June 12, 2009

How do I get my English Pointer puppy to go for a walk?

We just adopted a 7 month old female English Pointer mix. She is incredibly well-behaved but somewhat timid. She learns quickly but has no interest in going out on a leash. When we go for a walk we get about 50 yards and then she just stops and will not move. I don't want to pull on her (it doesn't work) but I would love her to be my walking companion. Also, she will not cross threshholds. I can only think her former owners had invisible fencing. No one I know has ever had this problem with a dog. Any advice?

That does sound like invisible fencing. Let her know that your the boss and you will not lead her into any danger. I know that it sound barbaric, but we used a "choke chain" on our two labs. Most people put these chains in the wrong place, they are meant to go in the soft spots right behind the ears and are not meant to hurt the dog. Whenever ours would start to pull us on the leash we would give them a quick tug and tell them "no pull". I don't believe that we ever hurt them but we did get their attention and they no longer pull us. But by no means is she "un-trainable". She will probably take some patience and a lot of encouragement but whatever you decide, make sure that you stay consist ant. Give her lots of love too.

Good luck :)

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Comments on How do I get my English Pointer puppy to go for a walk? »

June 12, 2009

Megan M @ 1:25 am

I think you should just give her time. Don't push her to do something she dosn't want to. She is new she needs time to adapt to her new life style.
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Paige J @ 1:55 am

Just whach the dog whisper
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dog whisper

Emily B @ 2:08 am

That does sound like invisible fencing. Let her know that your the boss and you will not lead her into any danger. I know that it sound barbaric, but we used a "choke chain" on our two labs. Most people put these chains in the wrong place, they are meant to go in the soft spots right behind the ears and are not meant to hurt the dog. Whenever ours would start to pull us on the leash we would give them a quick tug and tell them "no pull". I don't believe that we ever hurt them but we did get their attention and they no longer pull us. But by no means is she "un-trainable". She will probably take some patience and a lot of encouragement but whatever you decide, make sure that you stay consist ant. Give her lots of love too.

Good luck :)
References :

beebobry77 @ 2:51 am

In order to having a walking companion, she will need to be properly leashed trained and patiently trained to go beyond cetain perimeters. For instance… when she stops at 50 yards or at a threshhold, back up a few feet and calm her. Once she is calm, play with her. As she gets more comfortable you can move her (slowly) toward the threshold or 50 yard mark. Eventually, you will cross the threshold and she should be comfortable walking with you everywhere.
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Snowhiker @ 2:58 am

This dog is still a puppy and probably has not been trained to walk on a leash. I have a puppy and people have told me that sometimes it can be up to a year before they can be able to learn to walk on a leash.
Try to put the leash on while you have the dog in the house. Just walk around the house a few days with the leash on. That way the puppy will get used to the leash. We use a harness on our dog. With a collar they pull so bad and can hurt themselves.
Try having someone on the other side of the threshold with food? Trying to coax the puppy out that way. It may take awhile but it is worth a try. Once it does cross the threshold then repeat it over and over. Have the leash on the dog so the person can have the leash in their hand while trying to give the dog a treat.
Have the dogs favorite toy and try to coax it out that way.
I have watched the dog whisper and I have seen him put the dog leash on the dog and just start to walk where you are wanting to go. Not to say lets go ! Just go to where you are wanting to go. You have to be the pack leader. Hold the leash tight and close to you . The dog can not feel that there is even a question as to what you are wanting her to do. You have to do it fast to where you do not give the dog time to think.
Do not push the dog that could only make things worse. You have to remember you have a puppy. She has a lot to learn.
Practice, Practice, Practice that is how a puppy learns.
I have a 13 week old Lab puppy. We are still learning this leash thing. I do have her potty trained though.
Good Luck Hope I helped.
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