Breaking Your Dog's Bad Habits Read Online Free PDF

to help him associate good things with the new equipment right from the start.
    Step 4. Find a quiet time to try the new collar or harness on the dog. Use a casual, “nothing-out-of-the-ordinary” manner. Be sure to have several tidbits on hand to ease the experiment. If you are using a Halti or Gentle Leader collar that slides over the dog’s snout, put a tidbit in the palm of your hand so that the treat will slide into the dog’s mouth as the collar goes on.
    Step 5. Talk to your dog calmly and quietly. Tell him how good he is. Remind him that this new collar or harness is going to make walks more fun. He’ll most likely resist the device at first. Leave it on for a few minutes, then gently take it off and leave it on the floor. Praise your dog and pet him. Let him know you are proud of him. Offer him a treat from your hand, then set a second treat down on the floor near the collar or harness.
    Step 6. Later that day or the next, announce walk time. Be sure to put several treat tidbits in your pocket. Calmly, without a fuss, slipthe collar or harness onto the dog and in the same moment give him a treat. Spend a few minutes practicing walking back and forth near your home. Don’t head off for a real walk this time.
    Step 7. If the dog starts to pull on the leash, correct the movement according to the directions that came with the harness or collar. Tell him “No pulling,” but use a gentle, calm, and encouraging voice. You don’t want to baby him, but it is important to give him some time to get used to the change.
    Step 8. Once you’re back home, remove his new equipment and give him praise or a treat.
    Step 9. When it’s time for a walk again, plan a short outing of 10 to 15 minutes, just long enough for both of you to start getting used to the new equipment. Lead off gently. If need be, use an encouraging tone to prompt your dog to walk. If he is reluctant to do so, coax him along with a tidbit or two. He’ll get the idea quickly, though he may resist the new device at first. Don’t relent: No collar or harness = no walk. Once they get moving, most dogs get absorbed in the walk and forget about the harness or collar. If the dog pulls, correct him immediately using the proper technique for that device. Say “No pulling” in a firm, but not angry, voice. When he starts walking properly again, praise him for doing a good job and give him a treat. When you return home from the walk, reward him for a “good walk” with praise and physical affection, and give him a treat before you remove the collar or harness.
    TOOLS FOR RESTRAINING YOUR DOG DURING WALKS
    These items can be purchased from pet stores and animal supply catalogs and Web sites. Some veterinarians, dog trainers, and dog behaviorists sell them as well.

    Step 10. For your next walk and thereafter, follow your usual route. Your dog will learn quickly, within two or three walks, to walk without pulling, but it may take a few weeks before the new behavior is consistent. For the first month, reward your dog a few times on every walk when he walks properly. Pat him on the head and slip him a treat. Gradually, he’ll begin to take pride in his new behavior.

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    Persuading a Stubborn Dog to Walk
    What if your dog absolutely refuses to walk after you’ve put on the new harness or collar? If she is small enough, pick her up and start walking. Put her down when you are a few yards away from your home, give her a treat, and start walking again. This tactic is usually enough to communicate to the dog that the collar or harness comes with the walk.
    If your dog is too big to carry, spend a few minutes coaxing her to walk. If she still refuses, take her back into the house and take off the harness or collar without comment. If time permits, try again in another 15 minutes or so. Try this three times before you give up. If you strike out after three tries, put the harness or collar on your dog but don’t use them. Instead, attach the leash to her regular