leash training with 3 year old Akita

[lorac]

Trying out leash manners, climb, sit and stand level 1 obedience . What to do with dog that chews at leash? I have chain leash available if this is an option.

[Teresa]

Hi!

If you are working on phase 1 obedience, you should start by using a phase 1 collar, such as a martingale collar ( all nylon or nylon and chain are available). I would stay away from the use of choke chains since they can be damaging to the dog's trachea. You could also use an easy walk harness but it is more likely to be tempting to chew this since it is attached at a stationary point in the front of the chest.

Make sure to start with the first video lesson in the Phase 1 section and progress through them in a step wise fashion. There is also an obedience checklist that you can use to document progress in the downloadable forms section. During phase 1 it is more important that you are both learning the structure of things and what each command means. When you progress to Phase 2, where gentle correction is applied, you will teach him that it doesn't go away until he complies (think someone tapping on your shoulder constantly to get your attention). It will not be necessary to use strong physical correction, in fact it is not necessary in any Phase of Foundation Training.

Have you read through the establishing relationship in the selfhelp section (Layer 5 of the pyramid = Pack Structure)? A proper relationship can do wonders for certain "bratty" behavior. They can sometimes roll over or bite the leash as an avoidance behavior. Try to examine when he exhibits this behavior. Is it toward the end of a long training session? After a correction is applied?

Keeping sessions on the shorter side can help avoid problems. And making sure to not skip ahead in the training, especially when introducing correction , can remove the confusion of what a correction is and how to avoid and and get rid of it.

Teaching a good "OUT" command can help in this situation as well. Here is a video on this command , which is taught while playing tug.
http://www.selfhelpdogtraining.com/V...eb908281b4e10e


Happy Training!

Teresa

[lorac]

Anytime a non metal leash falls in front of him he chews it. One chew and it is usually sliced beyond repair. Have already gone through a few nylon and leather Martingales and leads. Had also used halter collar but it did turn out to be too tempting for him. He constantly rolled over with Gentle leader, so stopped with that. Your suggestion of Martingale collar with chain sounds the most practical. However if I were in a situation outside of the yard- such as going to vet or groomer. I would not trust this set up. If he saw a cat, squirrel or racoon I would not be able to hold him back. I do use a muzzle and have been using your muzzle training. And I use a prong collar when I know he can be distracted by what he sees as prey.
Have been practicing out, and will continue to do so. Shorter sessions do work best. Yes, have read and reread about establishing relationship. It will take time and practice, with a realization of his potential strength, spirit and reactivity.
I do appreciate your organized approach to training. Only wish we had a Foundation trainer out this way.

[Teresa]

A few more suggestions for you.

You can make a metal extension of your leash instead of using a full metal leash which can be heavy. This can be done by hooking the end of your leash to a choke chain and then attaching end of the choke chain to a double ended snap and to the collar. . You can use this leash setup while working on "out" and "leave it" commands.

Another plan of action for this behavior is to use an adversive such as citronella spray, or compressed air as follows:
If he grabs the leash say "Out" (1/2 second pause) --> "No" (1/2 second pause)---> "Out" while spraying compressed air (spray directed away from the dog) or citronella spray aimed at his hind end or belly.
This is the same command sequence used throughout Foundation Training. To be effective, always repeat this pattern the same way. Never correct on the first time the command is given or on the word "NO". If he obeys on either of these steps then praise him. If not follow through with repeating the command in addition to the negative motivator.

Citronella spray is called Spray Shield and is easily found online. Compressed air that I would recommend is called Pet Corrector, and can also be found online or at Petco.

If there is any chance at him showing aggression toward you then he should be wearing the muzzle.

Thanks for your interest in Foundation Training. There are already foundation trainers in England and other countries, and hopefully where you are located soon.

Keep up the hard work!

Teresa

[lorac]

Very great ideas- I will try them.

Yes....The Great Plains( The Dakotas, Colorado) needs Foundation Training