Uncontrollable behaviour when walking

[vickiweaver16@hotmail.com]

This is the first time on this site, I have a 19mth old male boxer, he is very good in doors and with my children and follows most commands.

When taking him out for a walk 9 times out of 10 he is very good we always have to have our wits about us just in case we see another dog, when he does see another dog he normally barks, up on his back legs and pulling very hard I would like to add his tail is normally wagging continously.

He has never bitten or hurt a dog and when my husband takes him to the local fields/woods recall is a bit hit and miss but he generally comes back and is fine with other dogs.

Please could anyone advise me on how to improve walking, he is a very lovable dog and I would love to be able to enjoy walking with him obviously as he is getting older he is becoming more powerful and sometimes I do find it hard to control him.

Vick

[Princess]

Hi,
First i would suggest a body harness as it is easier to control stronger dogs and you can pul the dog back without the risk of injuring him. When he pulls, just pull him towards you and keep moving, the dog will have to concentte on you then.
With the recall, use treats and just keep going, he will get there.
x

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by vickiweaver16@hotmail.com

This is the first time on this site, I have a 19mth old male boxer, he is very good in doors and with my children and follows most commands.

When taking him out for a walk 9 times out of 10 he is very good we always have to have our wits about us just in case we see another dog, when he does see another dog he normally barks, up on his back legs and pulling very hard I would like to add his tail is normally wagging continously.

He has never bitten or hurt a dog and when my husband takes him to the local fields/woods recall is a bit hit and miss but he generally comes back and is fine with other dogs.

Please could anyone advise me on how to improve walking, he is a very lovable dog and I would love to be able to enjoy walking with him obviously as he is getting older he is becoming more powerful and sometimes I do find it hard to control him.

Vick

Hi

Sounds as though he is not that used to seeing and interacting with dogs...certainly in a calm manner anyhow!

Maybe research in your area for a class that can cope with him and offer some space for his development? Ask at your local vets maybe?
Otherwsie it sounds as though you may need some help for a decent local trainer to guide you though how to deal with his behaviour and the best equipment given his behaviour.
Be careful re a harness as it will simply allow a stronger dog to pull you even more than before. If I wanted to pull a car using a rope, I would place it across my chest....much the same location for a dog and a harness.

Tail wagging is a calming signal in this context, and suggests anxiety.

When out and about the recall is essential for a reasonably secure walk and for you to enjoy the experience. Don't allow him to be able to ignore you, so for this I would consider a 20m long line that you can make up at your local hardware store. Each time you now call him he cannot ignore you. If he does at first, stop him using the line and be assertive to gain his attention, then once he;s coming to you you can change into the 'yay...good boy!' mode. Get him to sit, treat him with amazing treat (chicken, sausage...that ilk) keep him there for a while and then make a point of the release. The release is as important as the recall and often under estimated. Repeat 10-20 times per walk! An effort yes, but see it as an investment. Keep it fun and a bit varioed where possible.

Once this is looking good, you can let go of the line so he trails it, and then over a few weeks cut it down gradually until it's not there, and the recall is as good as you'd like.

Easy

[mac.]

Try using a halti, they are very good, to correct them with a halti just give the lead a tug it pulls the head to the side and you then have there attention and it should stop this hopefully,
hth