Walking

[Izzy]

My dog melvin is a gsd about 2.he problem is whenever you get ready he flips out and starts jumping and barking. he does have training and wont normally do these untill you take the leash out. also when we do get the leash on, he runs and chokes himself by pulling on the leash. we try to take him for 2-3 walks a day. anyone got any ideas or tricks to help us?

[Melissa]

How long have you had him? By him trying to pull on the leash like all dogs will do and try it is because they want to be leader. And in their way maybe to protect we will never understand. But try to hold the leash close to your side and let him know to stay beside you. It may work and take alot of work but if your dog needs to be in a lead. When he starts to jump turn around and and stand it may teach him not to jump and when he seattels down show him what a good boy he is.

[keari elizabeth hood]

okay, I know some people think this is nuts but, have you watched 'The Dog Whisperer' on National Geographic Channel? I decided to check it out on a lark thinking, yeah right and became totally hooked. This guy is phenomenal. Just check it out, I promise you won't be sorry

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

When he acts like that ignore him turn your back to him and he will very quickly get it. Then when he behaves reward him with a walk very soon you will have a very well behaved shepard. Positive reinforcement works a treat. Victoria Stillwell is realy good at it. So is Cesar Millan. They have both written books on this subject they can be found at the library or amazon.com. bestwishes and good luck with your GS. Lisbeth and the lads.

[Izzy]

well whenever i turn my back it seems to get him madder and he jumps more!

[Cheryl aka Purr]

Izzy what behavior word or sound do you do or make to correct him? My girlfriends yorkie acts the same way, what we usually do is leash her, and the others and then sit talking or go in yard, basically working so she doesnt see the leash as "Oh boy walkies, going out NOW lets go lets go... but rather leash on and ignore her. Over time shes learned not to charge out the door when its opened, and not to fly out of the car when that door opens.

Izzy do you mean hes angry? or excited and gets more excited? Make him work if hes getting excited with basic obedience, sit, down, stay, only gets door open when hes sitting and staying.

Keari hardly nuts, I love watching Cesar Millan, Lisabeth I think hes got 4-5 books out, forget how many but I have them all lol.

[Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen]

Izzy you must be consistant never give up keep at it it is a test of wills you must not give in expect more of the same untill you have established your leadership firmly. He sounds like a handful. However if you persist you will still get the result you are looking for. Let him walk out the door last eat last pretend to eat his food before he gets it ect ect eventually he will give in and become a dream to work with. Best wishes and good luck. Cheryl has a good point you could use some kind of sharp sound when he misbehaves. In some cases it works to get the dogs attention. However it might exite him even more. Jan Fennel has written books about this subject as well. The dogwhisperer and the dog whisperer in practice. both very informative and they work as well.