| Town Hall Topic – Loose Leash Walking
* How did you teach your Doberman to not pull on a leash? Any particular methods did you use?
Still a bit of a problem at a year and a half old. We use a "gentle leader" (very similar to a halti) and she will not pull. Flat collar and if she is not in a heel, she'll run as far ahead as the leash will allow. I hate to have her always on a heel when we're walking for an hour but she just doesn't quite realize that pulling me in any direction she wants is not acceptable. I think she pulls ahead because the farther ahead she is, the more time she'll have to sniff, pickup, etc. any interesting object we come across.
* At what age did you start to see any improvements? How often do they need reminders?
Every day she needs reminders but around a year old she definitely improved.
* What type of collar and leash do you use? (prong, harness, flexi, etc)
Generally use a flat leather collar. Used a gentle leader for much of our walking from about 6-12 months of age. We use a 6 foot leash for most walking. Also have a 16 foot leash we let her drag in the open field behind our house.
* What distractions are the hardest to overcome?
Pretty much other dogs are her biggest distraction. She thinks every dog is her best friend and every dog just wants to play and chase as much as she does. Also people that she knows well will cause her way too much excitement.
* Are there any particular situations that you find more difficult to walk in than others? (Large crowds, parks, other dogs around)
Parks or well travelled routes where there are just tons of smells to get her attention. She probably walks the best when we are in crowds, i think becuase she's a little overwhelmed. |