Globalpaw.com Dog Forum » General Dog Concerns & Questions » Dog Behavior and Training Forum

[Carrie]

Look at these two videos. Notice the difference in the dogs in the 2nd video and the dog in the 1st video with the man. In the 2nd video, she does not pull or "correct" with the leash. She is very relaxed. In the 1st video, the man continually pulls straight up on the leash while he's talking to us and advises pulling on the leash and releasing. (collar corrections) Look at all 3 dogs' body language and facial expressions. What do you see? I see in the man's dog, ears back, a submissive gesture, head down....in general, significant avoidance-type body language. In the 2nd video, I see dogs that are complying and show no avoidance whatsoever, happy countenance and expressions... happy to work. Huge difference. This is what collar corrections run the risk of causing. And why they are unnecessary to teach a dog to walk on a nice, loose leash.

Here's the one with the man advising to pull or collar correct:

YouTube - Dog Training - The Secret To Loose Leash Walking

Here is the one without the collar corrections or pulling:

YouTube - How to train your dog not to pull- Loose Leash Walking


Another trainer I think is wonderful...not a lot of instruction here though. But she really understands dogs.

YouTube - Turid Rugaas - What do I do when my dog pulls - DVD Trailer


Here is a good trainer. I always start my puppies training without a leash. This shows why the leash shouldn't become something that steers or directs the dog. It is there simply for safety reasons.

YouTube - How to Train a Dog : Train a Dog to Walk Without a Leash
YouTube - How to Train a Dog : How to Train a Dog to Walk With a Leash

[Urielle]

I saw that video in my other thread, and was thoroughly unimpressed with his technique. I don't like his demeanor, his tone of voice, or how he calls himself "The Amazing Dog Training Man." I saw another video by him a couple of months ago. Housetraining, I think it was?? I was equally unimpressed for some reason. On the other hand, I love the attentiveness of the dogs in the second video. Dog Training Man's dog won't look at him. Ducks his head. Almost cowers. He is hunched over (the dog AND the man hahahhahaha). So yes, I see what you mean by body language.

As for the off-leash training: I can see where it would be invaluable. But what about the fact that my puppy is approaching her flight instinct period? Would this kind of instruction be better suited for when she's a little older?

[Carrie]

Yes, that dog was near cowering. Such a shame that he's all over the Internet teaching unsuspecting people when there are such better ways.

As for the off-leash training: I can see where it would be invaluable. But what about the fact that my puppy is approaching her flight instinct period? Would this kind of instruction be better suited for when she's a little older?

It must be done in a safe fenced area or inside. (if there's room) Yes, you're right. It is dangerous to have a dog...at any stage in training, no matter how reliable anywhere where he might run to a road or otherwise get hurt. The idea is, like she explained to get the dog use to coming along side you, making it really pay off for the dog, first, without a leash. Then there is nothing to pull against. (you don't develop habits of using the leash to "steer" the dog or pull on him. The leash is really not for directing a dog, just to keep him safe.) The dog learns to walk along side you all by himself. LOL. So, when you add the leash, he/she already has a head start on the idea of staying close to you. It's best when they're very, very young when it is still natural to hang around and follow you anyhow. But it can be done later too, in practice. Notice how she reinforced at a high rate of frequency until the dog gets onto it well. I use to practice most skills off leash with my puppies. Then I'd snap on the leash and do it with that on. Of course, on walks where you're on roads or whatever, you have to have a leash.