My 16 month old cavalier is driving me nuts with his pulling on the lead. It can really make my hand hurt.

Any suggestions anybody?

I have tried the stopping walking and waiting but he just goes on pulling and sniffing around and really doesn't notice we've stopped.

I have heard of choke chains but I wouldn't know how to use one, and is it cruel?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks.

Hi Beany :)
IMO, choke/training collars when properly used are not cruel. In fact, it's kinder than allowing the dog to put pressure on the throat when pulling hard on a buckle collar. That "Euro lean" as we call it, is not humourous after a while :P. :(

If there's someone around you that really knows how to show you how to fit, put on and "snap" the collar, it's really much easier than trying to explain it online. Used incorrectly, it won't hurt the dog, but it is ineffective and frustratingly useless :Rolleyes:

I've always used them with my dogs.... Samma automatically heels with hubby now that she's back to using one instead of a body harness. She can feel it tightening and moves back into place without him doing anything to correct her. I just don't think buckle collars are felt as clearly by the dog.

I'd also suggest trying a head harness type, those work nicely if you can get it to fit comfortably on the dog. But there is a bit more of an adjustment to make for the dog to get used to one.
hth, good luck
toodles

Hi Beany Baby,

I wouldn't use a choke chain. A Cavalier is not a big dog and you should try to train him properly to heel via motivation, treats, toys. Maybe you should join training classes. Also, you can start to train him at home with the leash. Alot of people train heel solely outside the house but it really works when you start inside. The dog wont be as distracted by smells and noices and will focus more on you. Once he gets the general idea what HEEL means, you can bring the training outside.

All the best,

Taylor

Half-choke collars are very good. They can be adjusted so that you can't over-tighten the collar. We used one right from the start on our puppy.

Daisy

I used a mix of normal flat collar and special anti pulling harness. Collar for training, harness for getting from A to B so as not to muck up the training.

I can also recommend the clicker for getting dog trained to stay with you rather than pull, there are plenty of books around for this :).

A headcollar may be a good option for a Cavvie, too. Looks like you may need a good visit to a pet shop :D

Lindsay

Lindsay, which harness do you use? hope you don't mind me asking? Julie:)

Hi Beany

We have the same problem wth our cavalier, he is terrible. However I wouldnt suggest a chokechain as cavs are quite prone to choking and coughing when they get pressure on their throats - something to do with the shape/size of their soft palates - so a chokechain doesnt seem suitable. Unfortunately Haltis don't fit them very well either due to their short noses.

I have tried a Lupi and Gentle Leader with mine, they are harnesses that tighten if they pull, they have been quite successful but some people do not like them as they can pinch some dogs under the front legs. If you try one you need to check for any soreness just in case. Now I just use a normal Canac harness.

I have had quite a lot of success at training classes etc with getting him focussed on a treat, but he does tend to forget when out and about.

Good luck with your little one - they are surprisingly strong for little dogs arent they?

Cheers
Alex