Is something pet related really grating on your nerves? Is there a nagging issue you’d like some perspective about? Frustrated by a situation that you either haven’t been able to overcome or is just an ongoing irritation for you?
We figure any issues you share with us may also be challenges for other clients. If we can help share a solution or suggestion, or get a discussion started, perhaps we’ll all end up smiling.
Don’t be shy, especially if we’re a cause of your problem!
We have now had our rescued labrahound, Samba Lu, for three years (adoption date March 29, 2008) and we love her dearly. However, she has never stopped pulling when she is on leash. We started with a regular web collar and I ended up almost swimming with the ducks she went after in Lake Washington. Then we went to a harness around the chest leash. She has so little fur that it rubbed her bald in places. So, we switched to a prong collar and that is what we still use.
Normally, the prong collar works OK but she always is at the full extension of her flex leash and putting tension on the collar and leash. When Samba sees a squirrel or wants to get closer to a cat hiding in the bushes — well, she goes into ‘tractor mode’ — and pulls like crazy.
I don’t want to give up the flex leash but would like to find an alternative to the prong collar. Would the mesh ‘jackets’ I see advertised on TV now work for our ‘tractor’ girl?
Hi Cricket-
Thanks very much for your inquiry. Pulling is one of those issues that has many potential solutions and everyone has their favorite approach. I’m happy to share our philosophy and approach with you.
We’ve had wonderful success in situations such as what you describe with the Gentle Leader. This is a type of head collar which would attach around Samba’s snout and neck. There’s link to a video from the manufacturer at the end of this message.
The idea behind the Gentle Leader is very simple. It is based on control on the head, rather than physical restraint or correction. You’ll get best results by combining the control from the collar along with verbal and/ or visual commands.
Since the Gentle Leader allows you to be in control of Samba’s head, her body really has no choice but to follow. When she begins to pull against your leash, it’s not necessary to pull back against her as you do with a prong collar. Just stop and hold the leash steady. As she pulls, her head will naturally be turned back towards you, and you’re able to use that opportunity to train, reward, praise, click, correct or deal with her in whatever (non-physical) manner you choose.
I’m not familiar with the mesh jackets you’re referring to in your post. Unless they incorporate some sort of calming or security pressure like a ThunderShirt, I would think you will continue to battling the same issue.
The beauty of the Gentle Leader is that it quickly gives you the opportunity to connect with your dog and reshape the inappropriate behavior of pulling with something more acceptable that your dog will instinctively understand and accept.
Here’s a link to a video produced by the manufacturer. It takes you through the proper fitting and use of the product, as well as its benefits. Hope this helps!