andrew_leesa Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 hi there we have just become the owners of a 5mo stafford female who is very quiet. we have had staffords before and sucessfully done obediance with them, however this one proving a lot different from the rest as the issues in the past are to slow them down. she's not afraid of the lead, she starts off perfectly with the heel command walks a few steps then the brakes go on and she drops to the floor. i dont want to get to harsh on her with the choker as shes very soft and i dont want to stress her out too much. just trying to encourage her when she is walking properly which hasnt really been achieving much so far. any advice is appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willow Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 (edited) How about you cash in on those good first few steps she takes by using praise/rewards when she gets it right? Stop before she has chance to put the brakes on, so that you end the session on a high note, and see if you can build up to getting her to walk a few steps more each session. Once she gets the hang that walking a bit furthe ris all rosy & might get her a few treats, she will be less likely to use the brakes. I would suggest a flat collar too...she is only a baby.....perhaps the chain is worrying her??? Oh, and congratulations on your new addition....any photos to share??? :rolleyes: ETA: is that her in your avatar??? Edited September 3, 2008 by Willow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdude Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Get rid of the check chain for a start. Use a flat collar, no heel commands......just walks and happy times till she gets used to the lead. Bring a food lure with you for encouragment when needed, and take it slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_leesa Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 gotcha, yes we have stopped the check chain already (cant see it doing anything with her) and worked on the food thing since i did the last post. will post some pics later on tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_leesa Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 avatars our old girl. pts in april this year, 9yo :rolleyes: this ones very very different from her although the same line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_leesa Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Willow Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Ahhhhhhhh...beautiful!!!! I'm a bit of a brindle fan too!!! :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoemonster Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 I agree with DD, only a few steps, massive praise and treats When heeling at home with my 2 who are trialling I still only do short steps, heeling is boring, build it up slowly, make it fun, and if the lead is really bothering her just drop it down so she is dragging it and use the treats, praise etc to keep her with you, (if you are in the backyard/house or somewhere secure) Staffords may look tough but they can be such softies! I use a martingale on my two Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_leesa Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 well we tried taking her out for a walk today. interestingly once we leave the front yard she walks PERFECTLY. no pulling, no lagging and on the left. get her back to the house and brakes go back on again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 (edited) ...no heel commands... What I was going to say, Dogdude . Get the walk going easy enough on lead first, before you leap for higher expectations such as the heel. At the moment, your 5mo staffy's world would be so interesting and new. Expecting her to be able to comply with heel command (which includes no sniffing; paying attention to you; etc) is a bit like expecting the prep school kid to be able to master more complicated maths beyond the first basics of 1 + 1 = 2. So rather than setting up the situation for failure, set it up for a 'win' and be happy to reward your pup for merely walking on loose lead. Proof the loose lead walking with some (gradually) higher distractions as she improves. Keep the sessions short but frequent and rewarding. Five month old pups don't need to walk out too far for too long. Work to finish on one of those really good notes and avoid being tempted to continue the session just because it is going well. It is usually then that us humans push too far too soon and we loose the opportunity to finish on the high. Edited September 6, 2008 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_leesa Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 she is doing really well. loose leads all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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