Re: pulls on the lead when ignored

In Reply to: pulls on the lead when ignored
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Kim
Posted on:  March 26, 2003 at 17:10:15

: My boyfriend has a JRT and brings it to my house sometimes for an evening. "Tyke" is reasonably well behaved whilst walking (he does pull slightly) but my problem is when they go to leave. Whilst my boyfriend is trying to say goodnight, Tyke suddenly darts from side-to-side on the lead and really pulls. It is really becoming a problem because it hurts my friends side and it can't be doing much good to the dogs neck. I guess he just wants to sniff around and keep watch in the dark but we have had enough. I hope you can give us some advice. Thanks!

Response:

Hi Kim,

Since "Tyke" exhibits this behavior when you and your boyfriend are saying goodnight, it is more likely that he is pulling on his lead because he is being ignored then that he just wants to sniff around. Naturally, the more he pulls/fusses, the more likely one or both of you will respond. Unfortunately, how you both respond to the behavior may be reinforcing it... :-(

Please encourage your boyfriend to take Tyke to a basic obedience class so he can learn how to appropriately train the little guy to pay attention to his commands.