Re: What leash harness do you recommend for Baxter he is 10
Ok, IMO a harness and other apperatus are only band-aids to the issue of getting your dog to walk the way you want to. I know some swear by it, and I was one of those people esp for Hanna. Could never go anywhere without the harness. However we are harness free, after lots of practice and training, and now can walk both dogs on flat lead and collar. I mean lots of practice!!
Couple of things. When the dog is pulling you are letting them be in control. You need to be in control. So first thing you know they want to go forward. IF they pull stop in your tracks. Only move forward until there is slack in the lead. If it take your 10 minutes to walk 4 feet, then so be it, but its the only way they are going to learn. Another was is if they are pulling you, then quickly change direction and go the other way, now they are behind you. If they then go ahead of you and pull, switch direction again. Here you are constantly switching directions to avoid the pull yet only walking forward if there is slack. I think the first approach is easier.
Second you need to get their attention on you - and trying to get the perfect heel is important if you are ever going to be able to walk on regular lead. Once their attention is on you, you are able to control the dog, and they are not going to be giving their attention to everyone else. I do an exercise. If off lead and lets say playing with a group of dogs. Every time my dog looks at me or comes to me, I click and treat (I clickers train). If you do not use clicker, use praise and treat. If you are going on an outing to Petsmart or something. Bring a pocket of treats. Everytime you dog gives you eye contact, click or praise and treat. Even at home. Get them to pay attention to you! I use a command "LOOK" So everytime I tell one of my dogs to "LOOK" they look at me, and I reward.
Third - frustration. Dogs will feed off the vibes you are giving. If you are frustrated they are going to be even more stubborn and get frustrated too. Best to be calm and when you are you release that ora too.
Fourth - Patients - if you want it bad, then you have to put in the time and practice and you will get it.
**I will try to post some videos of Hanna in heeling postion and some exercise that can be done if anyone finds it helpful -
In the meantime - here is a video of a friend - she has her boxer in a great heal, and this is my goal to get my dogs to behave like this - from this video you can see the constant praise, as well as the dogs focus 100% on the handler.
http://www.workingboxer.com/files/AnjeHeeling20071024.wmv