Loose-lead training with part-time dog

[Hemlock]

Ah, fair enough, you have to choose ways that suit you/him as individuals. He does sound a delightful chap, and I feel sure you'll nail it one way or another!

 

[JoanneF]

I'm eyeing up the Perfect Fi

I like the Perf CT Fit, but they are quite expensive. Do you have a PDSA charity shop near you? They will sometimes have harnesses handed in. If you can pick up a cheap front ring harness of a different brand just to see how he gets on with it, you could always get the Perfect Fit later if the front ring works well.

 

[JudyN]

Actually according to the Perfect Fit website you shouldn't use the front attachment ring on its own as it unbalances the dog. I've also realised that there's a small fabric loop on the front of his regular harness which is designed to be used as an attachment point - though possibly designed with a long line in mind rather than a lead. We might need to go for another walk to test it out...

 

[JudyN]

OK, the harness idea could be dead in the water... He wouldn't come near me when I tried to put it on him Checking back through my messages, his owner said, 'He came with a harness' so I guess she's never used it, and it must have bad memories for him

 

[JoanneF]

Have you seen the training technique where you train loose lead walking without a lead?

A dog on a lead can't pull. So you train the position you want, without one. I'd use a clicker, and train to walk by my knee, indoors at first, then in the garden. Then lead on on the house, then in the garden (obviously too risky to train outside with no lead).

 

[JudyN]

I'm planning on finding some good guides for that before next week, Joanne - one way or another, I don't really want to be reliant on the GL long term.