Buddy is driving me NUTS! What am I doing wrong?

[thebritt]

We have 1 last visit paid for for our prof. trainer. We didn't want to use it up, so we'll be calling her in the next couple weeks, but...

When DH walks Buddy, he's a good boy and seems to be getting the "we're just going for a walk - no need to be a complete spaz" thing down. But when he walks with ME, he barks out of excitement, pulls, and barks more with any correction (such as turning the other way when he pulls, or a correction "jerk" on the leash ("NO", jerk. Good boy" as he lets up). It's really not enjoyable to walk with him, but we obviously need to work on it more! I'm really frustrated!

And yes, I bring yummy treats for when things go right, but I'm starting to fall into the "bribing" mentality - set him up for success, he succeeds and gets a treat, but then goes mental so that I'll get him to sit, give a treat....

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Have you tried the pinch collar trick?

 

[SillyChicken]

The pinch collar is an excellent collar to correct that behavior. PM me if you want help with using one. How many pounds is he and how old?

Also, ever watch Cesar Milan? Ever notice how (no offence intended) most of the women are wishywashy when handleing the dogs? Take the lead, and lead! He'll fight you on it cause he's used to getting his own way... but he'll figure it out that you are now in charge. Don't speak to him at all before a walk. Just do everything calmly, hook him up, don't allow slack in the lead, and take him in the direction you want. Make him sit every time you stop when walking. Don't allow him to sniff the ground, or chase, or lollygag, or do anything until he learns to walk correctly.

Treats are also good, but he has to earn them! Don't give in to his behavior, if you do, you're telling him he's in charge and his behavior will only get worse.

 

[Slinkytoys]

I would heartily recommend the Gentle Leader. No more pulling, screaming and fighting. Makes life a lot easier. I like it better than the Halti.
Slinky

 

[brownlikewoah]

sounds like he may be picking up on some vibe you give off. When you are on a walk with him, try not to make a big deal out of it, ignore him. He is just the dog, lucky enough to enjoy coming on a walk with you. Sounds harsh, but it will help him unwind. If I were you I wouldn't bother with treats, sounds like he already has enough stimulation, and doesn't need food added to the mix. A prong collar might help with him if your trainer shows you how to use it correctly. I would also suggest running with him at first, to get that top layer of exciteable energy out of him, so that he is able to focus and burn it off. I don't agree with everything the dog whisperer says, but his order of rules are exercise, discipline, affection, and I agree with this 100%

 

[Brindlebtch]

exercise, discipline, affection, and I agree with this 100%

Good advice!

Sounds like Buddy knows he can take advantage of you. I know this first hand because our dogs will do things to my DH they would NEVER do to me.

 

[thebritt]

Due to Buddy's background of abuse (that went on for the 8 yrs before I got him), our trainer believes the pinch collar and Gentle leader cause him to fight back more. I bought the Genlte leader, but the spot on his muzzle that was rubbed raw from having a muzzle on for 2 years breaks open and bleeds

. I've tried the "Walk-Easy harness - it connects to the leash in the front, and turns the dog sideways if he pulls. This caused him to side-step, like a prancing horse, and bark out of frustration. I'm using a no-slip collar (it tightens if he tries to slip the collar and loosens when he's not pulling). The more I try to correct him, the more barky and frustrated he gets. We have 5 other dogs, including GP, 2 BCs, an AussieX, a beagleX, and a Pom (all but the GP are rescues), and I've never had any problems with any of them on walks. I've taken all of them to training classes, and the techniques work just as they're supposed to.
When I get home from work, I walk in and essentially ignore Buddy until he's calm. I have him sit before I pet him - no problem. He sits, and does a down/stay every time I tell him to. I can be across the room, tell him "down" with the hand signal - no problem. As soon as he sees the leash in my hand he goes mental. I ignore his behavior - no leash on until he sits, etc. But he won't settle down once we start walking. That is, until we're on our way back towards the house. I'm really frustrated!

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I'm sorry but even with his background in abuse, the dogs I've worked with soon realize that it's THEIR actions that cause the pinch instead of the handler.

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
Yeah, I guess it's worth a try. Our trainer didn't have on the right size on her last visit, so I guess I'll pick one up.
Here's another problem...BARKING! Usually when he's excited (such as in the car - during the WHOLE RIDE!). Shock collars are too expensive, but I'm borrowing a citronella collar from a friend. He barks, it sprays, he barks again, gets sprayed again, etc. Seems like the spray not only doesn't get him to stop, but pisses him off so he barks more?

Maybe I'd have more luck teaching him to read so he can follow the rules?

 

[krcote]

A CORRECTLY fitting prong collar will work wonders. It will do nothing at all if it is not the appropriate size.

Also- your dog needs an animal behaviorist not a trainer. He is well trained and very trainable if you can get him into a down-stay from far away. However, good behaviorists do not come cheap, it is an investment of time and money. He just has some loose screws that need a little tightening!