One of my goals for this loose-leash walking challenge was to be able to take my dog out in all situations without a pinch collar or Gentle Leader and have him under control.
To me, under control means Ace is not pulling, whining, choking himself or fixating on another dog or person. Before this challenge, I walked Ace with his pinch collar on almost every day.
After working with Ace specifically on heeling for 30 days, I’ve reached the point where he can go almost anywhere with his regular buckle collar.
This challenge proves that if you focus on a specific issue with your dog, noticeable improvement can be made in just a few weeks. All you really have to do is dedicate a half-hour every day to working with your dog.
There are a few places where I still bring Ace’s choke collar such as PetSmart, obedience class or certain parks. It really depends on the situation.
Most of the time I have it on his neck, but I attach the leash to his regular collar. That way I’m not using the choke collar, but it’s there if I need it.
Ace can be off leash much of the time, and he’s more reliable to stay in the heel position than he was 30 days ago.
A big part of this is building trust with him and hopefully him trusting me too.
Practicing loose-leash walking every day has made me more aware of my dog and what his limits are. More than anything, working off leash benefits his on-leash heeling. It’s still safer to keep him on the leash most of the time.
Other changes I’ve noticed in Ace over the last month are how he naturally wants to stay close to me when we go out, whether I’ve asked him to heel or not. His pulling forward is nearly gone except when we first arrive somewhere “very exciting” like the dog park.
Because my dog is always hungry, he’s been constantly checking the ground for things to eat during walks. This habit drives me nuts, but it’s much better than when he pulls ahead.
When it snowed this week, Ace kept trying to eat the snow. Instead of going home for the Gentle Leader, I picked up the pace so he didn’t have the chance to grab or sniff anything.
Loose-leash walking is a continuous challenge for most dogs, and it definitely will be for Ace and I. But since he is only 2, I look forward to many future walks with my dog and fully appreciating him because he will be able to tag along more often.
Liza S.
Wednesday 10th of December 2008
Loose leash walking is definitely such a great thing to teach your dog! When I finally started being able to walk anywhere with Keeda on a loose lead our walks became infinitely more pleasant.
Biggie-Z
Tuesday 9th of December 2008
Bravo to you and Ace! Our problem is that Biggie is a terrific heeler when treats are in play, but if they aren't, and there's another dog around... well, ... :(
I wish I could take Biggie around in just his buckle collar but the city is just too unpredictable. We are, however, working on at least being able to switch the leash between the GL and collar as needed.
Ty Brown
Saturday 6th of December 2008
Nice work. You're right,loose leash walking seems like a big complaint of many. Probably feels great to have tamed it.
the three dog blogger
Saturday 6th of December 2008
Sounds like some real progress. I remember with our previous dog Sam how great it was once I could walk him anywhere without him pulling and just holding on to the lead with one finger. Ahh. The good old days. Things are a little different now.
Bonnie Story
Friday 5th of December 2008
So important to really "get" the power of consistency and repetition, like you do. Trainers say "Dogs don't do things that don't work." If a behavior doesn't work for a dog, they will soon drop it with enough consistency. Yay for Ace!!