Puppy Distracted on the Walk

Dear Cesar,

I have a nine-month-old, 100 lb puppy who I walk every single day for the amount of time you recommend in your new book. My problem is he is getting to know a lot of people in my neighborhood and now every time I pass someone I know on a walk, he insists on stopping and walking with them and refuses to go at my pace... even if I start to run ahead.

I have tried every style of collar I can find, including choke and pinch collars, and the upside-down leash that I've seen you use many times on your show. Whenever we walk somewhere new, he is fine and does not react to strangers and just passes by. He knows that I am pack leader - that is until someone we know is around. How can I get him to snap out of it and continue at my pace when we encounter familiar people?

Thanks,

Matt Korfhagen

Dear Matt,

When you pass by your friends, what is happening is that your dog is attracted to their familiar scents. In order to redirect the behavior, you need to change those scents. To do this, get a bag of nice-smelling treats, available at most major pet stores. Avoid dry treats, because sometimes dogs are less interested in their smell. Put the scent in front of your dog’s nose, so that he knows you have the food. Then, as you walk away from your friend, give him a treat. Make him work a little harder for each treat. Give him the first when he walks 10-15 feet away, then the next when he walks 5 feet more, then an additional 5 feet, and on and on until you complete the whole trip. Eventually, the only time he gets a treat is when he arrives at home.

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

Get more tips for problems on the walk on the Common Canine Misbehaviors DVD.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

Average:

Your rating: None Average: 4 (2 votes)

Tue, 04/20/2010 - 2:55pm — chelz

New Pittbull

so i just bought a 5 month old girl pitt and she listens most of the time, but sometimes when we go into the house she runs and jumps on people even after i tell her no. i try calling her name or getting a toy or treat, but she ignores me. how should i deal with this? i dont want to hit her or scream from the top of my lungs, i just want her to listen.

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 4:06pm — ccrnyc1jad

Distracted Puppy on Walk

My brand new 9 week old golden/brittany spaniel mix, is full of vim and vigor! When not napping, she is very active, roaming the puppy proofed living room gnawing on everything. I know she needs to work out her energy by walking and playing outside. But she won't walk without eating everything she comes across. Grass, sticks, dirt, leaves and all that she sees. When I try to redirect her with a treat or bully stick, her interest is only for a few seconds ... then she's right back to whatever is on the ground. I know she's young, but how do I get her to walk off the energy if she can't get her mind off the distractions!!

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 10:17am — Woodstock21

Distracted Puppy on Walk 2

I have a 8week old Airedale with ALL the same issuse but also puts the breaks on when we walk. We literally have to pull him down the driveway and block before he starts to walk on his own. He eats everything from grass, sticks, rocks, dirt, and leaves. What can we do to change these behavior patterns before it becomes a regular issuse?

Mon, 01/11/2010 - 12:29pm — Vivanco pack leaders

Tail to high on walks?

We have a new 6 month old Basset Hound. I been walking him every morning for the past three
weeks. I have noticed that his tail is up and curled back towards his head. I pull him to the side and get his attention when we pass other dogs, but his tail stays in the same position. Dose this go away
after awhile and I just have to be more patient? I do use the revers leash and try to keep it as far up
on his neck. Thanks Ceasar for all you do :-)

Tue, 12/29/2009 - 12:36pm — Erica

Walking Rottweiler

My Rottweiler is well behaved however shes almost a year old and 100 pounds, She tends to roll over on her back or paw at me when I try to put on the leash for a walk, The other day I tried No touch , no Eye contact, no nothing, She was excited etc... then I ignored the behavior. she stopped, but she seems to not want the leash on, but we live in town and on roads SHE HAS to be on leash because shes a Rottweiler. Sheba is still a pup and will be a Year this January 2010. Please someone give me advise. She does not have any other problems on the walk.