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Originally Posted by jatango  It would also mean that you'd need to transition to another tool later because a head halter can be dangerous on a breed with a neck like a dobe. Imagine what would happen if he took after a squirrel and you weren't paying attention. OUCH!  |
I had several trainers recommend the head halter to me and I've never had a problem with it thus far. It just reduces the pulling period, I don't even have to correct him when he's wearing it for the most part. I don't leave the nose strap so tight that its tight on his nose all the time either, i can slip my fingers between the strap and his nose, so I don't really see how a strap that loose can be correcting anything.
As for the squirrel thing, if you are paying that little attention to your dog, you shouldn't be walking it at all. What happens if it takes off after a car? Or another dog? the point is to be paying 100% attention when you're training isn't it?
As for the original problem, no matter what type of collar you are using, the most important thing is you have to TEACH the puppy what you want them to do. Use your voice and treats and toys or whatever you are comfortable with, to teach them that the right place to be is WITH YOU! That when they are with you, good things happen for them!
Also, its hard work walking a puppy, it takes a lot of energy. You have to be more interesting than the dog next door, the cars on the street, the squirrel on the lawn, the garbage pails, your neighbours cat etc...
just keep up the good work, be consistent ( as mentioned above, VERY important) and I'm sure that with time tabasco will be a lovely mannered dobe. Just remember that he's a puppy and things take time.