Which collar/lead should we use?

[Mrs Ba]

My 15wk old puppy has started pullling a little when out on walks, (she's very excited) at puppy class they told me to get a slip lead so that it tightens when she pulls, I borrowed one and when it pulled tight around her neck it really made her jump and squeal,will she get used to this? ( I felt quite cruel,and not sure about buying one)

[nick_j007]

A slip collar (as you have discovered) is not a good idea on a puppy.

Just find a broad soft fabric collar and lead and begin to walk her about in short lengths in the home and garden.

Get her to follow food and insert lots of sits and rewards as you go. As soon as she pulls ahead, stop, wind her back gently get her to sit and then carry on again once calm.

A little practice at home every day will pay huge dividends.

Nick

[Mrs Ba]

It seems to be working, slowly, although too excited again amonst other puppies at training, they wanted me to once again use the slip lead,I declined politely! Other owners using slip leads seem to be dragging their pups along and they don't seem to be any better at walking than mine.I think I prefer to take it slowly rather than stress her out.Thanks for the advice.

[nick_j007]

Good for you. You know some classes are not that good quite honestly, and if you feel it is creating more issues than resolving then vote with your feet.

There is very little they will be able to show you that you can't do in a more open space or at home with the use of a good book. I see many behavioural based problems as a result of poorly run classes.

Food for thought.

Nick

[Mrs Ba]

I was thinking that,they are forever throwing tins of stones about to 'snap' naughty dogs out of bad behaviour,but it upsets the others that are behaving.The only reason I've gone is for my pup to meet other dogs and have a play(after class they can all run free together in a safe field) there aren't many dogs around where I live, and the council are putting loads of new rules out about where you can and can't take dogs, meaning they can't now be let off their leads at my local park.

[Mrs Ba]

I spotted a harness in (wait for it....) The Pound shop,it fits nicely and Frankie loves it and the pulling has stopped,very happy