Pets / By Steve Dale
Tribune Media Services
Updated: 09/05/08 6:32 AM
Q: My dog pulls me down the street during every walk until we get to the one place where she likes to do her business. I pick up, but unfortunately, the old witch who lives there doesn’t like dogs or people. She now has a warning sign on her lawn: “Beware of Rat Poisoning.” Walking down this street is the only way in or out of our block, so we have no choice but to go by her house. Any suggestions for me? — C. K., Tacoma, WA
A: Cheryl Smith, a dog trainer in Port Angeles, WA, says to begin each walk on your own
lawn. Keep pacing back and forth until your dog does her business there. Pretend your dog is still a puppy and reward her with a treat and lots of praise when she does the right thing. Also, it’s helpful to give the action a command, such as “potty.” Repeat the word as your dog relieves herself.
Don’t give your dog all day; if she doesn’t go within five or 10 minutes, then start your regular walk. When you reach the home of the witch, distract your dog with treats, or hold a toy as you walk by the house as briskly as you can.
Smith, author of “Grab Life by the Leash: A Guide to Bringing Up and Bonding with Your Four-Legged Friend” (Wiley Publishing, Hoboken, NJ, 2008; $21.99), says using the right equipment can help. “Using a Gentle Leader (or other head halter brand) or the No Pull Harness (or another brand of body harness) can help you to effectively steer your dog. Of course, your dog shouldn’t be dragging you down the street for any reason, and using the proper tools may help you gain control. Watch the DVD which comes with the Gentle leader so you know how to use it.”
