tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post115766066442295023..comments2023-10-19T23:31:13.746-07:00Comments on Field Notes from an Evolutionary Psychologist: Canine Problem SolvingField Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372584643389870376noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-1157742296209941152006-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:002006-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:00Hi there, I've been reading your blog for a couple...Hi there, I've been reading your blog for a couple of days now and I like it! I'm studying psychology at university and evolutionary psychology is the area I want to specialise in.<BR/><BR/>I'm also a dog owner. My Labrador Summer used to pull a lot when we're outside because she's excited, and she's very strong. I find a Halti really helps - she can still pull, but much less.<BR/><BR/>Other useful tips:<BR/><BR/>#1 As soon as Summer puts too much tension on the lead, I stand still. And I wait until she slackens the lead a bit before I move again, and I keep doing this every few seconds if necessary. She picks up pretty quickly that we'll get there much faster if she keeps close to me.<BR/><BR/>#2 The calmer the dog is, the less it will pull. Summer goes mad when you get the lead (or even if you just say "lead", "walk", "visit", etc), so I'm trying to extinguish this response by not pairing the lead (and the words) with a walk. I put the lead on for a few minutes then take it off, without going out at all. Eventually she'll stop getting so excited about the lead, and that will help.<BR/><BR/>#3 I agree with Daphne about the dominance thing, that would explain why your dog pulls more when she's with the other dog. So reinforcing your position as alpha female will help a lot, i.e. she doesn't eat until you finish your meal, you go through doors first, she doesn't get to sleep on the bed/sofa (all the comfy places are reserved for you), if she's in the way you make her move rather than stepping over her, stuff like that.<BR/><BR/>Can't resist sticking my nose in, sorry! ;)Robbiegirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06528997485488258141noreply@blogger.com