I know this is along the lines of a very recent thread regarding head collars, which I have read:) I wondered if anyone could give advice? I noticed some of you use the dogmatic headcollar and i would like to know if these work any better/or different to the halti or gentle leader kind of head collar? My springer, decoy, is now just over one and always used to walk really nicely to heal - he passed his kennel club good citizen test too!! for the last few months he has started to pull on the lead - really pull hard, I started to use a halti which was ok for about a day, he worked out that if he walked nicely and then without warning suddenly took a great big lunge forward he could pull, he started to do this as we were about to cross the road:( I shortened the lead to allow for sudden lunging, he then started to crab walk sideways, thus still being able to pull, if he couldn't manage this, he would try with all his might to keep his head really really still and just keep walking forwards and pulling like a train! I have tried with the halti for a few months now and it is the same every time. I then decided different tactics were called for and went back to the treat at my side and walking backwards when he pulled, and the about turns, still he pulled. I tried a Micki walkrite harness, which i must say I don't particularly like, it goes under his armpits and pulls tight if he pulls, its the one with the rubber sleeves. He walked lovely on that for a couple of days, but then worked out if he bunny hopped on his back legs with his front legs in the air it didn't stop him pulling :( neighbours thought it looked funny though :D. obviously i'm not happy with this at all, he will do himself an injury soon. when I walk him on lead at home in the garden with the treat held at the left, saying heelwork he will walk to heel like a dream, as soon as we are out it is a different story, it is becoming a misery to walk all three of my dogs at once, as decoy is making it dangerous near roads. once we get to our destination he is fine, infact it is all the more infuriating as as soon as you let him off, he doesn't actually go anywhere, just trots by myside to heel? all that pulling so he can free heelwork? any suggestions gratefully received also any views on the dogmatic as well. julie:( i'm posting another thread on how naughty cookie is being next:(

First thought, little swine, second clever devil. If I were you I would take him out on his own and when he starts pulling just stop don't go anywhere. I did this with my Beardie at about 7/8 months and although I spent a couple of walks going nowhere quick it did work and he is still ok at 19 months. I used a clicker to reinforce the right place to be and walking on was the reward. I now take him and my other dog out with my mum in her wheelchair and they walk fine. All done on a plain collar
Anne

I have found this method works with my lot if they forget themselves, I simply stop saying nothing! It is amazing to see them quickly hop back into correct position on loose leads by my side, if anyone surges ahead then another stop like this is all that it takes.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D Sorry, can't help but sitting here roaring with laughter at Decoy. He sounds great :D :D
Dot

thanks for the sympathy guys!! :D haven't tried any new tatics with 'bugs' today as we had to bunnyhop to the vets as the dope has hurt his paw (bunnyhopping!) I'm armed with pills and potions and once he is better I'm going to try walking him, on his own, just on his collar and stopping without saying anything, also though i might try no command - ie heel obviously means 'gather all your strength and pull like billyo':D -maybe if I say nothing he isn't prepared! thanks Julie:)

If standing still does not work try walking in the other direction every time Decoy gets infront of you, it won't get you very far to start with but I have had it work but not on all dogs. My present breed just sit down and look at me, much to say 'when you have finished mucking about can we get on with the walk'. Ja:)kie