New to walks

[dezicartel]

I just started taking rambo on walks, and I was wondering what techniques or tips/methods you all used to make him actually *walk* beside you instead of zipping left and right like a spaz.....right now hes acting like a rabid wolverine, just bolting from left to right ......how did you guys contain your energetic labs? hes 4 months old, and we only take him for 20 minute walks....but hes uncontrollable...

[Trickster]

Rambo is completely normal -- an excitable young Lab. Walks are probably the highlight of most dogs days especially when they get to go off leash and explore. All those interesting sights, sounds and smells are irresistible. You have to strike a balance. You want to dog to be controllable when the need calls for it (walking at heel along a road or when another dog passes) BUT you also want to the dog to have some fun, giving him time to sniff, mark, explore, etc. The walk IS for the dog, afterall.

Do you have anywhere you can safely let him off leash? I'll be totally controversial here and say that my puppies come off leash from day one. For the first week or two, the big wide world is an overwhelming (and perhaps a little scary) place for a pup and their lack of confidence/independence skills mean they stick right by you. Then as their confidence grows they start wondering a little further afield which is where the 'proper' training needs to begin. The biggest mistake IMO that a puppy owner can make is not to let their dogs off leash until they are 6, 7, 8 months old. If you don't let a puppy off until then not only have you missed that window of opportunity that the first few weeks bring but when they ARE let off they absolutely cannot contain themselves.

How do you make him walk beside you? you teach him to 'heel'. That, however, is easier said then done and it takes a lot of practice. Even my adult dogs seem to forget the meaning of 'heel' sometimes when they are full of energy. There are all kinds of ways to teach 'heel' -- everyone adopts their own methods. I suggest you try the 'search' feature as it is a topic that has been discussed many times over.

[HersheyK's Dad]

I just asked a similar question yesterday, although I was concerned about pulling more that eratic movements. I was directed to the following post.

http://www.justlabradors.com/forum/i...html#msg172236

I read it, went out and bought a clicker, and went to work with what i call our high reward treats. The clicker is a tool, and I don't think is responsible for behavior change.

I found that following her method seemed to help last night. It is worth a try. I plan on sticking with it.

On off lead recall, my 6 month old was maybe 50%, and when she did come she ofter strolled back to me, sniffing for a distraction on her way. Last night after trying the technique outline in that post for walking, and then down/stay, I tried it for recall-clicking when she started toward me. AMAZING!!! She would break into a full run to me feet, sit, and look at me for her treat.

Again, one night. May be the exception for the year! But I am learning how to teach her.

[Baloo317]

I think it's going to be a process of desensitization, of sorts.

Baloo is nearly 4 months, and has been walking on lead since he was 8 weeks (even if it was only around our house/yard) and we slowly started increasing that time. 5 minutes, then ten, etc.

Also, I make them (Baloo and Peanut, my other dog) wait at the open door until I go out, turn around, and ask them to join me. (using "let's go!", or whatever command you wish.) I find that this helps the walk to start out on a more level, calm tone. If I let them bolt out the door ahead of me like wild things, I have to spend a good portion of the walk getting their attention back. This way, I have their attention on me from the start.

Also, I would not let him have much of a loose leash at this time. Keep him snug beside you and reward him with treats for being in that position. Then slowly let him have more and more slack, rewarding him still when he is in the correct position. Being a lab (:P) he will quickly learn which position gains him the most rewards, and he'll be more apt to stay there!

Good luck!

(more advice on creating the loose leash walk is available in the "Our Best Advice" thread, I believe, this is just the method that worked for me.)

[clear]

When Ben was a pup i would train him on the leash, i think that helped out alot, and when we go for walks, even tho he is excited i make him stay by my side and give lots of treats. now when we walk he is right beside me and when i do let him roam, he comes whenever i call him.