I know what you're thinking. It's easy stuff, right? Yeah. My puppy learned how to walk on the leash easily, too. Then she developed this weird habit that I'm not sure how to break.
See, when we walk, she follows me, but she doesn't walk. She doesn't even run. She bounces. She bounces towards the end of the leash, zigzags in front of me, bounces towards me, grabs my pant legs, etc. We walk this way. I don't want to correct her yet as that might be a bit too much to ask for a 10 week old puppy that BOUNCES A LOT, everywhere. I've seen her literally throw herself off slopes, tumbling all the way. She also throws herself at anything. She does sort-of somersaults.
How can I teach her to walk like a normal dog at this age without seriously hurting her drives? I wouldn't mind, but there's been many times when I didn't know she was going to bounce in front of me and I end up almost tripping over her. I don't want to squish my poor puppy.
I don't want to correct her yet as that might be a bit too much to ask for a 10 week old puppy
You are right!
This is a baby still, and will be for several months.
For best results, until the dog is several months old (ie 5-6 mons), all training should be motivational. It requires patience, but then no one ever promised raising a puppy would be easy...
Now wouldn't be too early to start on "heeling", if your back can take bending down that far. (Mine can't anymore...but then I'm ancient compared to you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Put some treats in your hand and place it at your left knee. Keep your hand closed while your pup tries everything to get to that yummy. And when the pup is accidentally in heel position, open your hand and allow her to take the treat. Even at this young age she'll quickly learn that good things happen when she positions herself next to your left knee. You can start taking tiny steps forward and you'll see how easily the pup will follow in position.
No scolding/corrections; only praise/treats. And keep lessons short - just a few minutes. She's still a baby and you want to quit before she tires of the game and/or treats.
The rest of the time, let her bounce! Joie de Vivre!
Hmmm...I'll try treats. But God forbid it happens what I think and know will happen. Whenever she smells treats she goes even crazier. She bounces when I ask her to sit. I've never seen a ten week old bounce as high as my waist before.
I don't mind her bouncing, I really don't, I love that little bouncer--except I keep accidentally stepping on her. Nothing serious YET, but I don't want to be the one to break my puppy's feet! If I keep the leash short she goes and pulls on it and then SUDDENLY zooms to the right. Even while I'm looking it's difficult to avoid her.
Not to mention if I'm bathing her, she starts screaming, I try to be gentle, and then she does a jump/tumble sort of thing and end up immersing her head in the full sink. BACKWARDS. I don't know how she does it, but she does.
Btw...'tiny steps'...I don't believe she is ever capable of taking those. I don't think I've ever seen her walk, ever. If she's not standing still she's running. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.