My rescue dog Kina is an Akita/some sort of terrier crossbreed. When we take her for a walk we cannot stop her from pulling, it is driving us crazy! Also when she see's another dog she absolutley freaks out and becomes aggresive. She lives with our other dog, Wesley, and has a lovely temperment. We got her when she was about a year old and to the best of our knowledge was not abused. Please help with these behavior problems if you can.

Hi Kinasmum ...if you go to the Search page and type in PULLING you will bring up several (hopefully) useful threads.

HTH

Melody :)

I have just started puppy classes with my lab and our instructor says to stand still and refuse to walk while the lead is taught and as soon as it relaxes to say heel and walk forward.
she admits you wont get very far to start with but I've only been going a few weeks and am already seeing some of the older dogs improving

This is the technique I'm using with a Dalmation I am dog walking - seen a huuge improvment in him in just 4 half hour sessions...I call it 'make like a tree' <G>

I am following this method, when my 14 month old collie pulls, I stop dead giving the lead a little yank. I then coax her into the heel position with some tasty treats. I have to continually talk to her and praise her because she cannot pull if she is focused on me. I also take her to training classes which teaches her to heel. If this does not work I would suggest a halti head collar, this might prevent agression but won't tackle the cause. It does stop the pulling to some extent though.

My ebbie has always pulled - i have tried everything including a halti which she hated

Finally gave in the other day and bought a lupi harness - my god - what a difference - has totally stopped the pulling. Not saying she doesn't try occasionally but as soon as it goes tight across her chest she stops rather then keeps pulling till she strangles herself like she does on a collar and lead.

Nikki x

Nikki

I have been looking for a cocker owner who's used a harness of this tyoe to see how it has gone. Does it get caught in her featherings at all? I want something for Jasper. He always hated any head collar to the extent it's better to put up with him pulling!! If the lupi works well on Ebbie, then I might just give Jasp a go with one. I can also tip the wink to my friend who has his sister and experiences the same as me.:D

Pam n the boys

PS Nicki - could be worthwhile posting this bit of info elswhere;)

Hi Pammy, will do as u suggest and post elsewhere as well.

As for getting caught in featherings - no - doesn't seem to. Will say though - get the small - i bought medium size and i've had to cut down (it gives instructions) but it is still a little too big, so comes loose when off the lead, not that it matters - cos finn takes great delight in holding his mum's lupi lol.

I was the same with the head collar - she got soooo stressed out - it was easier for her to pull then to see her like that, but since having finn - i don't think i could cope with walking them both with her pulling, plus i get her sorted and he starts doing it - so he'll probably be in one once he's older.

Nikki xx

Thanks Nicki

I'll get one for Jasp and see how we go. If he stops pulling, then so will Buddy and I'll be able to take them out on my own - which is what I've always wanted to do.

Pam n the boys

I totally agree, my dog hated the halti, but I have known some dogs which accept it, I think it comes down to temperament. i too use a lupi which does make a huge difference, she is certainly happier. She does still tend to pull though, however because i have more control it is easier to train her to come back into heel position, with some gently coaxing. The only problem i have with the lupi is that it is a hassle to take off and put on, especially when letting my dog off for a run. I sometimes leave it on and just hook up the metal loop, but this isn't ideal. I believe in an ideal world the lupi can be used as a training aid, with the ultimate goal to use a simple collar and lead. I have been combining the lupi with stop and wait training for the last few days. Today i tried using the collar for a short while and found that she actually walked on a loose lead until we got home, a good five minutes, so it does work!

I've also had problems pulling from my wolfhound. I've used the gentle leader with little results. Standing like a tree works if your dog is smaller. Mine is big so no luck there. The best suggestion and the one that has worked the best is this. When the dog starts to pull immediately turn around and walk the opposite direction about 5 steps. Start moving forward again, when the dog pulls again, repeat the 5 steps back. Eventually the dog learns that you control where they get to go and not them. The first few walks are very aggravating with this method but it does work. Hopefully within a week the pulling can be greatly improved. Even the most stubborn dogs can learn to quit pulling. As far as the aggression goes that is a totally different issue. If you haven't - I would consider good obedience training. Also a consultation with a vet or behaviorist might be in order. I'm assuming since she was a rescue that she has been spade?