walking my puppy

[MarthaAnne]

Before I ask my question I want to let you know I will be taking my Labrador to obedience training June 22nd at Westwood Animal Hospital in Kansas...I know I can ask this question there, but I'd like to see what people say about this:
Here is my question...when I take my puppy(13 weeks old) for walks, all he wants to do is investigate the spots, marks, or whatever on the ground(the sidewalk,not grass). It delays us from walking 30 minutes and turns the walk into 45 minutes. Is this just curiosity of the Lab breed? or a behavior that is unwanted? Every little mark gets him sniffing, picking it up, and/or eating it! It gets annoying, I want to just be able to walk with out distraction. Sometimes when I command "leave it" he does, but it doesn't always work.

UHHGG! Ideas anyone?

[Dawn]

It is mostly just curiosity and because he doesn't know any better yet. It would be a good idea to go ahead and break this habit now. It will be much easier than if you wait. Since he is still small, all you have to do is keep walking. Whenever he stops, don't stop with him. Just keep going like you don't even notice that he stops. He'll eventually get the point. If you wait, he'll be big enough to really pull, and that's something that you do not want to start.

[MarthaAnne]

I have tried that. I am so worried I will hurt his neck or throat though... I have read that his muscles are still developing around that area and I wouldn't want to hurt them or injure them. Do I pull UP on his leash or to the side? Sometimes he makes a pig grunt when I have done this in the past.

[Dawn]

What type of collar are you using on him? You shouldn't have to pull too hard to get him to follow you. How much does he weigh? The way I think about it when I do it is that I'm not actually pulling. I just don't give the dog a chance to stop. If he does not pull on you, you could try a harness, but if he already has a problem pulling, you don't want to do that.

[MarthaAnne]

Ok, we have on him a nylon collar with holes. Like a belt...and we have a 6 foot black leather leash to walk with. Is this sufficient?
Also, he is 13 weeks old. I thought you asked me that too. If not, you got more info! Well.....
I may not be on this forum for a little bit, but thanks 4 the advice...I will definately be back, but it might be a little while.

[Dawn]

You might want to try using a choke chain or a prong collar. If used properly, they are less dangerous than a regular collar. If using one, you do not have to pull has hard on their neck.

[sarbh21]

I agree with dawn on the issue of a choke collar or prong collar verses a nylon collar. My bloodhound will drag me down the street if it wasnt for the prong collar it puts me in control of my curious little girl. The collar if used properly will not hurt the dog. It will allow you to give a quick sharp correction, that will teach the dog not to do that anymore. only thing to remember with a prong is not to hold the collar tight it will cut the skin or pull out some of the fur. the idea is to make a quick and understandable correction. Leave it is the command I used with my dog. It was in a low pitched voice and very stern. now i only have to say leave it and she does just that. Be consistant in the command you use, this way the animal dosent become confused in what you are asking him or her to do.

[Laila]

This might sound a little bit funny but it does work.Hook the leash onto the dogs collar or harness.And walk around going where you would if you were going on a walk alone and act as though the puppy isnt even there.He will get the idea that even if he stops he is still going to go.