Wont always walk where we want to

[Cath S]

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I am back again for further advice please? My dog wont always walk where I would like. We live on a main road and my car is currently out of action so cannot drive anywhere. He constantly wants to zig zag down the road which is not easy to cross and sometime has a sniff and wants to cross straight back - multiple times. I have allowed him to do it on quieter roads so maybe I have in advertantly encouraged this? Will will just stop and stare at me - putting the brakes on. As far as I can tell he is not scared or injured in any way. I try to encourage him with a happy 'lets go' or 'ready, steady, go' which does sometimes work but not always. What should I do? Do I just stand and wait until he will walk? I dont normally carry treats with me as he is not allowed many. Its becoming quite frustrating especially when it cold, dark and wet and just want to get home. He is approx 12.5kg so a little big for me to pick up and carry. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry I have just realised there is a separate 'walking' category.

 

[JudyN]

The 'Walk' section is for good walks and walking services, so you're in the right place

I think you could do two things here. One is to go back to the basics of loose-lead walking (see Loose Lead Walking ) so he understands a cue to 'walk properly' and what is required of him. You can start teaching this in the house and garden, then as a short exercise on the pavement rather than a 'proper' walk.

The other is for when he puts the brakes on, which Jasper used to do. First I would check with him to see what he did want - sometimes he was worried by some aspect of where we were heading (e.g. dark woods), other times, he just thought he had a much better idea for where we would go. If what he asked for made sense, we'd go for it, but if it wasn't possible I made sure he knew that I had acknowledged his request (OK, we were more telepathic than most) and if he still wouldn't budge I would turn my back to him, holding the lead behind my back... and wait. A few times I actually took my Kindle to pass the time.... Each time he took a step in my direction I would turn to him and praise him, if he stopped again I'd turn away again.

Eventually, he learnt that if I turned away from him and put my hands behind me, it was my way or... my way, and would respond almost immediately. I do think it was important that he knew I understood and had considered what he was trying to tell me.

Of course, this was just one dog (and I probably reminisce about him far too much). But it worked for us!

 

[Cath S]

thanks Judy - I have since found the loose lead article and had a good read. Can I ask when you say you acknowledged his request what do you mean? a bit of fuss and further encouragement? I must admit I got very annoyed with him this morning and probably didnt react very well!! its not a joy to walk him at the moment.

 

[JudyN]

Well, it's difficult, because we really could understand each other so well. I probably said something along the lines of 'No, unfortunately we're not able to go there today' - if I'd just ignored him he'd have thought that I didn't know he wanted to go the longer way round so he had to keep telling me. He knew that I did understand what he wanted and had considered it, but it wasn't happening.

I don't know how common this level of communication is. Remember, I simply didn't have the option of picking Jasper up or dragging him home! But the more you talk to Freddie as you would, say, a toddler, the more this sort of communication will develop.

 

[Cath S]

Well, it's difficult, because we really could understand each other so well. I probably said something along the lines of 'No, unfortunately we're not able to go there today' - if I'd just ignored him he'd have thought that I didn't know he wanted to go the longer way round so he had to keep telling me. He knew that I did understand what he wanted and had considered it, but it wasn't happening.

I don't know how common this level of communication is. Remember, I simply didn't have the option of picking Jasper up or dragging him home! But the more you talk to Freddie as you would, say, a toddler, the more this sort of communication will develop.

thanks for your advice - much appreciated!

 

[JoanneF]

I probably said something along the lines of 'No, unfortunately we're not able to go there today'

Admit it, you were a saluki in another life!

But other breeds (salukis spring to mind) think more along the lines of ‘I’ve considered your suggestion. Possibly later, but for now, I’ve decided that I’d rather do this’

 

[JudyN]

Admit it, you were a saluki in another life!

It's the lovely flowing hair, long legs, beauty and elegance that gives it away, isn't it?