Hi my name is Karen and I've got a 15 week old westie called Jess. She is such a lovley little thing - and very clever it seems - we have just got a clicker and she is doing very well with that. However - i can't get her to stop pulling on the lead - it doesn't seem to matter what I do. I'm frightened to pull her back to much because she is so small - but for a little thing she is very strong and determind TO PULL that is!!!! I've tried the clicker for walking - but it seems impossible!!!

Please help!!!!!

Thanks - Love Karen xxx and Little Jess xxxxx

You could try a halti ( I think thats how you spell it) its a sort of head harness. I dont know if you will get one small enough, but they do work very well. (Does exactly what it says on the tin)

Mick

Hi Karen,
I have size zero haltis for my two bitches who are 15 and 19 pounds each. They don't come any smaller than that. And they were very difficult to locate :( I think even that size could be too large for your puppy.

Westies are stubborn little cusses. One of mine is a Westi/Doxi mix :) There are several "tricks" you can try out. But I"m hesitant to go into detail since it's extremely difficult to "train" by email or board posting. I just don't want things to go wrong for you.
One of the easiest would be to stand still when she starts pulling and make her sit. She's smart enough she might quickly learn that pulling gets her nowhere :)
Hope this helps,
toodles

Hi Karen

Keep the lead so short that the cannot get in front of you - not easy with a tiny pup and you may need to crouch down a bit.

Find a training class that will teach you heelwork would be the best suggestion they your instuctor can show you various methods.

Christine

Hi, you must be thrilled with your new puppy and love her to bits. I know she is very small and fragile looking but you must still make sure that she listens to you and behaves properly. Its hard to be firm, but once she realises she isn't allowed to pull, she will stop and walks will be much more fun.
Decide "where" you want her to walk, I like my Westies to have their tail level with my leg so they are a little bit in front, but some people prefer them to walk with their nose by their leg. You decide - you are in charge! When you are off for her walk, when she crosse the invisible line that is where you want her to walk, give the lead a tug, just enough to stop her in her tracks, at the very same moment say the same command "Heel" or "Back" or whatever and keep her where she is while you take a step past her. Then encourage her forward, just enough so she knows you are pleased with her but not enough to lose her concentration or get playful- and try again.
If she really starts to get the hang of it, do tell her she's good and give her a little stroke, but dont go overboard! Then give her a ball game or have some fun with her.Keep the lesson short - say 5 minutes, and only end it when she has done well
Do this everytime you put her on the lead and I bet within 2 days at the most she will be trotting happily beside you.