May 18, 2011
Our young Leerburg puppy has developed a habit of wanting to chase cars when I walk it. What should I do?
Full Question:
Ed,Our great puppy, Xanda vom Leerburg (born January 16, 2000; call name "Rebound"), is progressing beautifully. She is almost five months old and has settled in as a full-fledged member of the family (which includes my wife, three children, our male yellow lab and me).
I would like your thoughts on a particularly disturbing and dangerous habit that she has exhibited. During our walks in the neighborhood, she literally lunges at moving cars. In response, I shorten way up on the leash and tell her "no." (Often, I walk her with our lab, which does not give the cars a second glance, and has never chased them.) Needless to say, the puppy's attitude toward cars turns otherwise very enjoyable walks into quite a job. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your time.
Bob
Ed's Answer:
There is no question that this is a serious situation.
The solution is hard compulsion. This means that you need to get a puppy prong collar and when the dog does this she needs to get a very hard sharp POP on the leash. The pup needs to learn that this is 100% unacceptable behavior. The minute after the sharp hard correction the dog needs to be praised and told that you still love her.
If this is done properly it will not take long for the dog to learn to ignore cars. If it does not you have not corrected hard enough.
The solution is hard compulsion. This means that you need to get a puppy prong collar and when the dog does this she needs to get a very hard sharp POP on the leash. The pup needs to learn that this is 100% unacceptable behavior. The minute after the sharp hard correction the dog needs to be praised and told that you still love her.
If this is done properly it will not take long for the dog to learn to ignore cars. If it does not you have not corrected hard enough.
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