Walking Disaster

You have my full sympathy and understanding!! Minnie has been known to do the same thing. It's really embarrassing. I'm afraid to go for a walk in the park because I don't want her barking at other dogs. She's a pit mix and the last thing I want is for her to give a bad impression of her breed! I took Minnie to Doggone Connection for training. They use positive reinforcement. Basically, every time she saw another dog, I would stick a spoon of squirt cheese in her mouth. We were trying to show her that other dogs bring good things. By the end of class, we could actually stand in class with the other dogs. (We couldn't the first class.) That is saying a lot because I had a variety of personal issues at the time and was under a lot of stress. I know I wasn't as good in the training class as I would've been otherwise. I like the class because everyone knows you're there to improve your dog's behavior so they're not as judgmental as they would be if you were just at the park. I haven't worked wtih Minnie because of the move and everything that has gone on in the last couple months. I'm getting back to working with her though and may actually do another round of training. I want to be sure, if I take her out, she represents her breed in a positive light. That makes it challenging to just take her out and work with her anywhere. Sorry this is so long!! I'm just chatty today, I guess!!

Hoover is totally embarrassing... Especially when we walk all three dogs together. If he'd just walk like a normal dog and not lead the sleigh team, we'd all be much happier. We've tried everything. Different collars, Gentle Leader, No Jump Harnesses...um...training... Nothing has worked for the boy.

have you tried to wear her out BEFORE your walk? playing ball, a run or something before you go for a walk so she's a bit calmer prior to starting?

Does she know the "leave it" command? We use that alot on our walks. If so, use it when you are approaching another dog and praise her when she does it. Even looking away from the other dogs should get praise at first. You can try "being a tree". When she starts pulling or going crazy, just stop and keep the leash at your midline. Once she puts even a little slack in it or looks your way, praise her. I would try walking her by herself when you are trying to train her. I find that some of ours pull worse when they are behind the other dogs but are fine by themselves. Is she dog aggressive at any other time or just on walks? Stacy's right about Doggone Connection-they are great! The squirt cheese on a spoon is great and you could take that with you on your walk. It's amazing how cheese is so much better than other dogs. if she is DA, then you will need to work on that first. Again you can use the squirt cheese and just go stand some place where dogs will go by. At the bark park but not too close to the entrance would be good. use the Leave it command and the squirt cheese and you will probably be amazed at how quickly she'll react. Good luck!

I've been taking Roxy on walks while I'm on rollerblades for about a month now. The speed helps her stay focused...also wears her out quicker, since I'm not much of a runner. She no longer barks at other dogs......she whines a bit if they are barking at her. But, if she does start to tug in the direction of the dog I yank the leash and try to get her focused on moving forward with me. I say come or let's go. I find it a lot easier to get her back on track when I'm on wheels.