1. AutumnZ - 12:53PM on 07/24/07

I'll give this another try. I have two Yorkies, 7-8 pounds each about 2 years old. They are too small for the Ilusion Training Collar so we use a harness on them. They are walked daily for a distance of 1.5 to 2 miles and they really enjoy this. I walk in between them....one on each side. One pulls away from me and tries to walk ahead. She's definitely the one with the free spirit. The other is smarter and pretty cooperative until somebody goes by on skates, on a bike, skateboard or scooter, then they both go beserk. We've been warned against using a collar on them because this breed is prone to collapsed trachea problems. Suggestions anybody?

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2. soberlachee - 1:54PM on 07/24/07

AutumnZ, sounds like you need a little more disipline for both you and your pups. Don't be afraid to give it to them. They need to know that YOU ARE THE MASTER. Now, I am not saying to beat them, no no no, you have to spend a little more time together teaching this. I do not know your dogs and I can not exactly tell you how to acheive this. Only you can figure out what they are going to respond to. Here are my steps in acheiving that goal though. 1- Disipline. 2- Love and affection. 3- Exercise. Once they have learned step #1 you are on your way to having a perfect four legged companion and step #2 will take its place as #1. What you are describing is that they are in control. I have a 65lb Siberian Husky that I walk OFF leash 98% of the time and the other 2% it is on when we go to the pet store, hardware store, etc. I AM THE BOSS and he knows it and he loves me just the same. Give it a try, thats all you can do. It took me a little over 4 weeks to figure out what was going to work on my Husky and all of a sudden one day he just did a complete turn around and he has been the best ever since. We are still working on the cat chasing thing, but he is making great progress.

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3. Don - 2:05PM on 07/24/07

off leash is asking fro trouble!! It only takes once for an accident to happen!

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4. AutumnZ - 2:18PM on 07/24/07

Soberlachee...thank you for your response. We've been watching Cesar's Dog Whisperer show for awhile now and while we are at home, we are the pack leaders (well, most of the time). They still test us occasionally, especially my husband who gives into their cute little faces waaaay too often. But head out that front door with both of them and all bets are off. Cesar's show has suggested running them so my husband is doing this each morning, and it helps. However, once they've had a little while to rest, they are eager to go again! Small dogs with boundless energy . . . and whew! are they ever smart. I've had dogs all my life and training has never been a problem. I always end up in charge. I think because we now have 2, they feed off each other's energy and makes consistent discipline more challenging. But I'm not giving up! Thanks again for your suggestions. Much appreciated.

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5. Burt R - 2:40PM on 07/24/07

I have a 67 pound Boxer female and I walk her four miles every morning at the beach. Every time another dog comes by she will lay down flat on the sand. I have tried to force her up but she wont budge. Anyone have any suggestions?

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6. Burt R - 4:24PM on 07/24/07

I forgot to mention that when she is off the leash she is very social with other dogs, but on leash she still lays down. I have given up on trying to get her to move, she is too strong and I am 77 years old. Thanks for any suggestions.

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7. Kris Hejna - 4:55PM on 07/24/07

Praise when they are doing it right. Easier with the taller dogs, since they are close enough to pet. When your dog is in a heel position, just reach down, give him/her a little pet and say "Nice walk" or something else simple. It also just takes time. I think that taking a class like one to get you to the AKC Canine Good Citizen is good. Classes give you regular opportunities to be out with your dog and good occasions for praise. The dogs usually really like going to training.

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8. CJ Anderson - 10:00PM on 07/24/07

AutumnZ couple of challenges include the age of the dog and the speed of the walk. Cesar taught me the importance of getting the dogs into a "migration mode" they arent looking around they are almost glued next to my knee and they are going fast to keep their focus on me and that happens next. Now I cant keep up with my group so a couple of things helped. First, using a haltie or gentle leader worked wonders for dealing with the next challenges I had. The challenge is making sure that the nose part doesnt slide off (as it did with the haltie for mine). Cesar says a harness creates an automatic tendancy to pull. The next element is to up the work they have to do with speed and a backpack with 10-15% of their weight in something like a water bottle. The next thing I did since I couldnt go fast enough to burn off energy with my 2 year olds was to get a small bike so I could dismount easily and sit on it with both feet on the ground. Then I wrapped a leash under the seat to lower the gravity and clipped the dog 18 inches or so away so he runs right next to me! I have done this with 7 rescue dogs so far and it works wonderfully. I was quite shocked that it worked great for a little 12 pound rescue who fell right in to the migration mode - (tail straight head down, ears level. I can walk many dogs together (have done as many as five on the bike 3 on one side two on the other) but I find it difficult to walk my high energy dogs together before they have burned off some energy! So I do take them one at a time, for the first few times to establish disapline with out disruption of the other. The most important thing is the moment they start to distract on something outside you and the walk, to immediately do a leash snap, toe tap, or tsst sound to redirect their attention back to you. If you do not get the Nat Geo show, the best investment you can do is get the "PackLeader DVD to watch how he does this really the problem can be very fast and comparatively easy to solve by emulating his techniques this way! I also am a great believer in training dogs to respond off leash! We have a challenge though here in this county in Arizona, that there is a leash law that is a felony if your dog isnt on a six foot or less leash I also, by the way, do use a harness to hook my dogs together within 6 inches of each other to keep them side by side. I make sure that I have total control over this in a confined space like my yard or other fenced area before I take them out like this. Keep us posted on how it goes!

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9. MooseMama - 7:34AM on 07/25/07

At what age do you start a puppy on a leash? I have a Yorkie Peek-a-poo, who is just three months old and 4.5 pounds. I'd like to get him used to the leash, but he's so little and I don't want to hurt him.

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10. AutumnZ - 7:43AM on 07/25/07

WOW CJ, thank you very much for your ideas! I will reconsider the bike idea. I had actually discussed this at one time with my family and most were opposed to the idea simply because they were concerned I wouldn't have as much control. These are small dogs, but amazingly strong. They are hunters by nature, so anything and everything that moves suddenly is curious to them and my husband was concerned they'd jerk me right off the bike. I am able to get them in "the zone" right near my side when we are walking fast most times . . . until they hear or see anything on wheels. I've looked for small backpacks to weight them a bit, but they just don't come in sizes small enough to fit them. I guess I'll have to get creative. And I'll look into a haltie because you are so correct that the harness only keeps them near me, but without enough control. I've tried the coupler too, but found we had more success if they were not competing with one another side-by-side. Some days are very very good, others (like last night) are not fun. I will keep trying and very much appreciate all your suggestions.

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11. gardenthymeherbs - 8:48AM on 07/25/07

I had this problem with my Golden Retreiver, until a friend who trains service dogs told me about the gentle leader collar. It has a part that goes over her nose and is not a muzzle, but gently guides her as her mother would have. She never pulls me now. It is wonderful. If I go back to just the leash, she still tries to pull me. It's a wonderful tool and has enabled me to go on walks with her where before I could not as it was too hard to keep her under control. I purchased this at a menards, but they are available in most pet stores too. I highly recommend it.

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12. hubbyisatrucker2 - 8:50AM on 07/25/07

Autumn. Have you tried the "click and training method"? You can get a clicker at the pet store. Small treats. Any treat. I used turkey hot dogs cut up. Put them in a small bag in a pocket and also in your mouth (that is best). Start out clicking when they move their head and then put a command to it. Takes about 15 mins. One click per movement and click and treat each time. Then try it with sit, etc. Take your dogs outside. Have them sit, click and treat. Do this a few times. Then "stay". walk away. call "come", click and treat. Then use your leash. Walk a few steps if they are walking just where you want, click and treat. Do this until you are satisfied. After two or three days, when they have the hang of it, start backing off with the treats and then the clicker or visa versa and remember to give lots of praise. It is all positive and absolutely no yelling, pulling, or roughness involved. Practice. And no more than one word commands. Use words like, sit, stay, down, come, heal. If the dog does not do the command, after being taught the command, say "wrong"...not "NO'. "No" is used only for emergencies. The word "wrong" works. I have even used it on the neighbors dog when they bark and by golly, it worked. Look for further info online about the click and treat method. This is just an over-view. By putting the treats in your mouth, they look at you. So vary where on your body you get the treats to give. YOu want their full attention. Our dogs were fully and happily trained this way in about 2 weeks. If they don't do what they are commanded to do, then no cilck or treat. They must respond immediatly the first time after commands are taught. Starting with turning their head from side to side is easy. No full body turns. Only the head to start. And no stern, loud voice from you during training. After training you should not have to yell. Good luck.

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13. marc_five - 2:07PM on 07/25/07

i learned something in a basic training class many years ago that has done wonders with helping to communicate leadership to the dog and helps in mastering the walk: 180 degree about-face turns. if you're having problems with the dog creeping ahead of you (or charging, if that's the case), simply give the leash slack; turn completely and start walking in the opposite direction; and make the correction with the collar. when the dog turns toward the direction of the leash, he suddenly realizes he's going in the wrong direction and suddenly s/he's in a position of FOLLOWING YOU! it's important that when the dog turns around towards you, that you are looking back, making eye contact with him to communicate, "hey, we're going THIS way. pay attention!!" do this a few times and allow the dog to walk ahead of you, then make the correction. each time it will communicate that YOU are the master and need to be followed. YOU determine the direction of the walk. s/he'll get it pretty quick and suddenly you might find yourself with a dog walking right next to you. when you get to this stage, make another turn and if your dog's following at your side s/he'll make the turn WITH you, not as a result of a correction. when s/he does this, smile and give 'em praise. as i said earlier, it works wonders. for mulitple dogs, i'd recommend doing this exercise with them individually first to establish the ground rules (plus, it's just easier), then go into "pack" mode. as always, make your corrections firmly, but with your dog's safety in mind. correct to correct. never "yell" with your leash. good luck.

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14. Waite - 2:46AM on 07/26/07

I have found that you have little or no real control over a dog in a harness...think about it...harnesses are used to pull sleighs. Put collars on those Yorkies...my dogs have all been to obedience classes and done well...and the first thing the instructors do is tell anyone with a harness on their dogs is to replace them with a collar.

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15. lilbrngrl4 - 7:01AM on 07/26/07

I've adopted an 18mo old Jack Russell/Shih Tzu; I've had her for @ 2mos now. Remarkably, she is 98% wonderful. When we first started walking together, she pulled and controlled the walk. I bought a Gentle Leader and began studying with Cesar. She now walks with me very well. The problem (the 2% that is driving me nuts) arises when other dogs, cats, people, invisible beings cross our path, or come into view during the walk. She goes crazy (not vicious, just barking and such). I understand the barking and instinct to claim our space (or whatever the behavior represents), but I am unable to make her stop. She is much better on the Gentle Leader or chain collar, at least she isn't choking herself or dangling like a marianette, but still. She won't listen, she doesn't respond to my voice. I have to grab her collar and turn her around to look at me. She will sit, but she is on guard and straining to see the culprit. According to Cesar, this is all my fault because of my weak energy, or something. But I honestly feel that I am being a good, strong leader on our walks (and, we walk 2 miles in the morning, fast...we can be at the end, and she'll still go after something, so either she isn't tired out, or it doesn't matter). Anyway, I need advice on how to keep her undercontrol, or distracted, on our walks. Sometimes I think it might be easier with larger dogs; I can pick up and move her whole body with the lease when trying to correct her. Another thing is I feel I am constantly looking down and back at her so I can catch her ears moving forward before she gets into a full-blown fit - this can't be a good leader position. Please help, anyone. Do I have a legitimate problem, or should I just be happy with the 98%?

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16. AutumnZ - 7:26AM on 07/26/07

To all who posted suggestions: Thanks for your helpful ideas! I will go buy a Gentle Leader or whatever the collar is called that goes around their nose too. I completely agree there is little or no control when using a harness, just haven't wanted to chance doing permanent throat damage to them. Maybe the nose pressure will eliminate the throat pressure. I'll also try that 180 degree turn plan. GREAT IDEA. Maybe with both of these suggestions in place, our walks can be relaxing and enjoyable instead of constantly challenging. I like going, they like going, but it's work the whole way. To lilbrngrl4: My vet says "terrier" is just another name for "terrorist". Anybody who owns terriers knows this is not only funny, but pretty accurate. They are smart, independent and always have to have their say. I have similar problems when walking my two Yorkies. My original post commented about their reaction to anything with wheels. They just don't like the noise, the motion makes them want to chase and since they cannot chase, they bark in a frenzy. So not cute or acceptable. I correct them, use the "sssh" sound and move them away from the offender, and move much quicker. My dogs can also get a little nippy so we just don't get very close to other dogs or small children. I'd say we both have a legitimate problem, so please don't feel like it's only your dog and you. Wish I had the perfect solution. I need to get better control and then work with them on these other issues. One thing is for sure, these small dogs are high-energy all the time and they really need to be exercised every day. Anybody that thinks small dogs don't need exercise is just fooling themselves. Have you tried walking faster or running as a distraction when your "culprit" makes itself known? Trying using the "sssh", give a gentle tug to get your dog to refocus on you instead of the negative and then move quicker. Just a thought. Only down side is that you'll find yourself running more than walking . . . on your walk. My dogs LOVE to run. Good luck. Thank you again to all who took the time to respond to my questions. I appreciate all the answers and suggestions.

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17. lilbrngrl4 - 6:16AM on 07/27/07

Autumnz, thank you for your comment. Yes, I have tried running, and she loves it, and though I'll do anything that is best for her, her endurance outlasts mine. I've tried the 'sssh' and tug..she is immune to it all. I swear I could pick her up by the leash, twirl her around and her head and eyes would still be on her prey. We exercise every day, at least an hour broken up into two sessions, and it is on our walks that the drama happens...I feel like I need to exercise her for her exercise session. Anyway, thank you for the input, I will keep at it. Maybe consistency will win out.

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18. regor201 - 9:56AM on 07/27/07

As dogs get older, the spaces between their cervical vertebrae narrow. My 2 dogs are 11 and 8 yo. I never pull them by any part of the neck. It is too sensitive an area. They wear harnesses and if I need to correct them on a walk, they are pulled from the chest.

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19. lindagreeneyes - 10:48AM on 07/27/07

To lilbrngrl4 - Reading your post really hit home. I have a 2 1/2 year old ShihTzu that behaves EXACTLY the same way as your Jack Russell. We walk every day, 3 or 4 times, and no less than 15 - 20 minutes each time. I have worked at being a strong leader, as you have, and she gives me proper leader respect in all circumstances except these particular ones- then she turns into a little "doggie brick " and won't react to touch, sound, whatever. She remains so tightly focused on whatever object has caught her attention - I wish I had that focus! What I have been doing lately is walking at a brisk pace to keep her mind on walking, not looking around. When I see something or someone coming I move her off the sidewalk and apply immediate correction when she starts to tense. Sometimes I need to do this more than once - if we are going onto the third time I add a little lateral pull to move her attention away - Cesar's firm touch is always not a good option for us because she's so low to the ground. She is starting to get the idea lately and will begin to turn away after a few corrections, but it's taken us quite a while to get to this point. In those cases where she is focusing on something a little further away, like across the street, I will step into her line of vision and claim the space. She tries to get around me, but I keep at it and she eventually backs down. And on those rare occasions where she just goes ballistic she gets a good grab to the scruff (the mommy disciplining the puppy) until she submits I have also encouraged the family to greet her in a more calm manner and to have her leashed when guests come to the door so we can correct her into calm/submissiveness before the guests give her any attention. Its' an ongoing challenge, but I felt I was on the right path when she saw another dog across the street the other day - when she tensed and I gave her the first correction she sat down right away and looked up at me. Of course lavish praise was bestowed! So good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

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20. lilbrngrl4 - 2:22PM on 07/27/07

Thank you, lindagreeneyes. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in this; I appreciate your tips. You seem to know the difficulty of correcting a smaller dog, (since they are not directly within arms' reach). I have thought about standing between her and the object she spies across the way, but honestly, in that moment I am running down my check-list of corrections and have forgotten that option. I end up turning her completely around, holding her jowls and saying 'look at me, why aren't you listening?' Which is just ludicrous! Thank you for the support and kind words.

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21. Jeff62 - 4:05PM on 07/27/07

I have 2 terriers that used to pull so hard. I was using a gentle collar but switched to Cesar's method. It's a much more pleasant, not to mention much less embarassing, expereince when I use Cesar's method. It still takes a few minutes before they settle into the walk and will start pulling if I let them. But they're getting the hang of it. Now if I can just get out the door without them completely flipping out.

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22. Kiki - 4:46PM on 07/27/07

I'll start trusting Cesar's advice when I see him use methods that don't degenerate the bond of trust between dog and handler and when he gets some real credentials (being charismatic doesn't cut it).

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23. lmcfall53 - 4:52PM on 07/27/07

I have a beautiful 20 month GSD I adopted after losing my previous GSD. I have had him now for 6 months. He was the 3 male in a breading kennel and was keep in a kennel from 8 weeks to 12 months. It took a bit but he has come to trust me. I had to teach him how to play, that riding in the car was a good thing and he has come to love walks. I am open for suggestions on an issue……………while he will sit and wait calmly while I put his leash on if he is in the car he will run and stay out of my reach if he see a leash in any other situration. I have calmly sat and called him for over 15 minutes to get him to come to me so we can put the leash on and walk out the front door for a walk……….It’s not going to happen. He runs up smiling and turns w/in 3 feet and runs in the other direction. If his collar is grabed (even just walking by so I can put his leash on he gets a look of absolut terror. When I take his collar I reenforce by petting and rubbing that this is a good thing immediatly put on the leash and go for a walk (which he LOVES). I know he trust me because he is a shadow I can’t go into the bathroom w/o him coming and laying down next to me…….but the leash thing drives me nuts. I have left it down so it is familar and he goes up and smells them when they are hanging up but I better not pick it up and put it on him unless he is in the care………….got any suggestions?

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24. steph - 6:45PM on 07/27/07

Moosemama: You can starts training a dog at just a few weeks old. If he doesnt wear a collar now, put one on him and let him get used to that first. Then once you feel he is used to it attach a leash to it and let him drag that around the house for a while, with supervisions so he doesnt get tangled. Then take him outside ( i would bring some yummy treats cut up like a hotdog in small pieces) to lure him if he doesn't want to come. That usually always works. Just do it for a few minutes and make it fun for him. And just make the sessions a little longer eachtime. Im a dog groomer and the biggest mistake i see is people carrying small dogs around. They become more aggresive that way and are high up which gives them power. A lot of people ask me if i get scared when working on powerful looking big dogs. But to tell you the truth it's the little ones that can be terrors! Good luck with your walking!

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25. donnam - 6:52PM on 07/27/07

Does anyone here actually ENJOY walking their dog? I understand maintaining control and that you are the boss and all, but anyone observing a dog on a walk knows that it must be the highlight of their day (besides greeting you when you come home). Why not let them sniff and while they're doing it, why don't you take a moment from your rushed and hurried day to enjoy the fresh air and sights as well? You can have it both ways -- in the morning, I literally tell my dog "no fooling " and she goes straight to do her business and we head home. But, in the evening, I deliberately let her sniff and meet other dogs or greet people and I try to enjoy it as much as she does. As we approach any street crossings, I say "wait" and she doesn't leap out ever. I say "go" when it's safe to cross and she eagerly trots ahead. I think you need to develop your own language with your dog and be consistent about it. And dogs may not be our human counterparts or equals, but they ought to be our friends and just as you don't want to tame the wonder of a child too much in life, don't kill your dogs spirit with too much hard-nosed discipline. Have fun!

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26. steph - 7:23PM on 07/27/07

I enjoy walking my American Bulldog Sierra, and i realize it's the highlight of her day. But if i let her sniff too much she thinks she's the boss.Usually though, she walks great along side me. And she can greet other people and animals IF she sits. I take her to the dog park and i feel thats more of her time to "let loose". But also not everyone has such a well behaved dog as you. SO letting thier dog do whatever they want would not be a fun experience if they are being dragged all over. It's not always easy to control a dog if they are going mental over seeing something they want.

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27. lmcfall53 - 10:03AM on 07/28/07

Hey Donnam: I love walking my German Shepard. He loves it I love it. He is only allowed to "lift" on a tree (that is not in someone's yard.) I walk him calmly to the place he is allowed to start sniffing. He knows it and looks forward to it. We vary our walks. I get bored and I am sure he not keen on the "same ole smells". We walk up on deer. He is not allowed to bark at them or chase. He stop and sits besides me and we get to watch them as long as they want. I take the time he is on his leash to reenforce what I expect of him. If I stop he is to sit at my side. It took about two weeks and he's got it. He is only off leash at my dad's place. He has 160 acres of old growth timber. we take the quads and he trots and get to run in once a week, or we walk the 3 miles to the creek, where Rocky has found the swimming hole, get soaked for our trip back up the mountain. ........... Yep we love our walks. It what I use to prepare me for the work day and prepares him for it too.

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28. Chuck - 11:16AM on 07/28/07

Ok folks, I have one for you. My 4 month old Border Collie HATES to walk with me on leash. Assume I have tried all the correct training stuff. I get him in the yard, and he floops down and starts eating whatever is there. I pull him up by the scruff of his neck and we take a few steps and floop again. If we are lucky enough to get onto the road for a real walk he pulls and hangs back. Corrections lead to a floop to the ground. I am very frustrated. And while I think I have a very hard headed dog, I suspect I am doing somehthing wrong. Any ideas?

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29. steph - 2:49PM on 07/28/07

Have you tried using something enticing? Like cut up hotdogs to lure him along??

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30. pj - 9:01PM on 07/28/07

anyone want to know how i've leashtrained 3 cats?

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