Leash walking with a puppy

Often the thing that dog trainers hear most is ‘my dog pulls my arm off when we walk’ or ‘he pulls so hard he gags himself’.   Yeah, that’s not fun.

But what I’m going to talk about today is the exact opposite problem, balking.  Balking means he plops his butt down and won’t move, or she braces her legs and acts like you are asking her to walk across an invisible bridge.   Ahh come on, would you?  Me, neither.

Dogs know there are scary things out there! No invisible bridge for me!

A couple quick balking tips.  One to realize that this is very usual puppy or shy dog behavior.   Yeah, they do that, especially if you leave the home turf.   They are just getting used to being here and you want them to go there!  Why oh why, they stress seceretly.   What nefarious purpose do you have?   They outgrow this in a few months.

Use this time to practice your leash walking skills.  Just go back and forth in front of your house and driveway.   Back and forth back and forth.  You can still get your mile – or your two blocks – in, going back and forth.  Pop in your music and just go.   Keep the leash loose and encourage baby with bits of treat and lots of praise.   Soon – a week or more – add in another house.   Just one more, and do that till puppy is walking nicely there.  You are going to have this dog ten plus years.  I promise you will be walking whereever you want before then!   A couple months of back and forth will be worth it in the long run.

The other thing to do is when puppy starts to balk it to turn around – take a couple steps backwards calling puppy to come.  Then as soon as he starts to come, you walk forward, so you are going past him.  “Let’s go!!!” and often they turn around and follow.  Then a few back and forths again.

What? Wait. I’m confused.

Treats are always good.  Make sure they are something exceptionally yummy because – hey, there’s a big wide smelly world and you have to compete!   Let puppy sniff  the treat enclosed in your fist, maybe a tiny bit and then, move your hand and hope he follows.  “Touch” is a good command to practice at home.  If he touches your hand or fist, then his feet will follow his nose.

Stick his favorite squeak toy in your pocket and when he comes to balk stage, bring it out, squeak it and toss it ahead of you.   Not far – you don’t want to create a pull situation.  Because that is a whole ‘nother ball game!

Ready!

Well, a puppy home fell through tonight.

I’m sad.  I really thought the home would be a good fit.

But, after reflection, they didn’t.

They wanted a “bigger” puppy.

Umm- so you didn’t know what a Crested is?

this big. not much more

No.  They didn’t want this puppy.  And  I heave a sigh of relief.   I sent another puppy home today and all his new mommy could do was coo….  I want coo.  I want happy.  I want arms full of love and eyes wide open and knowing what is coming.

So – I have two now, ready to go.  One with full hair, one with minimum hair.   Who has a good home??

katesdogs@live.com

217-875-1368

First things first

Okay – lets talk about that new puppy you’re bringing home.   I KNOW – I can’t wait either!  I love to talk puppy!

Today’s talk is going to be about What you need before he comes home.   I know surprises happen – we went to the shelter to ‘look at’ cats.   And ended up bringing home one THAT NIGHT.   He was already neutered – he could come!  I had nothing!   And we all lived.

And kitty teaches all the puppies who’s boss!

There are lists pages long of things you need if you google it.   I want to talk about a few of the most important things before that baby comes home.  We’ll pretend (for today) that you’ve already researched and picked out the right breed, or dog for you.

In some kind of random-ish order:

First of all – do you have a vet?   If you haven’t had animals in a while, you might not.  Ask your friends, ask people walking their dogs, ask at your local pet food store.  You will get several referrals.   Make an appointment a day or so after puppy comes home.  I’ve had some people take puppy straight from here to vet.   Others like to wait a few days.   Up to you, but get that appointment made.

Second  – where is baby going to pee and poop?   On pads in the house?  Outside?  Pick one or two spots and make sure he gets there a few dozen times a day (depending).   The more consistent you are with it, the faster he’ll catch on.

I won’t be perfect, but I’ll try!

Third – where is he going to sleep?  Crate?   Where will it be?  Somewhere handy you can pop in and out during the day.

Fourth – How will you react when he screws up?  When he poops on the floor and chews your shoes and howls all night and knock grandma over and takes the candy from the two legged baby?    Thinking ahead of time of what your reaction should be, will help before the natural instincts take over.   Patience is a virtue!

I thought helping load the dishwasher was a Good thing!?

Fifth-  what’s he going to be chewing on?  Puppies WILL be chewing on things.  Better lay in a supply of the good proper stuff.  (My cat has chewed up five, yes five,  phone chargers.  So far.   Puppies chew More.)

Sixth – what kind of exercise do you plan to do with him?   A tired dog is a good dog and you want a good dog, right?  Say right!   Walks, classes, parks, back yard, chase the ball down the hall, etc.  Plan to wear him out!

too exhausted to make it to bed!

Seventh – what are your socialization prospects?  The more he’s exposed to early,  the more social he’s likely to be.  Where can you take him?  How many people can he say hi to everyday?

Well, there’s a start.   I’ve had a few requests for tomorrow’s column.   Add yours in!  I’ll get to them.

Katesdogs@live.com    and check out my dogs/puppies -

www.longroadkennel.com

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