Scared to walk my dog.

[Ilovemypuppies]

Well if you absolutely can NOT walk him then maybe you could try a treadmill. That is if you have one or the extra money for one. I only suggest this if you have no other option because a long walk outside with fresh air is definitely better then in the house on a treadmill.

[Good_Karma]

Originally Posted by Emoore

You've gotten some good advice on the walking issue, now I'm going to go in the other direction a little bit and say that what your dog needs is NOT more exercise. A brisk walk once or twice a day is great and I'm not trying to discourage you, but your family has created a hyperactive monster. By playing fetch with a dog a dozen times per day, you create a very physically fit dog that has a hard time settling in the house, can't be calm, and NEEDS to play fetch a dozen times a day.

Your dog needs to learn to calm down.

I could be way off base here, but it sounds like he's getting a whole lot more physical exercise than mental exercise.

I agree! Work that big brain of his by helping him learn some new skills. You will increase your connection to him, strengthen your bond and maybe you will both begin to have a bit more trust in each other. Can you find a fun class to attend together, maybe try agility or nose work or something like that?

I'm a small-ish female too (I weigh about 105 pounds, Niko weighs about 85 pounds). I can handle Niko 99.9% of the time on a flat buckle collar. The only time I have ever lost my hold on the leash or ended up on the ground is when an off-leash dog has attacked us. I carry pepper spray for this, and have used it to ward off dogs with great success. I've never tried a prong, but before getting one, I would have a trainer show you how to fit it properly and make sure you know how to use it without hurting your dog.

You might also read some books on working with reactive dogs and how to manage them in different situations. the key is to be really aware of your surroundings, aware of your dog, and having a game plan in mind for when the poop hits the fan (or preferably, recognize the poop heading toward the fan and getting the heck out of the way first. )

[jennyp]

I'm 5'1 and 115 pounds so I'm small too. I use a prong collar with Brody and it's amazingly helpful. If it's fitted properly (high up, just below the ears) even a small pop will get the dog's attention. And I think Chelle is right on with the suggestion that you hire someone to come out and walk with you to give you some tips. You can teach your dog to walk properly under distractions but the real issue seems to be your lack of confidence. That's what you need to concur. I think having someone there to give you feedback will really help you to feel able to be in control. Hope this helps.

[trudy]

first a choke collar should not be tight, the dog gets a jerk then immediately release..if the dog keeps it tight, turn go back where you cmae from, he will turn and lunge forward and you turn again...it may take 5, 10, 20 minutes but eventually he will look at you like what???

Then take 2 steps when he lunges turn..keep doing this, I promise eventually you will get further than 10'..the idea is he should be paying attention to you..you will exhaust him by making him think..Thinking takes lots of energy and work..Do this for days/weeks slowly increasing the distance, but in your own quiet area, DO NOT go far from home.. Now add in some sits, downs, recalls ON leash, maybe a few close stays, but make him look to you to be allowed to do anything...When you feed him make him wait for the dish, its down but he isn't released to eat til you let him, 10-15 seconds...You are retrainign and he is NOT TOO old..he can learn that you are the boss, not the family, you are and he must obey, you will become more powerful..Just don't rush to go on long walks in strange neighborhoods where you don't knwo the dangers of loose dogs until you have established a boundary with you in charge, then when you go out, bring very small tiny treats, and demand his attention when it wanders to something else and give a command!!!

Don't give up, at 7 he deserves to be walked and loved and retrained

[pets4life]

pepper spray and a friend to walk with

[Msmart]

I like to use the martingale (sp) collar. They are very inexpensive and used the same way as the choker just not a chain. When my dog begins to pull there is a way that you can harness them up so as opposed to pulling there neck it puts the pressure on there chest and works wonders.

[1sttimeforgsd]

Prong collar will be your best friend, it gives immediate results, but it must be properly fitted. As for the fear of loose dogs, I agree with the pepper spray. Good luck with your boy.