As some of you may have noticed, I have written some posts that support the use of the Gentle Leader. The trainer at our puppy class recommended it to us to ease Zach's throat while he was learning not to pull (he chokes himself non-stop!). As soon as I put it on him, yes the pulling stopped and I felt I had so much more control. Even though he is only 5 months he is already wrenching my arm off and I was dreading what it would be like if he still hadn't learned to walk to heel when he was a fully grown monster!

Well, since finishing the set of puppy classes a couple weeks back, I hate to admit it but we have really stopped putting in the time. We worked so hard during the classes but then as soon as they finished, we've let training sessions slip and we just would rather have fun playing fetch in a big open field, taking him on off-lead walks on the moors etc

Every time I've taken him for one of his mini five min walks, I've been taking him out with the gentle leader which he hates (not surprisingly). He loves the first few mins of a walk then the novelty wears off, he realises he's wearing the head collar, and he lays down, refusing to move and trying to scratch it off his head!

Last night I read someone's post (I think its the new guy, Steve, forgive me for not remembering his nickname) saying its really easy to teach to walk to heel, no point spending out. As this post wasn't moaning on or making me feel awful for using the gentle leader, it suddenly clicked... why am I using it? I'm the first one to droan on about how effective Pos Reinf is and there I am being too lazy to bother!!

So, this morning I took a very happy pup out on his normal lead & collar, had a big bagful of his favourite treats, and just kept stopping everytime there was tension in the lead. I praised and treated, saying "heel" and he was soon walking shoulder-to-shoulder with me, something he's not even managed with the Gentle Leader on. I was soooo proud of him he's such a smart little dog, he picked up the word "heel" so quickly (never used it before, just concentrated on "no" when he pulled). Gradually I made him walk a few more steps at heel for the treat. Then the streets started filling with kids on their way to school. I carried on (usually I'd stop for fear of embarrasment - yeah I know what a plonker), ignoring the kids, and he quickly caught on. And Zach LOVES kids lol.

All the mental work has tired him out, hes dosing now and I'm sat here feeling so chuffed. No need for all those expensive, uncomfortable contraptions. Get out there and bond with your dog, they love learning and its so rewarding for both of you

Sorry for rambling I'm just really pleased!

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