Walking my puppy on a leash?

Question

I have 2 problems with my 10 week old sheltie when walking him on a leash.

1). When putting on his collar and hooking leach to him - he won't stop biting my fingers.

2). When we are walking - he walks behind me not in front or at side - he keeps up with me - but walks at my heals behind me and sometimes i kick him in the mouth with my heals.

What do I do to help walking my puppy better ?

Answer 1

obedience school will help

Answer 2

shorten the leash i have the same problem with my 8 week old GS but i shortened the leash and guide him to my right side when he tries so go behind me or switch sides i think we are doing better i work with him everyday.

Answer 3

Your Pup looks up to you as its "Pack Leader,. all Alpha Pack leaders are suppose to "take the lead as in walk in the "front""

As far as the biting goes this is NORMAL for PUPS, but I recommend getting SPRAY, it is like bitter apples or something you can get it at Pets mart, or put lemon juice on your hands, before you goto walk, and if Pup bites say "NOOOOOOOO" very firmly,...NEVER, ever, NEVER, hit or kick an innocent or guilty animal ever!, In AZ it is a "Felony Animal Abuse Charge", other than some tips we hope you will try, sounds like your on your way to a great Friendship with your new Puppy!

Tails- Waggin'

Dogman and Pets

http://Terryspethelp.com

Answer 4

Some things that may help with the biting:

1. Call your dog to you when you are about to go out and put the leash on him them. Try not to go to him to put on the leash. The walk is something positive that your dog enjoys, so he should do some work for it, including coming to you and letting you put the lead on.

2. If he does not come, then he does not get to go for the walk. Take a break and try again later.

3. If he bites while you put on the lead, then non-mark him (No), and try again. If he keeps at it, then non-mark him again and ignore him. I.e. he doesn't get to go for the nice walk. If he follows you and continues the biting, then say timeout, and put him in a safe but boring timeout area (e.g. laundry room)

4. Obedience training. Try and do some obedience training sessions everyday. Enroll in a class or get a good obedience book, and practice with him for short sessions (10-15 minutes) every day. This will help establish you as a leader, improve your bond with your dog, exercise your dog's mind, and give you good tools that you can use to help control him in the house.

Some things to help with the walking:

1. Shelties are herding dogs so he is walking behind you because he has an instinct to herd you. When he tries to go behind and herd you, non-mark him (No), and move him forward and to your side. You can also train him to target your hand using food. Once he is in a good position, praise him and treat him well (or bring a toy with you and play with him briefly).

2. Play the find it game

Say find-it and throw a treat a few steps ahead. He will likely go and get it, praise him and repeat.

3. Play tug with him when he is walking in a good position.  

Answer 5

http://www.perfectpaws.com/pup17.html