Walking my Pit

[tlr1980]

So I got my dog about a month ago. She is 2 yrs old, love her to death but I can not walk her. She literally walks me and it is very aggravating. I get mad at her and I know it is not her fault.

So I got my dog about a month ago. She is 2 yrs old, love her to death but I can not walk her. She literally walks me and it is very aggravating. I get mad at her and I know it is not her fault.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can enjoy an taking my baby for walks?

[rebeccajoshuaoshea]

Has she been through any training? As soon as we picked up our pit from a stray shelter (he’s about a year and 8 months now), he had a hard time walking–just cuz he was always excited. Not a really big puller, but still quite strong.

We have a leash that is 6 ft long, but also has a “traffic” handle, which is situated where the dog has to walk right by your side. During training, we’d have some extra special treats in our RH, having the traffic handle in our LH, and as we took a few steps at a time we’d say “heel” and then give a treat if he stayed by our side. Ours hasn’t quite picked up on this, but he walks well for the most part. (Just when there are critters around–rabbits and squirrels, does he get excited…but I think if we ignore those creatures he ignores them, too)

[Taana]

Some ppl say if a dog pulls then turn in the other direction. I was making myself dizzy with this. I purchased a harness which works well for me. When Beastley starts to pull or walk away I stop and wait for his return. Once he returns I say good boy and offer a high value treat. As time goes on he is better at staying close to my side. I am fading out the treats and patting him on the side and say good boy. It’s a long process and you have to do it the same way every time or she will get confused. Some ppl say the gentle leader works well too. Don’t show frustration because the dog will sense that. You have to show her you are the leader. Good luck

[raisins mom]

This may not help but do you have a bike? If so and you need to burn some energy off yer dog you can try a K9 cruiser (jusst google it). I used it with my previous pitbull mix when he was a young. It attaches to the back of your bike so your hands are free and the dog can not get caught in the wheel. Baylers used to actualy push the bike some in the begining and then when he wore down we would go at a nice clip. I havent tried it yet w/ Rai cuz he is scared of his shadow and see’s the bike and gets nervous. Could help atleast to burn the energy.
If you want him to stay closer when walking find a treat or fav toy your dog likes and see if it will keep her at your side. For heeling our GSD trainer had us put peanut butter or cream cheese on a spoon and hold it at our side while we walked. Sometimes I hold chicken in my hand and let Rai smell and lick my hand while we walk. You two will find your grove and be strolling long at a happy pace w/ time and practice.

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