she is 8 months old now. We got just got back from our walk a little while ago and i took these when we got back.









and a puppy shot

[NicoleLJ]

Think of a head halter for a horse. Similar thing. Here is a picture of Sheena wearing one while working at a carnival:



And this one is when we were in a business


I don't hold the leash. Instead it is attached to my waist and then attached to her. So I have both hands free to take care of the kids and check things out. Makes things very handy using a belt leash.
Nicole

[lizbud]

Wow Tim, she's grown so much. Daisy is a beautiful Boxer. You can
buy in person, or online I guess. Any pet store should have them. I never
used them, but they work for some people. Best of luck with the walk.

[mike001]

Buy a gentle leader they are brilliant!!

I agree, they are easy on the handler, your dog learns to walk on your left without pulling and once he realizes you are in control you can dispense with it, unless needed for absolute control. They aren't used to train in classes in this area, but lots of people use them to keep the dog under control. When we go out for excercise we are fortunate to have trails and bush a few hundred ft. away and we turn the dogs loose to run free and do all the sniffing they want.

[GraceByDesign]

... the first thing you need to get across
to a full grown Boxer, is that you control the dog's movements and not the
other way around. Your first aim(with a strong breed) is to gain control on
the walk. Once a dog understands you are the "director", the leash can be
loosened for a more casual style of walking.

Yes, this was what I was trying to say! We have only had Dot (16 month boxer/bulldog/hound/?? mix, 50#) for a week, so I have limited experience. It is not my plan for her to have to walk head up all the time. I needed to get some control, and then we could gradually train her to a slack lead.

It was not enjoyable for either of us, when I was being yanked along and she was gagging and choking the whole way. Also with the high collar, she holds her head up. I do not force it up. The short lead is firm so I will maintain control if she tries to start pulling again.

I was just trying to offer a suggestion to the OP that had worked for us, not start a debate on the merits of Cesar's way.

Best of luck!

[SunsetRose]

Yes, this was what I was trying to say! We have only had Dot (16 month boxer/bulldog/hound/?? mix, 50#) for a week, so I have limited experience. It is not my plan for her to have to walk head up all the time. I needed to get some control, and then we could gradually train her to a slack lead.

It was not enjoyable for either of us, when I was being yanked along and she was gagging and choking the whole way. Also with the high collar, she holds her head up. I do not force it up. The short lead is firm so I will maintain control if she tries to start pulling again.

I was just trying to offer a suggestion to the OP that had worked for us, not start a debate on the merits of Cesar's way.

Best of luck!

You forcing a dog to submit to your control is one thing. You training the dog to be willing to submit to your control and enjoy doing it is another. The point isn't about Cesar Millan, but rather about the downsides and cruelness of the old school methods he uses. She holds her head up by herself because of the pressure you are putting on certain places on her neck, so in turn, your still basically forcing it. If you can have the leash literally dragging on the ground it's so slack and she still has her head up like that, then I'll believe she's doing it on her own and you have nothing to do with it.

[lizbud]

You forcing a dog to submit to your control is one thing. You training the dog to be willing to submit to your control and enjoy doing it is another.

No, they are no different. Having a collar properly secured on the dog
is not about "using force". It puts no undue pressure on the dog at all. It's
perfectly normal, but it does prevent the dog from disengaging from it's
focus on the walker. The dog does not have to be checking out every smell he comes across to be having a good time.After the "ground rules" have been
set & your dog knows what you want, you can relax the rules a bit if you
want.

[borzoimom]

Be carefull in corrections with a gentle leader- they can snap the neck. It comes with instructions- USE THEM..

[NicoleLJ]

Be carefull in corrections with a gentle leader- they can snap the neck. It comes with instructions- USE THEM..

Any training aid if used incorrectly can cause damage to a dog. That is why people should always learn how to use a training aid before using it.
Nicole