Doesn't walk well in a noisy enviorment.

lablver2 · Post by **lablver2** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:02 am

My 7 year old Chocolate Labrador Retriever Belgian is great on his leash for the most part. Where I live it is pretty quiet and there are alot of owners and dogs who walk every night. He has never had a problem with cars or anything. There are many kids where we walk and he ignores them unless they come up to him (which he doesn't mind one bit as he loves kids) He does like to mark everything but with a little bit of positive reinforcement he has learned to avoid marking for the most part. I could take him on five mile walks all on a flat buckle collar with no problems at all.

Recently I took him to a relatives house with me as I had to spend a couple nights there. Unlike us, this relative lives in the city where as we just live in the suburbs. This relative also lives near the freeway and a train that comes by twice a day. There is alot of traffic and alot of sights and sounds. I decided to take him with me to a park that was just up the street. This was the first time in a couple years I have ever had to use the Sporn Halter while walking him. He was pulling me everywhere something he never does. Finally I just stopped and just looked at him. He was confused I could tell. I kept going after awhile and for a little bit he was really good then he started pulling. Once we got to the park he was really good and layed at my feet and watched all the children. He listened to the commands I gave him and did a few tricks. Despite all the distractions around him at the park he was listening to me. Once we started walking back to the house he started acting up again. He was pulling and stopping to smell every corner he could get at. I could tell he was nervous and confused about the sounds. I did have to give it to him he listened very well to the leave it command when there was food on the ground.

Two weeks before this, I went to a regional park with him to a relative's community picnic. Belgian was absolutley fine with all the people and even with all the food around him. He even made friends with another chocolate labrador. Because this relative of mine works with mentally ill people Belgian was really put to the test. He was great and never pulled. He put many smiles on people that have very sad stories and have had hard lives.

Is there any other way I can help Belgian with walking better in noisy, high populated areas? He is such a great dog and responds well with training. I want him to become comfortable while walking him and I do not want to force him to do something that makes him uncomfortable.

MaiasMom · Post by **MaiasMom** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 11:10 am

The city sights and smells are new to him, the park is a known place. Just practice with him in noisy areas, let him get comfortable with this surroundings. I started my dogs out young taking them out onto the streets to just stand watching and listening to everything that went by. I just stood there not doing or saying anything. No reaction from you. They take clues from you like if you think they might be fearful and keep comforting them, they learn to fear. Make sure the dog is secure on the leash and go into new areas to just let things go by.

lablver2 · Post by **lablver2** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:18 pm

Thanks. I know myself I also have issues when walking around in city surroundings as a result of something that happened in my past. Since then I have never been too much of a city girl myself. I have always felt safe around Belgian when walking anywhere. Without him, I am very skittish. I am however going to try and take him out in more city surroundings to help him adjust to all the sights and sounds. Thanks so much!!

MaiasMom · Post by **MaiasMom** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:33 am

Your welcome, he will take his cue from you, if you are calm, he will be calm. Expect some pulling and trying to get away, perhaps a harness with a collar for safety. Keep at it, it will be worth it to both of you in the long run. Let us know how he is coming along. Don't know what it was that happened to you and I am sorry that it did.

lablver2 · Post by **lablver2** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 7:49 pm

When I was a kid someone tryed to kidnap me. I got away but to my knowledge the guy never got caught. Throughout my childhood it was something that affected me drastically. I have come a long way and since I got Belgian I have been able to become more confident. He is the reason I have no fear of walking down the street. He has been my best friend and has also taught me that you don't have to fear everyone you meet. I no longer have to even rely on Belgian being there with me when I walk out my front door. I can go to the store and the movies by myself and yes, I will get suspicious of some people but it doesn't stop me from enjoying a movie. My friends, my family and my dog have all helped me throughout the whole process and because of them I am joining the U.S. Air Force after college and then eventually will trade over and work as a police officer. I also hope to work with canines as well and try to introduce positive reinforcement to the dogs I hopefully will work with. Enough about me though. I will let you all know how Belgian is doing with his training. I do have the Sporn halter and rarely have to use it at home but when I take him out in the city again, I will make sure he has it.

MaiasMom · Post by **MaiasMom** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:10 pm

Wow! what a fantastic goal you have, good on you and sending so much good luck to you. Stay in touch and update us on your journey. Maiasmon in Washington State.