michelle_custer
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 08/25/2007 8:43 PM |
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We use a leash on domino and i let full out length when we go for walks but he pulls so hard on it to get ahead just to be up there with no one. I dont really know what to do at this point in time because my husband says not to worry about it but one of these days im afarid hes gonna really choke himself i dont pull when hes trying to get ahead but im just wondering maybe i should put him a harness when we go for walks that way hes not choking himself all the time or if any one has suggestions ill take the advice ! |
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My Rats are my babies and I wouldnt trade them for anything in the world
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Lucy's Colleen
Bratty Ratty
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| 08/25/2007 8:46 PM |
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| I would try to use the harness to make the walk a little easier on his throat. Plus I would try to teach him to walk at your side. I guess what I would do is carry treats in your pocket as you walk and when he naturally walks at your side treat him. |
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Colleen
Flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7797281@N05/ |
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tauney4
Pack Leader
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| 08/25/2007 8:47 PM |
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i like the harness better because of that same reason i am always afraid of choking them selves. that is all my mom buys is a harness, i feel like it is better for them and they can breathe. have you ever bought one of those retractable leashes? i hear they are good so that way you can control the length and maybe he wont choke himself to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but this is just my op  |
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michelle_custer
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 08/26/2007 12:14 AM |
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| ive never even bought a harness i didnt know what would be better ? but im guessing i gotta look into gettin a harness for walks so that way he doesnt choke himself i dont know want him to hurt his thoart either so yeah i guess the harness is a good idea |
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My Rats are my babies and I wouldnt trade them for anything in the world
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MilliesMom
Rattie
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| 08/27/2007 1:17 PM |
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| I use a Gentle Leader Harness and it stops Millie from pulling and doesn't hurt her. I can actually get her to walk w/ a loose leash when I use it. They sell them at Petsmart. |
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rattytatty
Newbie
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| 08/28/2007 3:02 PM |
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Many people do like the Gentle Leader Harness, but I've never used one... or trained with one. I usually just use a regular nylon collar... lightweight. But regardless of what type of collar you use, you need to not allow your dog to run to the full end of a leash. Until he's trained to walk by your side, keep him reeled in pretty tightly by your side....left side preferrably.... and walk matter-of-factly, holding him tightly by your side. He will have no choice but to walk with you because where else is he going to go? Eventually, he WILL learn that his place to walk is right next to you.
And... also.... stop every now and then and give him a treat. ALWAYS take treats with you on your walks for reward purposes. |
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buttonbutt
Newbie
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| 08/28/2007 7:15 PM |
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| I second what Nora said! In fact I rigged up a 2½' leash just for this purpose. It taught Button not to tug and to stay right by my left thigh and I just found we both liked it during initial leash training. Now she walks on a 7' leather leash not fully extended (extendable leashes scare the padookey out of me) and she naturally walks about four feat off my flank up on the grass, usually. Nowadays I only use the 2½' leash when I take her where there are large crowds or something. |
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ClareClaymore
Newbie
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| 08/28/2007 7:50 PM |
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| My Uncles JRT injured her neck from just a collar and leash she was on atie out and a squirrel went by now she has a harness. |
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michelle_custer
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 08/29/2007 9:01 PM |
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| thank you for the advice nora i never thought of treats on a walk but i now know that i have to do that |
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My Rats are my babies and I wouldnt trade them for anything in the world
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Justin Stonewall
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| 08/30/2007 7:56 AM |
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My struggle with my 8-week old is that he won't walk with the leash at all. He seems to think that being connected to the leash means "sit".
I don't want to choke him, so I think we'll try the harness also. |
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rattytatty
Newbie
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| 08/30/2007 7:59 AM |
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| Justin -- he's really young. Put a lightweight collar on him and leave it on him (except when crated). When he's running around the house, attach a very lightweight lead (no more than 1 to 2 feet in length) and let him drag it around. Always supervise this of course. He'll get the "feel" of having something attached to the collar. From time to time get in the floor with him and lure him around with a treat holding the lead. This makes the transition into regular leash training a bit easier. |
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buttonbutt
Newbie
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| 09/11/2007 7:02 PM |
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| Justin, Button was exactly like that. She thought the leash was a chew toy! But I did what Nora suggested and she finally got used to a leash. |
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plshrk
Rattie
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| 09/12/2007 10:27 AM |
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| Yeh I had the same problem with Wilson. Whenever I put the leash on he put the brakes on! I did exactly what Nora has suggested and it took a few weeks but now he is a walking fool! |
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