CARE is another good resource for desensitizing a reactive dog such as this: http://careforreactivedogs.com. Good luck!
Walking tips for Duna.
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Have you tried the Illusion collar marketed by Cesar Milan. I have got them for some of mine and they are very effective. I only use them for training as they can be quite restrictive. My walks for the dogs are just to give them new sniffs etc. as they get planty of exercise at home so I only walk them under the control of the collar when necessary but they certainly work although look rather ungainly.
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I've read about the gentle leader on this forum and looked up the sight. I haven't had the time to search for one over here ( cos really, i hope Duna as by a miracle, will start to walk well. ) The other day i spent 3 1/4 of an hour changing direction every minute, and i did confuse her…and it got me frustrated!!! People musyt of thought i was crazy...but i didnt care at all...im keen on training her now that she's young cos i dont want to get her into bad habits that she'll keep up for ever!!!
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I bought the S/M gentle leader - it's their head/neck size that important - and others that I've talked to all have the S/M size. Gossy has tried to pry it off in the grass but hasn't yet succeeded and now pretty much tolerates it. And like I said I don't always have to put it on but when I need it, it really makes a difference - the trick is that it controls the head and not the neck, like a horse halter.
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Thanks Wizard. I will try to find the tweener size..maybe I have to order it form online.
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I've been following this thread with interest to see if I can apply any of your tips to Pat. My problem is mabe slightly different though and I wonder if you have any experience of what might work. Pat is not too bad when we are walking in the woods - but when we walk in the town he 'lunges' at cars, people or dogs. Obviously I need to be extremely vigilant as on a couple of occasions he has taken me by surprise and tugged the lead from my hand. I am not entirely sure what he would do if I let him get to the person either - would he just jump at them or maybe grab them (he is quite a 'mouthy' dog) Obviously I don't want to find out! Do you think the gently leader or halti would curb this behaviour? I have tried a noise distraction in the form of a small aerosol called a 'pet corrector' - it just lets off a harmless hissing sound (air) - worked a bit but seem to have to use it ALL the time. Any tips gratefully received! Thank You.
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I think the gentle leader or any head leader would work for that because he is not going to be able to lounge at all. However you would have to use it all the time, when walking in an environment that has people. cars and what not around. I haven't gotten one for Otis yet, but spoke to a friend last night that got one for her 80 lbs mutt and swears by it. He used to tug her into ditches and into the road..no more..as soon as he starts tugging he will be torqued to the side and it will divert him from what he initilally focused on, and I believe it is fairly uncomfortable to be pulled to the side so the dog tends to learn not to to tug or pull. I hope it helps..
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basenjimamma…i'm wailting for you to buy it first and try it :p
i've found this italian link...is it the same thing?
And what size must i buy?
At the bottom it gives you the breed for the size..where does the basenji come in??
http://www.theidealdog.com/store/comersus_viewitem.asp?idproduct=297 -
Mari,
That is it. I think the size Wizard said he got was a in between size S/M. Apperantlt S is too small amd M is too Large. i will get mine today..I think..
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I've just read on the italian net of people writing that if you misuse the gentle leader, it can lead to seriouse problems and can become dangerouse! Is that correct? has anyone out there had any negative experience with the gentle leader???:mad:
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I guess the clue is "if you misuse it" anything could happen. Shoot if you misuse a child carseat it can become dangerous, right? If it is used for its intent and properly put on, I can not see it being dangerous, but hopefully somebody with actual experience with the leader will chime in soon.
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Kalima - I think the piccolo would be the size you want.
I went and rechecked and the halter says S (although the package said S/M).The important thing to fit it properly (it's not difficult) - pay attention to the diagram and it will work fine.
Since your leash is attached to the halter from below, if the dog starts to lunge it (the halter) pulls the head down and to the side a little and that's what stops the dog.
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@Shaye's:
…just threw herself down and pawed at it no matter how many times we tried, the Easy Walk Harness...
I agree with this…although I've never tried this type...Nala did the same thing as Shaye's Mom says...she threw herself down and pawed at it...she lost hair from it...it was a nightmare! Also, people thought it was a muzzle (not that I cared), but the other type that goes around the chest and/or legs seems a bit better to me...In my humble opinion, that is!:o
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I went to the store today and looked and looked at the head leads and the regular harnesses…and looked some more...and I still walked out of there without either..I could not make up my mind. I am determined to get Otis good at walking on his martingale collar. I dont like the thought of the head leads, and I don't like to look of the harnesses...silly, I know. A few more weeks of puppy classes, once we are done with that..if he is no better, I will cave in and get...one of them. There are two labs(huge, like small horses) in Otis' OB classes and they hate their head halters...keeps on pawing at them and are looking plain miserable the whole time, I want Otis to enjoy the walks as much as I do..so we have to work on it.
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Ok..i'll check my local vet distributor ( pet shop, only this place sells even animal medecines) to see if i can find it there or i'll order it online…......yesterday Duna behaved well in town...is she improving or was it a "GOOD" day for her???
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I think mommies and daddys all, would not like to see their fur babes with a harness or gentle lead that makes them unhappy…but i think its just a way we feel for our loves, surely they get used to it in the end if it's introduced to them positivly ( gosh my spelling!!!!:mad:)
I my self like you basenjimamma, is hesitating hoping that Duna will all at once behave during city walks....I'll give her some more time before i order the gentle leader...but it will only be in "extremis" when i'll really realize that i need to try an other method for her.:D
Maybe the result will be so positive ( as read on this forum) that i'll think to myself: " Shucks!!! Why didn't i decide earlier???" Instead of looking like an isterick jerk, correcting, talking and stopping and turning back with a dog on the lead???:rolleyes:
