Leash manners

[SueMcGauley]

Hi we spoke about the different phases of leash walking and right now in phase 1 Bella walks without pulling, using a flat collar when there are no distractions. Every morning I walk her in the park where we meet, greet and walk with other dogs. I do this mostly for socialization and so that she becomes familiar with seeing bicycles, runners etc. Since there is so much going on there is usually more tension on the leash, more pulling. I know this will improve with practice but in the meantime is she learning that she can drag me around? Should I not be walking her around the park until she improves?

[Teresa]

Hi Sue,

It is ok if you bring her to the park, socialization is so important. I would continue to practice your technique in this environment. Remember distraction can be a great motivator. Try to get a moment of no leash tension before you let her greet another dog or person. If you are consistent she will continue to improve.

[SueMcGauley]

Hi T,
The park and socialization in general seems to be out of the question right now. She enjoyed the park so much before but now in this fear phase she not walk there, I would have to forcibly drag her and if I drive there she ends the entire walk struggling to get back to the car.

[Teresa]

Hey Sue,

Try and stick it out, avoid the park and work on obedience in areas that she is comfortable. Once she seems to be getting her confidence back , start exposing her back to those situations again.
Remember to use her easy walk harness or star mark collar if you are unable to keep her from dragging you.
Question... What if you drive there but never get out of the car? Work on rewarding calm/ relaxed behavior IN the car and then drive home.

[SueMcGauley]

I could do that she loves the car, as far as confidence goes even the rustle of leaves alarms her. Aside from o eciebce and above I do t know how to restore her confidence. With my bAck injury she has had no social interaction in a week

[Teresa]

I wouldn't worry about lack of socialization at this point, since she is past her imprinting period, and you have done lots of good socialization up until this point This does NOT mean that you will never socialize her again. I would just try to help her through this fear period by exposing her to situations that you know she has a likelihood to succeed.
Fear periods can last 1 week or longer in some dogs.