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How To Walk A Wild Labrador


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My boss rescued a labrador recently who is a bit out of control as he was not used to being walked. He is a very strong dog and my boss' wife has difficulty coping with him.

They have tried a harness to no avail and now he has bitten through 2 of those (not sure what they are called) leaders that go over the muzzle/head. My boss knows that choke chains are not good either and he reckons he needs something stronger than the material used in the leader.

Does anyone have any suggestions or know of a suitable product?

I did suggest taking him along to dog training classes to learn the "heel" command but don't think they will do this.

Thanks in advance.

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The only thing that is really going to help your boss is to take the dog to training and train him properly, but if they are not prepared to do this???

I have heard some people using a sporn harness and while personally haven't used one apparently they work quite well. Not having used one couldn't really recommend it...

I would really get them to consider doing some type of training and they will enjoy it too, not just the dog :rolleyes:

Anne

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I think you mean a gentle leader and sometimes they don't fit well. In any case they should go to training to get someone to help them find the right collar halti or harness or whatever and to fit it properly for them and show them how to use it.

They will enjoy themselves and the dog will love it.

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Well if they don't want to train their dog I don't think anything will help, even sporn harnesses and halties, all dogs learn to manipulate them after time.

If anything I would suggest they head to training and learn how to train their dog.

And of course like many others here I would highly reccomend Steve at K9 Force here in Sydney who is a miracle worker with pulling dogs and pretty much anything else!

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I did suggest taking him along to dog training classes to learn the "heel" command but don't think they will do this.

Maybe your boss can try to walk the dog more often. If he cannot take the dog to obedience maybe a professional dog walker (a cheaper option than a professional trainer which some people prefer) could help "train" his wife/dog. Obviously find someone experienced.

Just another two options. Otherwise we know what will happen. The poor dog will be left for longer periods without being walked at all etc.

Edited by Lablover
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Hi Dogmad,

I can relate to the problem of a dog pulling on a lead because I've been frustrated with the same thing.

Extract from my email to K9: I try to stay at a brisk walk so they (2 dogs) remain focused on the walk rather than trying to sniff every inch of the road. However I'm now getting one knee playing up and a gaping sore on my knuckle where the lead has made and ripped open a blister (the lead is leather too)!

K9 sent me a training sheet on teaching your dog to walk slow. I noticed a difference within 2 training sessions.

I've PM'd you. Can send you a copy if you want.

K9, I assume you have no objections- all credits go to you BTW. :rolleyes:

Sam

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FeralSam/K9:

I would LOVE this training sheet too if possible! ;)

My new doggy (10 months) is a bit of a puller, in a flat collar at any rate and before I have another lesson next week I'd love to have a tip sheet from the ever knowledgable K9!

Thankyou :rolleyes:

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Hmmmm.... Don't want to be a big party pooper guys, but maybe you should get permission from K9 Force before sending the training sheet around? ;)

If it is the sheet I am thinking of, most people would pay to have training with Steve and get these notes :rolleyes:

I could be completely wrong, but thought I should say something - just in case!

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I'd recommend that they try and book in with steve too. the info sheet is great but there is nothing like the demonstration!! with a committed puller there are often reasons behind the pulling - it isn't necessarily just to be ahead and a comprehensive behaviour program would probably assist these new owners as well.

if it is really hurting the wife's arm to walk them it would also be worth speaking to Steve about a prong collar (depending on what state they are in and after getting proper instructions on how to use it!). our goldie was doing imitations of a husky pulling me along the street until we saw Steve and did the class and used the collar. people will probably get upset with me suggesting the collar but it has made a huge difference with our pair, combined of course, with Steve's advice and proper training, as with any training tool.

ETA - and it can be as little as a single class with Steve to help with this, so for your boss, it would be perhaps less onerous than going to a class each week (although they can be fun too!)

Edited by ninaandted
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K9: The program in "note form" relies on the fact that I have some confidence in the person & that they understand some of the terminology in the instructions...

These notes generally back up what I have taught them in the theory section of their lesson or workshop.

It would also be unfair to the many DOL people that have paid for these very same instructions.

Anyone who has attended a workshop or lesson & wanted a copy, that would be no problem.

The person with the lab will do best seeking pro help, either someone in their area or make a booking with me.

The guarantee I have is that in 15 minutes MAX, the dog will walk on a loose leash.

The owner can benefit from the demo I show also..

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I did suggest taking him along to dog training classes to learn the "heel" command but don't think they will do this.

Maybe your boss can try to walk the dog more often. If he cannot take the dog to obedience maybe a professional dog walker (a cheaper option than a professional trainer which some people prefer) could help "train" his wife/dog. Obviously find someone experienced.

Just another two options. Otherwise we know what will happen. The poor dog will be left for longer periods without being walked at all etc.

Just a small comment on the "cost" of a trainer/behavioural professional.

Where the dollar value always rates fairly high in most of our circumstances, I would like to point out that what can be achieved so quickly with a specialist professional, can usually be far more economical than wading through a myriad of trainers who often don't really have a grasp on your situation. I've been there and done that......even got the t-shirt.. :mad

My costs with K9 Force were on a par with what I spent on Obedience and all their associated costs of selling me check chains, halties, etc ....... So please don't get the idea that professional help is an expensive alternative. If you place a dollar value on your time and emotional distress of walking a dog that tries to rip your bloody arms off, then a professional would be the most inexpensive route to take.

Just my opinion. :(

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FeralSam I understand that your intentions are to help someone, but sending a note from K9 to someone is not going to.

Think of the possibilities of the person misinterpreting the information, choosing the wrong collar, perhaps not getting any results, or worse teaching the dog bad habits.

At the end all this person will say is that K9 is a sh*t trainer.

Im sorry to burst your bubble as well, but apart from getting a permission for K9 think of the consequences for all parties.

People pay for that info, you did yourself, K9 doesnt run a charity org....

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Feral Sam is a much loved friend. She is also one of kindest people I have ever met. I am sure due to her excitement of seeing her own dogs improvement, she was only trying to help others.

Where the dollar value always rates fairly high in most of our circumstances, I would like to point out that what can be achieved so quickly with a specialist professional, can usually be far more economical than wading through a myriad of trainers who often don't really have a grasp on your situation.  I've been there and done that......even got the t-shirt.. :mad

For sure. I am not going to mention how much money I have spent on learning how best to train my dogs and am more than happy to keep on spending.

In a prior thread I previously mentioned, by attending K9's seminars, I have felt like killing him as he has expanded my knowledge in canine behaviour. It sure is frustrating as I am not a good overseas plane traveller and Steve K9 force was sitting here in Australia all that time.

The bottom line is the original poster started a thread after concerns of her boss's labrador. By the thread I took it as he was not interested in putting effort (time and money) into the dog and some people until myself and others, expect as easy fix.

Hey Feral Sam or K9 force, pleae send me the heeling information sheet. I want to see if it contains training in drive. :(:) Teaching dogs subconsciously is better than chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by Lablover
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You know what guys....I really don't think that FeralSam meant anything by it and was only trying to help someone out who has a problem.

Noone needs to worry, its all good! Dogmad is going to pass K9's details on and hopefully they get their problem sorted out ASAP.

:mad

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