Struggles on a leash...

[esotericvision]

Our little pup really does well most of the time but on occasion he will start pulling against the leash. I try not to put him in this situation but at times it happens. So far what I've decided is to just stand there and let him pull on it until he quits. Then I give him some slack and a few moments and try again. It seems to work but what is considered appropriate and effective in this case. We do use treats which almost always work.

Ben

[Paul]

What is the situation that causes him to pull on his leash? Some Fila have a boundry line around their humans when on leash. Tell me the situation that causes this.

[de la Luna]

Ben,

Are you doing leash training out on the street with him or in your backyard? If there is too much sensory input for his age, try doing your daily leash lessons in the backyard for a couple weeks. It might work.

Where there is no distraction, only familiar surroundings, he might not buck as much.

Best,

[esotericvision]

@ Paul: the last time was here at the house. i can't remember but i do think there are distractions involved every time. what do you mean about boundry lines around me?
@ de la luna: yes as above in the backyard but at times there are distractions. i try and avoid them.

my real question is "what is appropriate to do when he refuses to come along?". i know that the distractions can be the cause for either a "come" command or when on leash and he doesn't want to follow. should i wait and try again? should i bait with more food? what i'm leaning toward is to; wait, redirect, repeat the command, praise if followed. now if he still DOESN'T come or refuses to follow on leash; maybe go pick him up and put him where i want him with a verbal reprimand and then immediate praise when i put him where i wanted him to go? how do i reprimand when he doesn't come?

ben

[de la Luna]

Ben,

Sounds like you are having some FUN! The schooling I've had doesn't use reprimands, and it works so far for us.

If your little guy is in sensory overload, maybe you'll have to take a step back to accomodate his little brain.

When off leash, what about trying this - everytime he approaches you in normal day to day activities, in a high praising voice say his name and "COME", repeating it a few times. Over a week or so of this, all the times he approaches you. I would even go so far as to say no formal leash work if you're able.

This may help reinforce when the leash goes on. As you walk, turn and stop...he may then be at the point to appreciate the praise of coming forward into each command.

Food is a toughee for me. I use it in the conformation ring at times. I'll give them a random treat other times just for the heck of it. I wouldn't want to depend on treats to stop my kids from running into the street in front of a car, or stop an unwanted attack on a stranger. I depend on the verbal for those fail safe obedience commands.

I have been in your shoes before friend, hang in there.

Hope this gives you some ideas to consider. Keep us informed please, it will help me if no one else for future experiences.

Best,

[de la Luna]

@ Paul: the last time was here at the house. i can't remember but i do think there are distractions involved every time. what do you mean about boundry lines around me?
@ de la luna: yes as above in the backyard but at times there are distractions. i try and avoid them.

my real question is "what is appropriate to do when he refuses to come along?". i know that the distractions can be the cause for either a "come" command or when on leash and he doesn't want to follow. should i wait and try again? should i bait with more food? what i'm leaning toward is to; wait, redirect, repeat the command, praise if followed. now if he still DOESN'T come or refuses to follow on leash; maybe go pick him up and put him where i want him with a verbal reprimand and then immediate praise when i put him where i wanted him to go? how do i reprimand when he doesn't come?

ben

I also want to say, it reads like you already have a good head about what to do. You might feel exasperated by just this guy, but by offering up "wait, redirect, repeat the command, praise if followed", you obviously know what you are doing.

Again,

[esotericvision]

it doesn't feel like that but thanks.

[Paul]

Boundry around you would be the space that your Fila is comfortable with. Fila with drive won't allow a stranger to get to close to you. I thought maybe your pup was already guarding you on leash. Be careful with the picking up and using corrections. That can confuse a dog. I am quick to use food to get my point across, I am guilty of this. You have some good advice here and it seems you are on top of things. Do some research on marker training, using the clicker. Sometimes dogs respond to that even more than food. I think you will get this leash pulling fixed. Some dogs are just easier than others. I would try redirect if this was my pup.

[esotericvision]

thanks guys. REALLY appreciate it.