Is it possible to properly walk a misbehaved dog?

Question

My friends have asked me to come by to feed and let out a two-year-old unfixed lab mix that they are dog sitting for someone else.

I had the intention of walking him last night, but he was not walkable. As soon as the leash was on, he was on his hind legs practically choking himself on the leash. I kept having him sit back down and not allowing him to move forward until he calmed down, but he didn't calm down. I couldn't even get him to look away from the door for more than a second. Any calming he did was undone whenever I moved an inch.

After about 30 minutes, I gave up. Normally I wouldn't but he's not my dog and I had to leave.

However, I would like to walk him. I don't suppose there is any magic trick to it? He is normally well behaved, and I've already trained him to sit, lay down, stay, come, beg, but when he gets excited he freaks. I don't think walks are a normal part of his life with at his "real" house, and I don't have a dog at home so I don't know what I'm doing very well.

Answer 1

Sorry-no magic tricks. Sounds like the dog really needs some exercise. Do you have a fenced yard he can run some of that energy off? If so,try walking him after play time. If the dog isn't used to walking on leash it may have never been propery trained to walk on leash. Try hooking the leash on the dog while you guys are indoors. Let him get used to it by dragging it around while you surpervise. Once he is used to having the leash attached,pick it up and try very short walks-a few paces. Reward for being good and ignore or take away the foreward movement when he isn't offering the desired behavior.

Answer 2

the best way to walk a dog is to learn how to use a correctional collar. aka choker.

But if you really want to walk this dog, you can get a non pull harness(a harness that stops him from pulling and when he pulls it gives him discomfort), a pack leader halter(you put it on his nose, and lead him around). that will stop him from pulling but wont train him not to pull.

Answer 3

That dog is frightened. It sounds like he is in a strange house and being cared for by people whom he does not know.

Lots of treats, petting, praise for acting 'right', and patience should bring him around, but it won't be a quick process.

He has to learn to trust you and that may take a bit.

EDIT:

don't go with a 'choker' chain collar.  Instead, get a 'haltie', which is a humane controller which fits around the dog's head and muzzle.  When the lead is pulled, the dog's mouth is brought shut and his head is pulled to the holder of the leash.

It is a very good training tool when properly used.

Choke collars/chains and shock collars are inhumane, the do not work well, and jolly well should never have been manufactured.

Answer 4

If this dog isn't normally walked then it's no wonder he goes nuts. The only way to really walk this type of dog is through repetitive training and the use of training tools. I would NOT go out and buy any type of tool without the owner's permission - this includes any type of harness.

I would also ask them WHY the dog isn't walked before taking him out. There might be an honest to god reason - such as dog aggression that makes him dangerous and uncontrollable. My aunt's dog is well behaved in home but on walks is quite aggressive with other dogs (when certain people walk him.) It isn't your responsibility to take him out for a walk, especially if the owner left someone else in charge.

If you get the go ahead by the owners then the best thing to do is just STOP walking when the dog begins to pull. It may take some time but it may help. Every time that dog gets too excited or pulls, then stop in your tracks and wait until he's calm before moving again. IF he sees something that sets him off, then turn and walk him in the other direction.

Answer 5

rent or buy the tv series "dog whisperer". there is an episode geared specifially for this. it teaches you how to walk with confidence, how to use a choke collar an what to do when your dog pulls or runs away from you.

Answer 6

Hi,  I love cats, too as they so much easier to take care of. lol.

I've met many many dogs who do this as I used to work at a kennel and had to walk at least 30 dogs, four times a day.  Some of them have never been on a walk in there lives and got so excited, as I think is the case with this one.  

Try taking him in the back yard, playing ball for a while and then putting him on the leash and just walk around the yard.  If he behaves then he gets to go for a regular walk.

But  be carefull as you don't know if he's aggressive toward other people and pets.  If this does not work you could just brush him and spend some time with him as I'm sure he's really stressed being away form home.  Thanks for careing enough to ask the question.  Good luck and God bless!