I have a question for anyone that is interested in reading this post.

How do you train your dog to walk nicely?

Lets say you have a excitable, friendly terrier that is super keen to get there before you, how do you train her to walk nice??

I am really interested to know your training techniques!!
Cheers

Linda

Sorry Linda, I don't have any training techniques, I just wanted to sympathise with you. When we take Cassie for a walk she sounds as if she's choking. I think the fact that she is so small and lively makes things more difficult. I too will be really interested to read the replies.

Happy New Year

Debbie

I'm a massive fan of clicker training and I would definately use one to teach a dog to walk properly!  Luckily my dog walks like a show off and has been very good so far (touch wood - she's only 5 months so the pulling may still come!)  However my mother has a BC x springer and as the breeds suggest she can be a bit of a handful!!  She used to pull and jump around all over the place - so we took her clicker training and she has become an absolute pleasure, a really lovely girl!  First thing was first though...A collar and lead clearly wasn't suitable for her so she we tried her in a harness which had padding under her legs and so didn't rub when she pulled, this was an improvement and easier on the hands.!  Then it was noticed that because Molly was walked on the same route every day she was able to anticipate and therefore pulled with the excitement of it all.  We then began walking her at different times on different routes and I must admit just by going down the road instead of up made a difference!  We also changed the type of walk, sometimes the route resulted in a field and sometimes it was just a road walk - But the key to stopping her jumping around and pulling was for us, the clicker and a LOT of time.  We used chicken as a food reward (you need something REALLY tempting for this) and carried it in one hand with clicker and lead in the other - It can be a tangle at first but you'll get used to it :) - As soon as the dog knows you have chicken you have her attention!  Even if you get one sensible step, click and reward as soon as the messing around starts STOP - this is why it can take some time but it should be worth it.  Carry on for two or three steps letting her know that there is a treat in it for her if she will walk nicely for you - and again as soon as she plays up stop, turn round even and try the other way!  Obviously you cant rush this and may lead to one heck of a long walk but it is worth it and I have seen it work!!  Obviously your dog, if not already, would need to become trained in the way of the clicker!  But to accustom them to it doesn't take too long, there is a book available 'Clicker training for dog's' by Karen Pryor and I think you can get it from pets at home complete with clicker!!  When I got my afghan puppy friends and family warned me that she would be a nightmare to train but I have used a clicker since day one to train her to go to toilet outside, recalls, obedience to name but a few and I would totally recommend it!  Hope this helps :)
Sarah 

Many ways to try and you will hopefully find one that will work.

The one i normally use is to walk backwards calling the dog to heel.  I then praise and set off again.  Then next time the dog pulls i walk backwards again.

Also there is just stoping dead, calling the dog back into heel and then praising and setting off again.

The next one is one i normally only use on VERY stubborn males out in a big open space.  I simple give the dog one command 'heel' and i keep changing direction without warning. everytime the dog is in the correct position i praise.

Dont forget that whenever yoiur dog walks nicly on a slack lead just how you want then praise, stop to have a game, or anything that can be fun!

Have fun and i hope he becomes better soon

Rox

Agree with ice queen that there are many ways. You could use a headcollar or anti pull harness to give your arms a rest too. The method that works best for me is when the dog walks ahead stop dead, dont look at or say anything to him and wait till he reverses into the right position then praise and stroke him, carry on walking until the lead tightens then repeat. In a week hell get the idea where hes supposed to be to enjoy a walk. If this dosent work try turning into the dog when he pulls so you block his path, then resume walking on a loose lead. The first 5 minutes of a walk I find set the tone, so dont let him charge in front of you out the gate/door and gently insist he adopts the right attitude, no matter how long it takes! Also watch corners, road crossings and narrow openings as this is where they try to get in front again. If anyone else walks your dog make sure they are consistent too or it will take longer. Persevere and youll get there. :D

Many thanks for your replies.  Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!

Cheers
Linda

You don't need luck!:)

Just lots and lots of patenice!!!:D  Just think of that lovely, well behaved dog that you will have at the end!!!!

Rox