Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi Sarala,

I agree with what lots of other people have said, but thought I would just add a couple of things because Adrian is trying to get our dog Ranger to be the perfect walker, so has tried all kinds of tricks that seem to be working pretty well.
I also agree that most stuff probably won't work all that well if she is only getting a little bit of exercise each day. A lab/shepherd cross is a pretty big girl and she probably needs loads of exercise.

Here are a few ideas, though..
1) While you are walking, and the dog starts to pull just slow down and if she keeps pulling ahead stop completely. Pat your side and call her back and make her sit down or just stand beside (ideally just slightly behind) you. Start using the word "heel" too so when she is where you want her (standing still), you can say, "Good heel". When you start walking again, do the same thing until she starts to get that you won't go anywhere unless she is beside you. It does make walks take A LONG TIME. You have to be really patient. Sometimes when we are out together and Adrian is doing that, I am like, "C'mon, let's just walk!" but it is working so now I keep quiet.

2) Similar to the last one, when our first dog was trained (at a women's prison, hee hee), they would walk forward and if the dog would pull, you turn around and walk the other direction.. you keep them on quite a short lease so they are made to turn around too. I think it is basically the same principle as the other one.
3) Pat your side or something that also tells her to heel, and do that consistently so she knows. Our dog now, for example, will be trotting around in the bushes and Adrian says, "Ranger" and pats his thigh and he comes and heels right beside him and walks along like that off-leash! It's pretty cool.
Apparently, these work well as "positive reinforcement" because it is rewarding the dog with the forward motion when he/she is doing it correctly.

I would try these things and use the halties or gentle leaders (I have never tried them, but so many people swear by them) at first so it is easier on you. I also reward with little treats, or letting him off leash to chase the ball or whatever.
It will also be easier on you if there is a place you can take her where she can have a good run and tire herself out a little bit.

Good luck!

Steph

--------------------
~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator