Mr. Black episode

Discussion of specific It's Me or the Dog episodes.

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4dogs1cat
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Mr. Black episode

Post by 4dogs1cat »

Victoria used a leash/harness I have never seen before this episode. It was to prevent pulling and had a strap around the chest and one under one leg only. That way when Mr. Black would pull he would turn himself around. I really NEED that leash. We have Beagle/Beagle mixes and we can't use the Gentle Leader or Halti brands because their necks are bigger than their heads. They just slip them off.

She also had a timed dispenser that dropped a toy on the ground, and an interactive toy that the dog could move pieces around to find treats. Thanks in advance for any answers.
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Mattie
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Post by Mattie »

Teaching a dog to walk on a loose lead isn't difficult, if I can do it anyone can. Have a read of this thread http://www.victoriastilwell.com/phpBB2/ ... .php?t=858 There are lots of good advice there to get your dog to walk on a loose lead.

I make myself unpredictable so my dog has to watch me when walking on a lead, so that he can watch me he can't pull. Sometimes my youngsters will forget themselves when we first go out, I then just stop which reminds them of their manners.

All it took with each dog was 5 to 10 minutes every day for a few days.
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4dogs1cat
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Post by 4dogs1cat »

I've done that. I have four Beagle/Beagle mixes. When they smell a rabbit or something else that catches their noses, they lunge or try to chase it. All the training in the world is not going to keep a Beagle from following it's nose.
Maxy24
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Post by Maxy24 »

I'm not sure what one exactly was used but here are several that have the front strap. I like these types more than the sporn or other ones that clip in back because I know SOME of the back clipping harnesses function by making the dog uncomfortable (they tighten on the dog) so he stops. These simply prevent pulling from being possible.

http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-collars ... rness.html

http://www.puplife.com/Shop/Control/Pro ... /SFV/32255

http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-collars ... _rewrite=1

It's very important that you fit the harness correctly or it will be uncomfortable, won't work or will come off, if they have a video, watch it (here's the one for the easy walk harness: http://abrionline.org/player.php?id=92 )

Some dogs will be able to resist the force of the harness and can pull in spite of it trying to turn their bodies, but it's always worth a try. I would also couple the use of the harness with positive training, rewarding the dog for looking up at you, slowing down instead of hitting the end of the leash or falling near your side. In the video it mentions giving a treat when the dog comes to your side after pulling and being directed to your side, you may do this at first but also reward for continually walking at your side/walking without pulling. If you only reward the dog after each time he pulls and comes back to your side you could train a chain behavior where he pulls just so he can come back to your side for a reward. once he spends a lot of time without pulling stop rewarding the times he comes to your side after pulling, only reward him for choosing to be there or for waling with you for a little while after a pull.
Maxy24
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Post by Maxy24 »

I just wanted to add that I have heard you can use any harness with an open ring in front. For instance this harness: http://pitbull-store.com/images/large/pit56_LRG.jpg

Or this one: http://boxer-dog-breed-store.com/images ... -black.jpg

could have a leash clipped to that ring right in front and it should turn the dog, I don't know of anyone whose done this so it might be better to go with an actual no-pull harness unless you already have a regular harness to try this out on first.
4dogs1cat
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Post by 4dogs1cat »

Maxy, thank you! I think it may have been the Sense Action harness and I just couldn't tell. I have only used harnesses in the past that link on the back. They are awful! Thank you so much for the links. I know this will help.
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Mattie
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Post by Mattie »

Maxy24 wrote:I just wanted to add that I have heard you can use any harness with an open ring in front. For instance this harness: http://pitbull-store.com/images/large/pit56_LRG.jpg

Or this one: http://boxer-dog-breed-store.com/images ... -black.jpg

could have a leash clipped to that ring right in front and it should turn the dog, I don't know of anyone whose done this so it might be better to go with an actual no-pull harness unless you already have a regular harness to try this out on first.
These types of harnesses are the ones I use only mine are webbing, with the lead clipped to the ring on the back, if you raise your hand your raise the dog's chest, this puts the dog off balance and they can't pull. This is the only harness I will use on my dogs because of the way the strap is round the neck, a dog can't put as much weight into it, and the strap round the body is set well back from the elbow so doesn't rub.
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monquito
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Post by monquito »

I just wanted to say the harness they used in this episode was defintiely the Easy Walk harness. It is good for small breeds because it won't hurt their backs or necks, but it DOES tend to rub at the elbows/underarms. So unless you have a super fluffy/wiry dog, I wouldn't recommend it.
Jojo
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Re: Mr. Black episode

Post by Jojo »

I'm currently using the Easy Walk harness as well and agree it does making walking much easier but really needs to be paired with positive training to stay effective in the long run. My medium/small sized sharpei cross is a strong puller and over time she does manage to start pulling but it's more subtle than before. We prefer this harness over the head collars which our dog HATED and spent most of the walk trying to get it off. The harness at least lets her sniff around freely.

On another note - does anyone know where I can get that automatic toy dispenser? What brand is it? I saw a Kong one on Amazon but it seems to be permanently out of stock. Are there any alternatives?
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Noobs
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Re: Mr. Black episode

Post by Noobs »

You're talking about the Kong Time:

http://www.healthypets.com/kongtimelrg.html

And yes, they are discontinued, which was so disappointing when I tried to find one a few months ago. You can find them on ebay though.
Jojo
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Re: Mr. Black episode

Post by Jojo »

Such a shame they aren't available anymore!! hmph....will have to improvise something I think.

Thanks!
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