I started out about an hour before Rocky's appointment. I should have given him a couple of Benadryl tabs, and in fact, the vet asked me to do so before his next nail clip. The walk is about 1-1/3 miles, at least, and he was still going strong when we arrived. After fighting with Rocky trying to hold him to an easy walk, plus the worst streets and walk lanes in the city, I was whipped when we arrived. The walk back home was just as bad. Why in the world can't he just walk normally, in a straight line, with his head up! Now he is ready for a nap. The thought of pouring myself a drink with a stiff shot of something sounds enticing, but it doesn't sound good in the morning, lol.
I really don't have anything else to say, and hope the rest of my day is uneventful.
Happy Friday, or T.G.I.F.!
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When training our Labs (three), we always used a "choke chain" purchased from a pet store and not expensive. The way this works is that you put the choke chain on (employee can show you how - very simple), then attach the leash to the choke chain - not Rocky's collar. The choke chain does not hurt the dog.
ReplyDeleteWhen walking and Rocky starts going to fast or the wrong way, you simply jerk the leash, stop and give a command in a firm voice - "heel" (meaning he is to walk at your speed. You can also use the commands "sit," "stay" etc. depending on the situation. Repetition is the key with one word commands so he doesn't get confused with what you are asking him to do. Do this consistently and Rocky will "get" it and realize that you are in charge - not him. This worked with all of our girls. Good luck.
Rocky is a pretty smart dog, and certainly not stupid. But I question his intelligence when he continues to do something that is uncomfortable for him. I put the choke chain on him before we walked to the vet this morning. He pulled on the chain, no matter. When we got to the vet I switched to his regular collar, and just left it on for the walk back. I don't understand - after a walk of approx.1-1/3 miles wearing that chain, he still was as bad as ever. I am at my wit's end, and can't afford a private trainer. I'm so upset with him I don't even want him around me right now.
DeleteThis is a real learning process for Rocky to learn what you want him to do (no offense but it is also a learning process for you). Consistency is a real key in training.
DeleteWith our girls we walked them morning and afternoon. Didn't take them long to know this and they would go to the door when it was "time" for their walks. A choke chain will not hurt him (we only used the plain chain type not the one with spikes). When he is not minding you have to give it a real jerk and give the command. If he doesn't respond do it again and again, he will get the message over time. Our girls got to the point where we could walk them off leash and they just walked alongside us (we do not live in the city so could do this). But this didn't happen overnight and we worked with them constantly.
Labs are wonderful smart dogs and really just want to please you (their owner), but you have to teach them what you want them to do. For instance, our girls had to sit while their food bowls were filled and knew they couldn't start their meal until I said "OK" after putting the bowls down. Did this happen overnight - no but learned quickly.
Good luck!
Don't give up, but establish a routine, use a choke chain and be firm when he is not minding.
I'm just so weary, and while I love the apartment I'm living in, I don't like the location although it is just a few blocks from my daughter's house. I think Rocky just adds to frustrations in my life and I just have to hope I get over this rough spot sooner rather than later.
DeleteGoing to keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all works out well for you and Rocky.
DeleteDefinitely sounds tiring. Probably like taking a walk with grandkids. They are young and we are not.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at your comment, and I thank you for the opportunity for me to smile!
DeleteLast yr I adopted a husky who was close to 2yrs. She was a handful; couldn't walk her at all. Luckily she came with a free session with a dog trainer. He suggested a pinch collar, also called a prong collar. Worked like a charm. Highly recommend it. We went from no walks to walking 2 miles a day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience. I'm using a prong collar and maybe I'm not using in properly because my dog still tries to pull me along. How much does your husky weigh, if I might ask. When I took Rocky to the vet to get his nails trimmed, he jumped up on their scale and I could have fallen over when he hit the 70 pound mark. He should be 65 or slightly lower. I know I give him too many treats, so I have to change my ways.
Deleteshe weighed 75 at her checkup 3 months ago. Maybe you have the collar too loose? At the slightest tug, the prongs should pinch and become uncomfortable. She has high food drive which helps a lot. The trainer had me walk with her on to my left, the leash in my right hand and food in my left hand. That kept her nose at my knee instead of walking ahead of me.
DeleteHope he soon comes around and learns to mind you. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he will but I think I need to be more consistent and patient.
DeleteWe walked this afternoon and he did much better. I took two of the links out of the collar and it fits much better. I think he's still worn out a bit from our walk to the vet and back yesterday. I sure am worn out!
DeleteStrange "water hack" burns 2lbs overnight
ReplyDeleteAt least 160 thousand women and men are utilizing a easy and secret "water hack" to burn 1-2 lbs every night in their sleep.
It's simple and it works all the time.
Just follow these easy step:
1) Get a glass and fill it up half glass
2) And then follow this strange hack
you'll be 1-2 lbs thinner the next day!