So, instead of rewarding him when he stops pulling, what should I do?? Reward him when he walks nice and simply stop when he doesn't??
I try to trade him a toy, but he still won't give what he has. Food does work most of the time.

I pop them straight back and tell them easy. I don't reward them until they've walked alongside me for a while. I also use a clear release so that they know they can move away from me. Even more confusing now huh?

These are the things that you can hopefully make simpler by working with him where there are no distractions he reacts to.

Thank you. I won't reward him instantly next time!

Kelly,
I live in the willy wags. Lol, back in my bumming around hitch hiking days it took me awhile to learn not to put my destination on a sign. The passing cars thought I was just too lazy to walk 2 or 3 miles to main street, so they wouldn't stop.

But there really is a state called Maine.

Honest.

Quote: See? This is why people mixed you two up in the other thread. It's because you have a great brain (between you, I mean).

I knew that all along!

"Willy Wags" ...Maine

Kelly,

Maggie was in quarantine for 3 months at a kennel between 3 and 6 months of age. And then home quarantine for 3 more months till she was 9 months old. Something that I have not mentioned in any posts to you. She therefore, did not go on walks till she was 9 months old. She was distracted by everything and completely unpredictable and I was worried about any contact with other animals, let alone people. For 6 months all we did was yard activities: fetch, double kong, OB activities, a small bit of tug. Everything I did, I worried about. For fetch at first (between 3 to 6 months) she got a treat every time she brought me the toy. All OB was off leash since we were in an isolation yard. Double kong started when she got home (two kongs, drop one, when you bring it back and you get another throw). I also tied up a doggie tire on a tree for her to jump and grab. So these are the activities I did in lieu of walking and the normal activities that others can do with their puppies.

I am telling you this because with proper activity and training, the dog will come around. There is plenty of time. There are also proper techniques to take the dog out on the leash on a walk. I started at night, when no one was out -- in the alley. My husband ran her at 5:30 in the morning when no one was out.

What everyone is saying, don't give up on the walks. BUT, do it at the times when there are few distractions. Reward for a good loose leash. Correct for pulling.

I don't mean to argue at all, but I would skip the walks for a short while. Just long enough to do like Randy suggested and concentrate on 1 thing. Have some success with that, it'll help with everything.

 Quote: steve strom

I don't mean to argue at all, but I would skip the walks for a short while. Just long enough to do like Randy suggested and concentrate on 1 thing. Have some success with that, it'll help with everything.

What, go hitch hiking or just work on that one thing? I agree. I was hoping to point out that you can do plenty in a yard for exercise and walk when there are no distractions.

 Quote: randy allen

Kelly,
I know times are tough. If it's any recompense most all of us are going through the same thing.
But it occurs to me if you live any where close I'd be glad to help with the dog, just for fun.

M&M Enterprises

Almost makes me want to move to "willy-wags" (???)!!

Nice offer Randy.

Lol, Dogs can't hitch hike. No thumbs.