Walking and socializing advice

ImwithLoki · 03-13-2014, 05:42 AM

Hi all I have 2 questions that I'd like opinions/help/advice on.

Question 1: I've had Loki about a month and a half and have gone thru 4 different ways to walk him. I've used a regular collar, a harness, slip collar and a pinch collar. The harness was the worst. Pretty much just dragged me around everywhere. Collar was slightly better but he pulls a lot. Slip collar was ok but he would still pull and gag himself. The pinch collar he walks almost perfect, slack in the leash and walks beside me. I feel guilty using the pinch collar though even though he doesn't seem to care. I would love some ideas on this. I did buy the gentle leader but I'm still trying to get him used to wearing it but until then I still need to take him for walks.

Question 2: I have read all the posts on it not being wise to go to the dog park because of diseases and more so the fact the no matter how well behaved Loki may be I'd anything were to happen in the DP that if Loki is involved in anyway it will be blamed on him. The posts also said that having small play dates with known dogs is better but also that pits don't need dog friends. When I walk Lok and if he sees or hear a dog bark (mostly bigger dogs) he whines and pulls towards them, not in an aggressive way but more like he wants to play. I want to socialize him but don't know anyone with bigger dogs to have him play with. Should I worry about socializing him with dogs or just focus more on having him socialized with people?

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**ThaLadyPit** · 03-13-2014, 12:44 PM

Well, for starters, you would probably fare better using the pinch collar, and a leash on the regular collar (preferably both leashes the same length) and only use the the leash attached to the pinch collar to issue a quick correction, and control Loki with the leash attached to the regular collar. This will enable you to teach him to walk with you on a loose lead, and slowly wean him off of needing the pinch collar.

As for socialization.... these dogs don't need dog friends, but they do need to know how to act accordingly. So, if you have friends who have dogs that you can trust (both owner and dog), then set up play dates to socialize your pup with these other dogs, and be vigilant in correcting unwanted behavior prior to it escalating to a quarrel or fight with your friend's dog. Definitely socialize with plenty of different people, take him to any and every place dogs are allowed, like feed stores, home improvement stores, vets offices, grooming salons, city parks, school sporting events, etc. Don't create a scene if someone approaches you and says that you can't have your dog there, just simply apologize and remove yourself and your dog. But, while you're walking your dog at these places, be sure to interact and engage with people, especially if they stop and want to talk to you; let them know you're working on socialization and ask them if they wouldn't mind letting your dog smell them. There's not a necessity to let someone touch your dog, especially if your dog isn't comfortable. It's more than enough to let him check out strangers' pants legs or shoes, and if he wants to be pet, he'll make it known.

ImwithLoki · 03-13-2014, 04:49 PM

Thank you! I tried the 2 leash/collar thing this morning for his walk and he was starting to catch on. And when he was walking with slack in the leash and not pulling I would praise him.

And I will for sure work on the socializing like you suggested also. There is a group here in Vegas called Incred-A-Bull that has some on leash meet ups so maybe I can meet people that way to start play dates

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**ames** · 03-14-2014, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaLadyPit

Well, for starters, you would probably fare better using the pinch collar, and a leash on the regular collar (preferably both leashes the same length) and only use the the leash attached to the pinch collar to issue a quick correction, and control Loki with the leash attached to the regular collar. This will enable you to teach him to walk with you on a loose lead, and slowly wean him off of needing the pinch collar.

As for socialization.... these dogs don't need dog friends, but they do need to know how to act accordingly. So, if you have friends who have dogs that you can trust (both owner and dog), then set up play dates to socialize your pup with these other dogs, and be vigilant in correcting unwanted behavior prior to it escalating to a quarrel or fight with your friend's dog. Definitely socialize with plenty of different people, take him to any and every place dogs are allowed, like feed stores, home improvement stores, vets offices, grooming salons, city parks, school sporting events, etc. Don't create a scene if someone approaches you and says that you can't have your dog there, just simply apologize and remove yourself and your dog. But, while you're walking your dog at these places, be sure to interact and engage with people, especially if they stop and want to talk to you; let them know you're working on socialization and ask them if they wouldn't mind letting your dog smell them. There's not a necessity to let someone touch your dog, especially if your dog isn't comfortable. It's more than enough to let him check out strangers' pants legs or shoes, and if he wants to be pet, he'll make it known.

Don't feel bad about the prong, I have put the pinch collar on myself and it doesn't hurt, lol and when Mel cracks his head into my knee when he has the zoomies it hurts me and he acts like nothing happened lol But its a tool to hep you teach your boy proper manners. Eventually you won't have to use it anymore. Some dogs are excited you just need to keep his energy level down in case you introduce him to another dog who doesnt do well with high energy dogs. Thats why you want to know the owners, you want to be around people who understand dog behavior, know your dog is a good dog and dogs might be dogs and start drama. meetup.com is also a good site (around me anyway) for dog and group structured meetups. You just dont want to put your dog into a crazy off leash free for all.

ImwithLoki · 03-14-2014, 04:58 AM

Actually there is a meetup group around me too, Bulls On Parade, that I want to check out. I have to wait until after Lok is neutered though. Appt is April 10

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**ames** · 03-15-2014, 03:38 PM

Is that a requirement for their meet ups? That the dog is neutered? That's interesting I hadn't heard that kind of rule before. (Tons of rules for different groups is what I mean)

Hope it works out and hope there are some good owners who want to socialize safely with their pups as well.

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ImwithLoki · 03-16-2014, 10:30 PM

Yeah it says on the thing that unless there is a medical reason for not neutering then the dogs must be neutered

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ImwithLoki · 03-16-2014, 10:31 PM

I'm hoping it works out well too

thank you

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