What should I try for my dog?

Last summer I started walking my dog everyday… and he had never been taken on a decent walk before, only short walks to a park close to are house, so I thought it would be good to start since he was already five years old. Its almost been a year since I started and he still pulls on his leash really hard and sometimes drags me to trees, and he usually poops more than once, so when I already have a bag full, I can’t pick it up. And as much fun as I have walking him once he calms down, the beginning of our walk is really hard on my arms and embarrasing because people think I have no control over a little Beagle. How can I start training him? I know I shouldve started when he was a puppy, but I didn’t. Are there certain collars that restrain dogs more, but don’t hurt them?

Answer #1

I take it you’re trying to ‘train’ your dog, not ‘restrain’, right??

Maybe start by doing this. When he starts to pull, you do a 180 turn, and go in the opposite direction…don’t say anything, just do it. He’ll hit the end of the lead, and get a good jerk out of it…For some dogs, this works to teach them to pay attention to where the leader is going. You might also play some games with him before you take a walk…(you said after he tires a little, it’s fun to walk him)…like play with a tennis ball, to wear him down a little.

If none of this works, think about a prong collar (this is just for training)…I think of them as “hearing aids for dogs”…You don’t have to put any pressure on the lead, or jerk it…the dog inflicts his own discipline. They look awful, but are actually easier on a dog than choke chains…they mimic the discipline a mother dog would use (or an alpha dog)…kinda bites the neck…not hard, but they can feel it.

Also, when you’ve got him on the lead, don’t hold it at the end, fold it in your hand so that with your arm straight down (and relaxed), the dog cannot get but a few inches in front of you…then when he trys to forge ahead, don’t pull back…pull UP, by bending your elbow…and say HEEL!
p

Answer #2

There are these harnesses that go around the body so that it’s easier to restrain them…

Answer #3

There is a show called “The Dog Whisperer” that comes on tv, you should watch it. They solve a lot of problems with walking. It would give you a better idea than anyone could give you merely in words on here…

Answer #4

The Dog Whisperer is a legend. Look him up on youtube.com

More Like This
Advisor

Pets and Animals

Pet Care, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Medicine

Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Simply For Dogs

Pets, Dogs, Blogs

Advisor

Dogs Forum

Pet Care, Dog Training, Dog Breeding

Advisor

SitDropStay - Dog Training

Pet Training, Dog Behavior Consulting, Puppy Training

Advisor

Dogdayz Dog Boarding

Dog Boarding, Pet Accommodation, Dog Grooming

Advisor

Best Protection Dogs

Security Services, Pet Services, Animal Training