collar type for pulling brittany

gonewalking · 08-02-2007, 12:04 PM

We recenetly adopted a 1-1 1/2 yr old male brittany,he has been neutered,when I take him for a walk he is a puller.Right now I have a typical flat collar on him,it doesn't really work for control.We have been doing the leadership type of exercises, sitting before we leave the house,he goes through the doorway after us,not allowed on furniture,etc.In the backyard he will stay on my left no pulling and follow really well,once we leave the yard he is pulling constantly,he will stop when I say and will not go until I go,but when he is going he is usually pulling,at least until he is tired.I have been thinking of a Halti,I think that may eliminate the distractions for him somewhat,and let him concentrate on the walk.He is usually so distracted that treats have limited effect.Any help would be great,thanks.His pulling will lessen when he is closer to our house also.

Dogstar · 08-02-2007, 10:13 PM

A head halter might work, but I think training would help the most- a head halter can help get control while you train. Another option would be a prong, because the dog self-corrects on it. (Some people on this board believe that prongs are torture devices, though, so YMMV with that.) Either way, it's just a management tool to use while you get better leash manners trained. I find it's easier to transition from a prong to a flat collar and less stressful in general than the head halters, which need quite a bit of acclimation for most dogs to tolerate them.

Have you signed up for an obedience class yet? I think you'd really find one useful- this is the kind of issue a good trainer can really help with, because so much of teaching LLW is dependent on the trainer (you

) having good timing with rewards- and a good trainer will teach you how to train your dog effectively.

The fact that he's listening well in the backyard is excellent. I'd build on that by trying someplace else not QUITE as boring (say, the front yard, or in the house if you've got enough room- even if you just go in a tiny circle around the coffee table :P) And I'd reward heavily for better behavior near the house- you might have good success with the 'penalty yards' type method. (http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...01/lltotal.htm is one article about it)

HTH,
Dogstar

opokki · 08-02-2007, 11:25 PM

Another option is the Gentle Leader Easy Walk harness, which has a leash attachment on the chest rather than on the back to discourage pulling. As mentioned by Dogstar, the dog still needs to be trained how to walk appropriatly...the harness is just an aid that can help you accomplish this.

gonewalking · 08-03-2007, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the input,although I would think a prong is the last resort.I believe the least amount of correction necessary should be used to achieve the results you are looking for.I did use the Halti and he took to it very well, no more pulling and is walking completely loose leash,i think it was the distractions that caused the pull not a dominance issue,he is doing great with it.

tracknut · 08-03-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonewalking

Thanks for the input,although I would think a prong is the last resort.I believe the least amount of correction necessary should be used to achieve the results you are looking for.

I would not presume to give advice on walking a small dog, but in the case of a large dog, a prong is quite often exactly that, the least amount of correction necessary. My dogs walk on prongs all the time, and it would be unusual for me to give a single correction during a walk.

Dave

Dogstar · 08-04-2007, 07:18 PM

Have to agree with tracknut- I think it depends on your dog. My experience has been that in general, the head halters are REALLY aversive to about 1/3 of the dogs they're used on (those guys don't ever get used to them totally) even with a slow and proper intro.) Another 1/3 adapt eventually, and 1/3 don't care.

lidermar · 08-08-2007, 09:46 AM

Try the Clever_Collar... it is limited slip great for control and training, it is made from soft materials so it wont be as harsh on your dogs throat oh and it's also the dogs everyday collar.

borzoimom · 08-08-2007, 10:19 AM

Well instead of changing the collar- change the technique of training. What I have found is that the simple about turn ( abrupt in nature) works just as well without the crutch of different collars.
Start walking- as soon as the dog pulls, reverse your direction abruptly at 180 degrees the other way. As soon as the dog glances at you like " what the heck are you doing"- praise quietly and keep walking that way. As soon as the next pull- do it again! The dog will learn real fast if I pull I lost my direction.
If you have to go back the other way do a wide circle.
I can walk all 4 of mine without a single pull. Considering 2 are over 100 pounds, the 3rd very close to a 100 pounds, and Femka just 15 pounds short of a 100 pounds- I am basically walking 400 pounds of dogs at my frame of only 120 pounds without a single pull..