crowdie2013 Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Hi I did do a search but couldn't find an answer so apologies if this has been asked/answered previously. My 18month lab is generally fine with retrieves and soft mouthed so that must be instinctive because not much else is going right! On a lead he walks to heal fine and sits when I stop BUT take the lead off and hes ok for 20 yards or so then just starts creaping ahead. Ive tried changing direction and sure as rain he turns and follows me at heal but start on the straight for any distance and he creeps too far ahead. Ive walked hundreds of miles over the last year with him on the lead, as I say without issue, so any tips for getting round this problem? I thought I was maybe expecting too much for him when he was a puppy but at 18 months I would have expected better. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver pigeon69 Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 I had the same problem with mine. i was told to leave the lead on and wrap it around the neck and tuck it back into itself. so that it is tight(not too tight) and i presume feels like the lead is still on? If he creeps ahead, remind him with a stern, "heel" comand and a tap on the back or side with your finger. i am a complete beginner as far as training is concerned and sure someone will tell you differently or tell you i am wrong but it worked for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Heeling on a lead and heeling off a lead are linked in training but to a dog they are two separate things. Engineer the situation to suit and you might find it best to go a fair walk on lead before you practice off the lead heel training as it takes the edge off some younger / keener dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crowdie2013 Posted August 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Thanks guys; Im a beginner too with dogs. When things go well its grand but Im getting totally p1ssed off at no being able to sort this aspect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Its just a case of zero tolerence , if he starts creeping ahead of where he should be remind him , as already mentioned a tap on the backside should suffice , alternatively take a stick and place it on his nose when he gets ahead (place not hit ) , you can also swing a lead around as you walk so if he gets ahead it catches him . I have seen all these methods work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayDT10 Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Get yourself a long lead or tie two together, put it round the dogs neck as usual holding it with your left hand loosely , now with the right hand and the excess lead do a propeller motion in front of you and the dog , if it creeps it gets clipped , once the dog is 100% on the lead take it off but still keep the lead and if he creeps use the lead as a propeller . The dog will soon know that being beside you is safe and in front is not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted August 11, 2014 Report Share Posted August 11, 2014 Thanks guys; Im a beginner too with dogs. When things go well its grand but Im getting totally p1ssed off at no being able to sort this aspect! You must stay calm or it transmits to the dog, it don't happen all of a sudden. There are lots of ways, many believe in food rewards being fed just now and then only when the dog is in the correct spot by surprise, the dog is an eternal optimist and it can work to start the process off (make it high value stuff though like cheese or dried liver lumps). If you see a full leg wrap head up heel position I lay odds that dog has known food used (though I find that unappealing in a shooting dog). Trailing a lead is another way (stamp on it if he pulls away), heeling stick (tap not hit on the head), walking tight to a fence or down a narrow passage etc. if they tend to go wide. Like I say though long walk first takes the edge off and lets you both calm down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted August 11, 2014 Report Share Posted August 11, 2014 I swing things in front of my dog if his head creeps in front of me. From the end of the lead. The end of my thumb stick and if the lead I've picked up is to light to swing my trainer clad foot has been known to swing past close to his snout. Mine is just a bit keen and a low growl usually keeps him to heel but now and again he try's it on. A little tap not a kick behind your leading leg on his flank with the side of your foot thats furthest from the dog so he don't see it coming makes them think as they don't know what touched them. My dog of the lead most times is good but occasionally will walk with a gap Between himself and me, especially in big open areas, I close cover he sticks to my leg often nearly tripping me, they all have traits we sometimes have to live with. Figgy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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