Amazing results within a short time!

Have you ever dealt with a little leash puller? I have! My dog Shonee thinks she is sled dog, pulling me hither and yon, sometimes she almost drags me. Her chest would be so low to the ground that it was actually scraping along it.

The problem with leash training her is that I do not agree with the technique that enforces jerking and yanking with the leash. This method certainly will not foster a positive relationship between pet parent and dog. Besides, it can damage your dog’s neck and spine. So, I was overjoyed when I stumbled upon Turid Rugaas. With over 30 years of proven dog behavior under her belt and the ability to read and direct dogs of all types she has mastered most of the difficult challenges people face with their canine companions. Of course, Turid also hails from my homeland of Scandinavia and that makes her “Number One” in my book.

Turid’s method is so simple and it completely eliminates any stress for both the pet parent and the dog. Basically it involves your making a unique noise with your mouth. Think of the sound someone might make to a horse when they want the horse to move forward. A clicking sound with the tongue or a smacking sound. It doesn’t matter what sound you make as long as you only make that sound when you want the dog to move towards you.

The first step is to “prime” the dog to this sound. This involves a handy bag of treats. Stand close to your dog, make the sound and when your dog turns to look at you give the dog a treat. Repeat this as many times as you want for a few minutes (puppies might take longer to “get” it). Now step a little further away and make the sound. Your dog should move towards you, when he reaches you give him a treat. Repeat this for a few minutes a day until your dog begins to associate that noise with you and a TREAT!

Next add the leash and begin in an area with few distractions. Walk the dog as you normally would, the moment your dog begins pulling, stop. Do NOT move. Instead make your unique noise. Your dog will move towards you and when he does you will need to turn around and move forward so that your dog is actually following you, as he comes up along side of you give him a treat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

The direction behind this is create an environment of positive reinforcement for following you. It WILL work and with much less hassle and stress to you and your dog than other methods of training that involve sharp jerks on the leash. Turid’s little book entitled, My Dog Pulls, What do I do? can be purchased also and I highly recommend it. Or you can visit Turid’s web site, I have placed a link directly to the method of training that Turid recommends: loose leash walking.

You will be happily surprised (as was I) at how quickly your dog will respond to this type of training. Shonee actually stops herself when the leash becomes taut and returns to me! It is amazing! For the most part she now walks nicely on the leash, she may not heel or walk exactly beside me but the leash is slack and my arms are not being jerked out of their sockets.

Naturally, my pups will be a “work in progress” but I am delighted with this method. I am now using it on an 8 month old puppy that I am fostering. She is now walking very nicely on the leash and it is such a delight to see how quickly she progressed from an extreme puller to a nice walker.

Here is a video of Turid demonstrating how to help your dog stop pulling. As Turid states this will take time and patience (particularly if you have a puppy) but it will work. Just stick with it.

The SecurePet Family of Pets

Welcome to the SecurePet family of pets. I have selected several photos for your enjoyment. It’s a combination of my own furry kids and those of my clients. Each fur baby has their own unique qualities. All are special and all have so much to offer.

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Geronimo, the Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Geronimo! The Gentle Giant.

Geronimo was quite large, weighing in at over 180 pounds, but he was a sweet natured boy. We had some wonderful walks together and many “chats” on the back porch where Geronimo and his feline side kick named Ash would hang out.

But the most memorable occasion (for both of us) was the time his “mom” and I decided to take him to Pucci to get his nails trimmed. Pucci was located just a block away and we both thought it would be a breeze to get the giant dog into the car and over to the doggy salon. Neither one of us were prepared for what happened next. Because of Geronimo’s immense size, we thought it would be better to use my low-riding convertible to transport him. Armed with determined wills we attempted to stuff Geronimo into the back of the convertible. And that is when the trouble happened: midway between the pushing and the shoving, Geronimo got stuck! With back end outside my car and front end inside the car he could go no further. There was no budging him, not even an inch!

Geronimo’s veterinarian’s office was directly across the street. I placed a call to the vet and asked what we could do. Unfortunately, the doctors were all either at lunch or with patients. Both Geronimo’s mom and I looked at the sad spectacle in front of us, neither one of us knew what to do. Then we had the brilliant idea of luring him out with treats. I placed the treats directly in front of his nose while mom pushed Geronimo’s back end in an effort to move Geronimo towards me. And that is when the gentle giant emitted a series of rather menacing growls. We both stopped immediately.

By this time I am thinking that I will never regain the use of my vehicle again. At the very least, I’d have to wait until Geronimo lost a few pounds before reclaiming it as transportation. I looked down at the hapless victim and felt for him. Thankfully, good fortune decided to smile upon us when Geronimo’s mom’s sister emerged from the house with leash in hand and a resolute look on her face. She grabbed the non-business end of Geronimo (the tail-end portion of his body that was sticking out of the car) and began pulling him out. Well, Geronimo would have none of this and began scrabbling to get out and within moments the hitherto stuck dog was set free!

You can’t imagine the look he gave me! As if to say, “How could you?” I’d betrayed his trust. I was crushed at the thought that he would never view me as his friend again. But Geronimo was a forgiving boy and the next time I saw him he was his happy tail wagging self again.

Geronimo, I can only tell you that you are missed very, very much. Your mom and all the people who knew you will always remember your sweet, loving smile and your wonderful disposition. I know that you are free from pain now and you are limber and able to run through the meadows at Rainbow Bridge. Take care my friend, until we meet again.

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