Dogs that forge ahead on walks

Dear Jubilee, My dog won't pay attention to me: he drags me whenever I try to walk him. What can I do?

People often ask me what they can do about dogs that pull them whenever they take their dog for a walk. I tell them to be the crazy lady.

I teach my dogs to pay attention to me, all the time, and I do that in part by teaching them that I am not predictable when we go for walks. They have to pay attention because I don't always walk in a straight line. I stop, I turn to the right or the left, I turn around and go back the way we came, I zig-zag back and forth on a little used street, I change my mind frequently, and I ask them to sit or wait in the middle of a straight walk. All this is what I mean about being a crazy -- or unpredictable -- lady.

When I stop or change directions and my dog is not paying attention, she is apt to come to the end of her leash rather abruptly. I call to her: "What happened? Are you all right?" in a voice full of sympathy. Then, I enthusiastically say, "Come!" and I reward the come with a treat. I do this often enough, even after they are well trained, that they know better than to let their minds wander because there is no telling what the crazy lady will do next. Best to be alert.

Dogs are smart: they know when they have to pay attention and when they can lunge off toward another dog or after a cat pulling you along behind them. If this happens, they know they don't have to pay attention to you.

In addition, to lock in responsive behavior, take your puppy to regular classes: obedience is my favorite. Don't stop after that first six week class. Once you have finished that puppy beginner class, find a novice practice class that is given every week, and go every week. These classes are typically full of people who compete in obedience: they not only know the value of going every week, they are also great people to help you when you have a difficulty. And your dog will enjoy the constant working with other dogs. There is really nothing like a large novice obedience class for learning to deal with the distractions of other people, other dogs, and strange noises that you encounter on long walks.

After your dog is working really well for you, explore other options like agility,freestyle (dancing), herding, frisbee, tracking, dock dogs, or any other dog sport you have heard of. They are all fun for your dog and for you, and they help your dog burn up so much energy and give them so many new experiences that they don't have time to think about the old distractions.

Doing all this, you will build a remarkable relationship with your dog. Your dog will have eyes and ears for only you. And you'll be able to do fun things with your dog that you never dreamed you could do.