Leash Pulling And Tugging

[Evie20]

Hey I got a question for ya guys, my dog is very smart dog and is capble of telling you what he really wants and feels. I can't imaging what he'd be saying if he could talk. Anyway, my problem is he loves to bite the leash and tug on it.. like he wants me to let go so he can be free. but my problem is I don't trust him enough to let him go.. I mean what if I do and he just runs off? I love my puppy very much and I don't want to see him get hurt... so is this some bad behavior or something that'll pass with time... :D

[flycow]

How old is he? It'll be wise to get him in a dog obedience school, they teach leash walking and recall(call him back) among other things. A dog shouldn't be telling you what he wants all the time (no matter how much he wanted to, hehe). You should be the leader and get him to do what you wants so that he won't get out of hand later. Just a suggestion.

BTW regarding the leash biting, put some hot chilli paste on it where he can bite, or get this BITTER APPLE from the vet.

Edited September 22, 2006 by flycow

[Evie20]

Thanks a bunch! I got small bottle of Red Curry paste , I think a pinch of this would work but I don't wanna burn my puppies throat hehehe. I'll look up that Bitter Apple... and I've been telling my parents over and over again that he needs an obedience training.. but it looks like I'm the only one that has time to train him. well.. I'll see what I'll do .. thanks for the tips

[noisymina]

Would you like to try taking some treats with you and getting his attention on you (through the treats to start with) so that other things are ignored? Getting him to focus on you.

Look up the Triangle of Temptation (TOT) thread.

[Evie20]

Yes I'm trying out with treats, he really loves them hehe.

[caspian]

Definitely take him to obedience training. It will train both of you, and both of you will be happier together for it. It also helps out with socialisation for you dog. How old is he? My rotty used to hate the lead when he was very young and bite and tug it, until he worked out it takes him to lots of wonderful places! Just remember to use the treats as a reward for good behaviour. Obedience school can help with identifying how to reward.

Is he just biting at it, or dragging you places? If he drags you around (or tries to), remember if he is a puppy he will only get stronger! My rotty can now drag me around when I sit on cardboard, just like a sleigh ride! Point is, a Halti, or Gentle Leader can help with this, and it doesnt harm your precious pooch!

[Evie20]

Thanks for the reply! Umm he's about 8 months now and jsut wants to either be i ncontrol of the leash or roam free. But I haven't trained him to stay by me when I call him.. so I'm scared of letting him go >__< A training course sounds really ideal at the moment, for true

[Staff'n'Toller]

He's probably not tugging at the lead so you will let it go, just playing tug of war rather, probably something he has been doing for a while and you need to reinforce not tugging on the lead. Also be careful about getting into that game with him. Obedience training is the go.

Mel.

[Jejuna]

My Dad had a JRT many years ago. When I used to walk him he would tug on the lead and play up. One time the lead slipped out of my hands unexpectedly. He stopped, picked it up in his mouth and quietly walked beside me. He was so proud he could "walk" himself. Although I always watched for any distractions in case he wanted to take off, this is how we ended up going for walks. And in no way am I suggesting you do this with your pup This was in a small town & many years ago.