[cigwyllt]

On Saturday morning I took my old dog to the vet for a final check up on her cyst. All was well and as it was such a lovely morning I called my dad and suggested he bring his dog down and we could take them for a walk together.

We met on the beach and on our way back to join the path where we would let them run his dog was being a real pain. Dad was really struggling to control him so I suggested we should swap. He had my calm old lady and I had his pony sized puppy. We fought our way to the car park and suddenly Bonzo pulled so hard I lost my footing and landed face first on the gravel. My face was and still is a terrible mess - black eye, gash on my eye brow and grazes everywhere.

Not very nice for me but the thought of it happening to my dad has really scared me. So the next day I had him drive me to the nearest big pet store and we bought an expensive harness - it was measured and fitted and cost me an arm and a leg. Within 6 hours he had chewed through it!

So yesterday I went out and bought him a head collar and a no pull harness. When we got home I put the head collar on and we went out for a short walk. I have NEVER seen my dad look so miserable! Bonzo struggled and objected but with encouragement he walked well. My father on the other hand is a different matter! He hated every step we took. He hated speaking firmly and couldn't grasp when he should praise and when he should be firm. But by the end Bonzo was happy enough.

For his next walk I put the head collar on and sent them off with a pocket full of treats. They were back in 5 minutes "because the dog didn't want to walk"!

What can I do with him!!!! This dog is so clever and sensitive but my dad doesn't see the need for training. Should I rehome him?

[Lunareclipse]

We have one of those dogs too. Porter doesn't take to training that well. He's not stupid, just the most stubborn dog I have ever owned.

[lange]

Ouch :/ Hope your face is healing well. How old is Bonzo again? Is it possible he is just going through a stage? Your dad doesn't really need to use his voice if he's uncomfortable doing it. Bonzo should pick up on his body language more than anything if your dad is ok with being silent yet firm?

Sorry if I misunderstood your post, Cig. If training is the problem then maybe your dad would be more comfortable trying clicker training.

[cigwyllt]

Bonzo is nearly 9 months. My dad is just too soft with him. But we seem to have had something of a breakthrough. We were at the County Show and we spoke to a trainer there who was on a stall selling training aids. She fitted Bonzo with a two point harness and showed my dad how to walk him with a double ended lead - a bit like reins on a horse.

I was keen for him to use a head collar but of course "the dog doesn't like it". This lady showed us the same results could be achieved with the new harness without the stress of the Halti.

So he has used the harness and double lead for all of B's walks since then and there is a vast improvement.

[lange]

That's good. I'm glad they found a solution that makes it bearable for both. If you ever get a chance to snap a pic & share... I'm curious to see what the reign like walking looks like!

[cigwyllt]

It's really weird. There's one clip on his back like an ordinary harness which you use to restrain him and the other on the front of his chest to steer him. I've misplaced my phone but as soon as I find it I will take some pics.

Visiting the County Show with dad and dog was something of a challenge. He hated us being separated in any way - if one of us went to look at a stall when we got back he would not settle until he had had a proper hug with his paws on your shoulders! Once he did that he would walk again. He is such a softy and because he is so tall - much taller than a lab - and so friendly everyone wanted to talk to him.

He made friends with a little spaniel puppy (about the size of a rabbit!) and every time we saw the family the two dogs would pull towards each other and have a sniff. All was fine until the puppy did a play bow and Bonzo was so scared he tried to jump into my dad's arms!