No More Pulling

[josie1918]

Almost a year ago, I rescued a 1 year old male German Shepherd from being put down, as he was "uncontrollable". His owners had owned him from 9 weeks and had NEVER trained him, he was left in a huge, fenced in back yard. His owners then decided to take him walking and he drug them. I brought him home and was amazed at how very quickly he became housebroken, and learned all basic obedience that I taught him. My problem with him was his pulling on the leash. He is extremely strong and has caused both his previous owners and myself physical injury. I have been working for about 8 months with him trying to get him to loose lead walk, each time the gate would close his nose went to the ground and the struggle was on. I managed to get his nose off the ground (really strong tracking drive) using ham ( he won't do it for chicken or turkey) and while he was focusing more on me, and we could have short intervals of walking with me, he still pulled like a freight train. I have always used a sturdy harness on him, designed to be safe for the dog, well I was reading a post by another member (Thank you Noobs!!!!) about a fleece halter, which they had replaced the premier easy walk harness with. I was given some advice regarding the easy walk, and decided to get one. What a difference!!!!!!!!! I am now able to take my dog for a walk, instead of him taking me for one. It seems that my dog has an extremely strong pull reflex which was triggered by the design of his original harness. The lesson to be learned is, NEVER give up, and what a wonderful support network we have here, thanks all of you!!

[Mattie]

Well done Josie for not giving up and finding what has worked.

[Noobs]

Yay, Josie! I'm glad the easywalk is helping. It's funny because you got that info from a post I wrote about when I stopped using the easywalk? That's funny! Although I stopped using it because I didn't need it anymore and I had to get a fleece harness because the easywalk was starting to irritate his skin. Best of luck to you, I'm glad you found something that has worked. But don't sell yourself short; I'm sure your training had something to do with it as well.

[jacksdad]

Love the smell of success in the morning....

[StellaGreece]

[quote="josie1918"] I have always used a sturdy harness on him, designed to be safe for the dog, well I was reading a post by another member (Thank you Noobs!!!!) about a fleece halter, which they had replaced the premier easy walk harness with. I was given some advice regarding the easy walk, and decided to get one. What a difference!!!!!!!!!

Hi Josie, is it possible to describe or send a picture of the fleece halter? many thanks for that. Stella from Greece

[Mattie]

I think this is the harness http://www.dog-games.co.uk/shop/harnesses-fleece-lined, for dogs that have odd shapes there is this one http://www.dog-games.co.uk/shop/

All my dogs have them except my new dog, only got her yesterday and I have order one for her last night, hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.

[StellaGreece]

Thanks Mattie, just now I saw it as I was away on work. I will also order it, many thanks again.