I guess Charger is only trying to live up to his name! :)In addition to the treat strategy described below there are two standard methods for teaching the dog to walk nicely close to your side and not charge ahead.
One, when your dog pulls on the leash, lunging forward, stop in your tracks and don't continue forward until he turns around or moves to put some slack in the leash. Another is to keep him guessing and looking to you for direction. To do this, when he lunges forward and pulls on the leash, give him a verbal cue, such as "let's go" and immediately turn and go the opposite direction.
Don't look toward him as you do this or worry you'll hurt him. Don't worry about stepping on his paws. If you accidentally tep on a paw, it will be brief and he will quickly learn to watch youmore closely. A few quick turns in different directions and he will be looking at you to anticipate your changes in direction.
Occasionally, stop, giving him a "stop" or "wait" command just to keep him on his toes, so to speak.
Plain waking can be boring -- vary your speed by going faster or slower and give him verbal cues such as "quick-quick-quick" and "S-L-O-W" as you change pace. Soon you will be able to use those verbal cues if he lags behind or speeds up ahead of you without your having to change your own pace.
You can purchase a variety of collars and harnesses to inhibit lunging forward, but try shortening the length of th leash between you and Charger. Just fold more up in your right hand and this will keep him more at your side.
Decide whether you are having him heel or just walk on a loose leash and be consistent in your training. You can alternate between the two - use clear commands.
Two other tips -- make sure Charger is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and you are the clear leader in the household. He should sit to be fed, walk through doorways after you, not be allowed on furniture or without permission), not have unlimited access to his toys, etc.
Getting him into a training class would probably also help, even if he's had training before. We all need a review from time to time! :) Hope that helps.
Answers from Zootooers
5 answers(s) found.
Answered by Amy R. (chexylena) 3 months ago
Find a method that will encourage your dog to listen. Start by teaching him basic obedience, and if he is motivated by food, give him a treat each time he responds the way you want. You can also use toys and plenty of praise and if timed correctly, the dog will eventually begin to offer the right behavior. When walking on a leash, encourage the dog to walk beside or behind you and do not continue to walk forward until the dog is calm and sitting at your side. If the dog continues to become anxious and walks in front, redirect the behavior by touching him and correcting him until he is in the correct position and then remove all stimuli and encourage with praise.
Answered by Mary G. (Norton) 3 months ago
Charger is already four years old and probably set in his ways. He probably needs some formal training. Doesn't have to anything elaborate like The Dog Whisperer. I know in my community the local schools offer dog training classes in the evenings for a nominal fee. I had a Great Dane for years and he NEVER learned to walk properly on the lease and yanked me all ove the place. In hindsight I always regret not having someone help me train him. Good luck.
Answered by Steve S. (Sourdoughsteve) 3 months ago
Petsmart has adult dog training you might could try.
Answered by Brittani D. (brittanid) 3 months ago
The other day I learned to throw a treat in front of you, walk forward a bit while your dog is eating the treat, and then do not move until he comes back to you on a loose leash. When he does, give him another treat and tell him he's being a good boy. This will help him learn that when he's near you he gets rewarded and when he's pulling you he doesn't get what he wants, to go forward. I hope this helps!
