Using the Gentle-Lead Collar for training out bad habits

Petroglyph

Hi,

So, today was the first time using one of Gentle Lead collars with the dog (2ish Beagle rescue). We had to do something different as I was coming home after the walk more stressed than before going out!

Anyways, it was brilliant. He doesn't like it, but didn't complain too much once we got moving. The walk became a nice calm event instead of him letting me know where he wants to go and stopping every 30 seconds. My mistake from the beginning, but think it's sorted now. Didn't meet other dogs on this walk though - that will be the real test!

I'm wondering if anyone has used the collar for training out bad habits. In particular, he goes nuts at the doorbell, literally ape-**** crazy, full Beagle howling. I'm thinking of getting him to calm down using the collar. Or, I'd welcome any other suggestions.

Cheers.

Bells21

Hi Op. I like to introduce new things such as a harness or gentle leader slowly. So for example with a harness I looped it over my arm and held a nice tasty treat until the dog came over, gave the treat and repeated until the dog was comfortable with that. Then I would move to slowly putting it over the head again while holding the treat in my hand and take it straight back off, again repeating until they are very comfortable with it and then slowly move onto closing it while giving treats. That way they associate it with positive things and don't struggle when you're getting it on.
We have doorbell barkers too. We used a clicker to sort this. Have a look at some videos on YouTube on how to 'charge' the clicker before you use it for training. Again this is to get the dog to realise they've done something right and when they hear the click something nice is following. Once they understand what the clicker then you can start using it for training. If you had someone else outside to ring the bell, wait until the very second the dog stops barking(may be a little while the first few times) click and reward. Keep repeating this until they're not reacting to the sound. It will take a while and isn't an instant fix. Lots of practice but it is worth it.

tk123

I'm not a fan of them - for the simple fact I see too many dogs with their eyes being rubbed by ill-fitting/cheapo ones with no padding, or who are just miserable little robots plodding along to the point they're almost shutdown, or ones that are too crazy to have one on and are in danger of hurting themselves lunging! etc etc .. A lot of people in my area have dogs who they wouldn't dream of spending some time training! :rolleyes:

The deal for my two is that the lead needs to stay loose - I have no problem with them sniffing and checking their pee-mail because the walk is for their enjoyment and enrichment after all.

Bells21

Pee-mail....love it lol!

tk123

Bells21 wrote: »

Pee-mail....love it lol!

I heard that at a workshop lol

Ashbx

I have a gentle leader for my collie and agree its been brilliant for me too. Took her a couple of weeks to really get used to it (everytime we stopped, she would try paw it off her face) but our walks are so peaceful now.

I have never used it for other training though. Have you ever used clicker training on your dog? I think its brilliant and may be more suitable for doorbell ringing etc. You do need to get the dogs attention before the door bell rings because you know yourself, the dogs are in full hyper mode as soon as they here it. Of course, that's easier said than done if your doorbell rings unexpectedly. But I would try clicker training anyway.

Petroglyph

Thanks very much for all your inputs. I'll give the Clicker a go for the doorbell problem.

He's had a few walks with the leader now and he's getting used to it slowly. He went into full on sulk mode yesterday, but got used to it again. I am warey of his eyes and also that it's not tight when the leash is loose. I also stop a few times to let him check the pee mail (love that one!)

Still haven't met another dog yet. Might be just as well while he's still getting used to it.

I'm off to get a Clicker today so.

Thanks.