annukya Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Hi guys, Sorry if there is a similar thread floating around but I'm new to the forums and didn't have much luck finding anything similar. Basically I have a training question. I have just purchased a GSD puppy for my mother and would like to train her to walk nicely on lead. I don't need her to be perfect, but would like to ensure that she does not pull my mother on walks (as I am concerned about the consequences of her hurting herself!). I have had GSD's before so am quite familiar with obedience training etc. However as I've always been the primary owner, I've never specifically ensured that my dogs walk nicely on a loose lead. Generally I found that my dogs would heel properly at training but then on daily walks would often pull me to the park. Recently I heard that tying the puppy to your waist for about 20 minutes a day while you are going about your daily chores helps to teach the puppy to listen to you and follow you around. I am quite intrigued by this! Has anyone else ever tried this method? Does it work? Also if anyone has any advice on how I might train my puppy it would be greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussielover Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Hi guys, Sorry if there is a similar thread floating around but I'm new to the forums and didn't have much luck finding anything similar. Basically I have a training question. I have just purchased a GSD puppy for my mother and would like to train her to walk nicely on lead. I don't need her to be perfect, but would like to ensure that she does not pull my mother on walks (as I am concerned about the consequences of her hurting herself!). I have had GSD's before so am quite familiar with obedience training etc. However as I've always been the primary owner, I've never specifically ensured that my dogs walk nicely on a loose lead. Generally I found that my dogs would heel properly at training but then on daily walks would often pull me to the park. Recently I heard that tying the puppy to your waist for about 20 minutes a day while you are going about your daily chores helps to teach the puppy to listen to you and follow you around. I am quite intrigued by this! Has anyone else ever tried this method? Does it work? Also if anyone has any advice on how I might train my puppy it would be greatly appreciated! How old is the pup? Serious leash training starts at around 4 months, and the dog must be taught not to pull by 5/6 months otherwise they can use their weight against you pretty easily which makes things more difficult. Before this lots of practice in the home/yard is great as well. Loose leash walking is really easy if you have time and patience. It is actually easier (imo) with a forward moving dog which may or may not be a puller. As soon as there is ANY tension on the lead- stop, do not move any further and wait until the dog comes back to you and the lead is slack. Praise and move on. This may happen literally every step for the first time. It is time consuming but worth it in the end as you will have a dog that knows tension on the lead= not moving I prefer my pups to have a slight tension on the lead, but If i feel they are starting to get out of control or pulling too hard, I use the command "steady" which is also useful for stair work. Tying a puppy to your waist is a good idea becuase you can keep an eye on them (a very close eye lol) and is helpful for toilet training as they are unlikely to toilet on top of you. I prefer to be with my pups for the first two weeks pretty much 24/7 which really helps speed along toilet training (but obviously not everyone is able to do this). There is some crate training time where the pup learns to be in the crate by itself for short periods during the day. When i can't directly supervise, the pup is also in the crate. Good luck with your pup, they are heaps of fun. Post some pics too please!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvus Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 There are as many approaches to teaching loose leash walking as there are trainers in the world! :D Here's a nice, simple approach that works for most dogs as long as you are consistent: I have never tried tying a puppy to my waist. I do spend a lot of time rewarding my dogs for walking next to me, though, whether they are on leash or not. I try to make it a rewarding place to be regardless of the environment we are in. I'm not very systematic about it, and you can tell because they are not entirely consistent and need the odd reminder. If you want consistency, you need to be very conistent yourself. Make sure you only reward the dog for being in the right place, and be aware that every time you let the dog get where she wants to go by pulling, you reward that pulling. To get a dog to walk nicely in all surroundings rather than just at training you just need to practice in all surroundings. The same rules need to apply to any environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 (edited) Buy your mother a course of obedience training. If you don't have a clear idea of how to achieve this, you'll struggle to teach your Mother the same skills. I'd recommend she take the pup to pre-school and on to obedience for the longer term. She needs to learn how to teach and handle her dog herself. Edited November 2, 2010 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 I would also suggest getting a qualified ,recommended trainer to work with your Mother. This way ... SHE gets to acquire the tools needed to walk/train HER dog :D The way someone suggests you train the pup may not be the way which suits your mum...will she be taking the pup to obedience classes/puppy school ? Will she be doing ongoing training with her dog..not formal.. just everyday stuff ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annukya Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Hi guys, Thanks for all the responses so far! The puppy is 10 weeks old at the moment and will be going to obedience classes. At the moment, I am staying with my mum (to help train the dog) because she doesn't want to stuff up and do the wrong thing. I think I will try having her tied on a long leash to me for short periods just to get her used to being close me :D Also, that youtube clip is fantastic. I am definitely going to try this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trifecta Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Clip the pup to your mother.... it is she the pup needs to bond to, not you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 (edited) Clip the pup to your mother.... it is she the pup needs to bond to, not you! x 2 Your mother should also be doing the feeding, toilet training etc. Edited November 2, 2010 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Hello annukya, we have a Labrador, that is a terrible puller, as a last resort we bought a front leading gentle leader harness and it has lessened the problem quite a bit, we will also get the same harness for our new Shepherd pup soon. I hope it all goes well for you with your training. lablove Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 (edited) Hello annukya, we have a Labrador, that is a terrible puller, as a last resort we bought a front leading gentle leader harness and it has lessened the problem quite a bit, we will also get the same harness for our new Shepherd pup soon.I hope it all goes well for you with your training. lablove Oops - realised you were talking about the harness, not the head collar. Edited November 3, 2010 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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