2 Questions About my puppy

[hammer4]

Well, Chance finally got all of his shots, he's done with his meds and is gaining weight (15mos@ 20.6lbs) My questions are, how much excersise, i.e walking should he get, and as far as walking on a leash, should I do small easy corrections when he wants to track/sniff, or pull..? usually when we walk he tracks like mad to our destniation, but then does pretty good on the way home. he gets walked at least twice a day, sometimes 3 times. The longest walk is approx. 1 mile and he seems tired after that. Thanks

[RealPitBull]

Exercise will vary so much based on dog. It's really important to know your dog, and know when he's had enough. Lots of short bursts of exercise is good for pups, with ample time for rest in between. Be aware that some dogs go go go long past the time they should keep exerting themselves. It's up to you to know when enough's enough. Also, careful with the heat in the summer months!

As far as leash corrections, don't jerk your dog. Follow a loose leash walking protocol. He's young enough that the pulling hasn't been too long ingrained as a habit, so now's the time to get busy and really work on teaching good leash manners.

A basic loose leash walking protocol would be:

1) STOP following your dog when he pulls. Most important rule.
2) Stop and stand still when your dog pulls. When the leash goes slack, start moving again.
3) If the leash doesn't go slack within several seconds of stopping, turn and move in the opposite direction.
4) Consistently reinforce your dog for walking at your side - get used to bringing food on walks. Pop a bit of food in your dog's mouth when he's by your side and walking nicely.
5) Understand what's motivating your dog to pull - you follow! Then the dog gets to sniff/greet/enjoy the outdoors - rewards for pulling! The remedy is to STOP following your dog, and focus on allowing your dog to gain rewards for a SLACK leash. If the leash is slack, let him move towards that tree, bush, fellow dog, person, etc. The process might go like this. I'm walking my dog - leash goes tight as the dog tries to move towards a spot to sniff. I stop. I wait for a slack leash. No slack leash? I turn in the opposite direction, then turn back towards the smell spot. As the leash is still slack (move so the dog does not have time to start pulling again), allow your dog to get to that smelly spot he was longing for. You just a) stopped the process of rewarding for pulling, and b) allowed your dog a reward for a slack leash. These environmental rewards are the best thing you can offer your dog for a slack leash.

[hammer4]

Thanks Mary, I've done 1-4 so far, I will bring treats next time as you suggested.

[hammer4]

just an update, I've been doing what Mary suggested, although taking treats distracs Chance, he 's doing Much better. He isn't tracking as much, distractions are at the lowest, and he's not pulling nearly as much, in fact very little. The only thing that bothers me a tad is usually on the way home he will get into a very excited state and start the bouncing ball thing, and or he will try to untie my boot laces..lol I do try and divert his attention, but sometimes it takes awhile. Anyways, thanks again Mary..

[RealPitBull]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the update!