Two "walking the dog" questions.....

by Susan
(Pacific Northwest)

I take my Coton into "town" almost everyday for a walk. She is a year and a half old. Though she is getting better about being on a leash she is still a "puller".

My first question is:
Is there a no-pull harness that really works and that doesn't irritate the dog or mat the hair? I would only use it on walks.

Also, when on walks if we see a small dog she does pretty well, pulls to see it...but if we see a big dog she stands on her hind feet and barks insanely. She pulls to go see it. Should I allow her to go see the big dog (if the owner looks like they are willing) or just keep walking or turn around.

Thank you in advance!

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Jul 17, 2013
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My Coton has difficult ignoring others too NEW
by: Anonymous

I just wanted to let you know that our Coton, Bentley, feels that he must greet every dog that is within close proximity. He wants to meet dogs of all sizes, but he goes crazy to meet big dogs. When he was a puppy, we did what the trainer told us to do in regard to getting him to focus on us and not giving into his behavior when he pulled to meet another dog. The trainer said that by allowing him to meet the other dog, we were just rewarding him for barking his head off to get to the other dog. Now, all of this sounds great in theory, but it does not work in practice. Bentley is a year old now, and I have pretty much just given up. If he wants to meet another dog and the other dog is friendly, I just let him meet the dog. Owners will tell you if their dog is not friendly, and if this is the case, I just pick him up and keep going. Of course, Bentley has other major health issues that have overshadowed my behavioral training efforts. I just wanted to let you know that we also have a Coton that really, really, really likes meeting large dogs.

May 14, 2013
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big dog problem NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi! My coton is four and still walks ahead of us. He eventually stopped pulling but it took time. We just use a regular harness and it works fine. He could get out of a regular collar. However, I giggled when I saw your comment about the big dog problem. My dog went to dog training and we had a consultant come to our house, but we have given up on the big dog thing. He would have passed his canine good citizen test with flying colors until they brought in a big dog and he failed. He still just wants to greet every dog and he is fine once he sniffs and says hello but he scares off most of them. For some reason he is incessant about having to say hello. Now we just pick him up if the other dog doesn't want to be greeted. Wish I had better advice. I'm sure the pulling will stop. My dog is very protective of us and feels he needs to be ahead and will come back to make sure everyone is following and no one is behind. Good luck.

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Puts On The Brakes During a Walk

by Malcolm
(Toronto , Mississauga, Canada)

We have a 5 mth old Coton and have a problem with his walks . We can be 2 houses down the street when he decides to put on the brakes and does not want to walk.
If you give him a treat or tug he will continue but will again will put on the brakes.
We are using a standard leash but considering using a harness.

If he is off leash he will run and play.

Has anyone had this problem?
Thxs in advance

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Aug 29, 2015
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"puts on the brakes" NEW
by: Reenie & CoCo

When CoCo "puts on his brakes", he's telling me something.
Rarely does this occur with our daily walking exercises, rather inside. Inside stores, inside groomers salon and inside our kitchen.

What I discovered is the floor/ground material. Our kitchen in Vinyl. He slips. The groomers is tile, he slips. Stores are tile or hardwood, he slips.

What I noticed is on going INTO the groomer he puts on his brakes. Leaveing the groomer he's fine, steady & firm on the same tile floor.

When I get home from the groomer he walks my kitchen floor, too.

So what is it?

At the groomers with a hair trim he also gets his nails cut.

NAILS CUT!

On the way into the groomer the foot pad nails are too long to get a good grip on the tile flooring. On the way out, after the nail clip, he's fine, steady, save to walk the tile floor. Same with my kitchen Vinyl floor. Same with other store floors.

On the street pavement and cement sidewalks he's fine with clipped nails, too.

When his nails are not clipped he's fine to "run & play" on grass, dirt paths and sand.

I have his nails clipped professionally, often (once a month). It provides him with better grip & balance on solid surfaces but not loose dirt.

HOT DAYS: On hot days the pavement is scorching. If he doesn't want to walk on the hot street pavement, I carry him to the River path (accross the street). Then he's fine, on grass & dirt.

On the way back, I foget and wonder why he's standing still "brakes on" at the end of our walk. Wants to be picked up to cross the HOT street pavement!

"BRAKES ON" HEADED FOR HOME? I've had this occur only when I walked short walks. He's telling me he hasn't poo'd yet. So off we go for a longer walk and yup, poop.

NOT wanting to go home: I heard to never scold a puppy for coming home successfully, even if they had run away or were unwilling to return. Getting scolded isn't tempting to come home to. Home must be kept sacred, safe.

I was happy to learn that early on. Not too scold. I have a friend that insists to tell my dog "no" for just about everything. CoCo "puts the brakes on" whenever we are near his house. He doesn't want to be near negative behaviors.

I've been taught by CoCo to just ask, lovingly, what I want or need of him. And he does just that. He is leash free for most walks on the River and Ocean and behaves perfectly to my every instruction. We're lucky to have leash-off parks so near.

Aug 25, 2014
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Tired after a few blocks of walk NEW
by: Teresa

My coton stops and refuses to walk on our way back home. I would carry him for a block, put him down and he would walk for a block, then stops again. He does this most of the time. I think he just does not want to go back home yet.

Dec 24, 2013
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Putting on the brakes NEW
by: Anonymous

Our coton is 13 and 1/2 years old, the most mellow and lovable little fellow, and he has put on the brakes his whole life when he decides he just wants to go another way or just feels like not walking, etc. He is too cute for us to get mad at him. We use a harness because a regular collar is too dangerous for these little dogs. A regular collar could damage their trachea. We started him out as a puppy with a regular collar but he would cough when he pulled on the collar and then somehow we finally learned that for a small dog like a coton, that a harness is the route to go. We have been using a harness for about 13 years and it has been great.

He does seem more enthusiastic when my husband and I both walk him and it seems that he brakes less. But our coton is his own guy, and I think he still breaks even with us both when he feels like it, just maybe less when it's both of us rather than one.

Nov 12, 2013
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brakes NEW
by: Abbie's Mom

Abbie is almost 3 y/o and in the middle of a nice walk will brake to smell something. Then we have a tug of war. She wants to investigate the smell and I want to continue our walk. Battle of the female wills. I don't mind sometimes but other times I want to keep a good pace. Oh well.

Oct 28, 2013
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walkis! NEW
by: Iris

Yes, sounds like Tuffy and the pack mentality, the more going walking, the happier he is.

Oct 26, 2013
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squeaky NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

Try using a squeaky toy if u r taking short walks to rev up his excitment when he sits down or try a gentle run to bring up some excitement. When u get to the park carry some cheerios w/u & give him a little treat to & from.

Oct 26, 2013
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Oct 25, 2013
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Still trying..... :) NEW
by: Malcolm

Thanks everyone for the updates. Our house to the park is only 7 houses away which is not far at all. We have been trying to say to him to "WALK" or "WALK Buddy" but it hasn't seem to work. Going to try this for the rest of this and next week. I have notice if my son or wife and I walk with him he walks a lot better. It is almost like he enjoys an additional person. One of us wil walk ahead and call out to him and he starts to run. We only walk him around the block if he lets us :). Still picking him to carry him and let him walk some more. I am learning that this little guy you need a lot of patience. Thanks again for your suggestions.

Thxs Malcolm

Oct 24, 2013
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walks NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

Maybe u r taking to long of walks. U take short walks w/a puppy. If u r making him walk to far u will hurt his bone growth. He has little legs & can go short distances 2-3 Times a day. Please Google or pick up a couple books at the library on puppies.

Oct 23, 2013
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Braking coton NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

This is not really unusual, and 5 months is still young. We were told to always use a harness while walking them because of their tender necks. Its easier to pull on them if needed when you are not choking them. They are clever and smart and for a time will really try you --- so make him walk with you, just keep in mind the weather conditions and distance.

My little girl is 3 and we bought a stroller for her so we can walk farther when she gets tired. She loves riding in it more than the walks. He will learn just keep it fun for him---happy excited voices work really well.

Good luck and congrats on your new baby.

Oct 23, 2013
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Walking the dog
by: Iris

A dog needs to know who the leader is.I use a short leash but give him some slack. If I am not assertive and walking with direction and purpose, or if I am watching him, not where I'm going, he automatically will take the lead.I just stop, turn and walk the opposite way then go back to our walk, commanding "heel' and keep him at my side. They are very smart but need consistent training and direction. Tuffy is very territorial so he naturally want to mark to whole perimiter of our yard, and neighborhood,Sometimes I'll let him stop and sniff around if I know it's time for his pee/poop. Another thing you might check is his paws, because of the long hair, sharp things get tangled and stuck in between the paw pads and are very difficult to see and are painful. You need to very gently feel all the way in to the skin, I have had to pull out thorns and small plant seeds and cut out with baby scissors stickers stuck in between Tuffy's "toes". It's a good idea to ask your groomer to cut the hair on their feet and in between the pads.AND, if the ground is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is too hot for your puppy. Have a relaxed and happy walk. Patience.
love, Tuffy and mom

Oct 23, 2013
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Trainer's advice
by: Mary

We learned in puppy class that we should NOT use a retractable leash. A woven one or leather is best. Keep it pretty short and tight so that your pup cannot roam or lead the way. Left side only and always for your pup so that you have a right hand free to untangle or pick pup up. We were taught to use it and give a firm tug if he/she resists, then continue to move until YOU want to stop. Our trainer is strictly against using a harness. The correction of the tug worked both swiftly and convincingly. Good luck!

Oct 23, 2013
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training
by: Anonymous

Hi! When we first got our puppy he was 3mo old and refused to be on a leash, so we got a harness, a soft one so it wouldn't hurt him if he pulled away. On our walks we started having him on a tight leash not letting him go ahead of us, remember these little dogs need you to lead them otherwise they'll think they have the control and will become stubborn. When we walked him we never gave him treats, we would praise him though. I think that when your puppy is walking and then stops and right after that you give him treats you are giving him the wrong message, now he'll expect a treat every time he stops. If he stops look at him and say" walk" but you have to say it as an order , change you voice tone, let him know that you're not asking him to walk, but that you're telling him to do so. It's ok to give him treats but not before he has started walking, but right after so he knows,you're rewarding him for walking, and remember to praise him! They love to please you, you just gotta show them what does it. Our now 8 mo old walks with our without leash and won't leave our side. Hope it helped.

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Why does she bark almost the entire time I walk her?

I just recently started walking her with her friend my other dog and all she does is bark and sometimes will cry a little bit. I think she is scared. I haven't walked her a lot until presently because she was a little young to keep up with my other dog. They are inseparable according to her.

I use a double attachment for the leash so they stay together. I think she likes to be close to her friend. She will carry-on terribly if he isn't with her.

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Mar 01, 2014
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barking NEW
by: Anonymous

Saylor Jane used to do this too. We started her in obedience training. The best thing we ever did for her and us. We walked her with her favorite treats (sj will do anything for her favorite treats) now walking her is a pleasure. she focuses on us and knows good behavior is always rewarded either with treats or praise.

Jan 23, 2014
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walk NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

I'm not sure how old ur pup is but when their little you have to b careful while bones r growing how far you walk a puppy at one time. Usually u do a couple short ones.

Also b 4 you use a dual lead they need to know how to walk alone. They also need to b the same size for a dual lead. If one pulls in different directions while their hooked together it hurts the other when pulled.

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Eating EVERYTHING while we walk!

Our new Coton has been pretty good about going outside (we live in the city) but he tries to eat EVERYTHING he can find on the ground. I do my best to say "no" firmly and do a light, swift tug on the leash but I often have to pick him up and get whatever he has gotten out of his mouth. It becomes a HUGE distraction from doing his business. Any suggestions?

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May 02, 2013
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Drop it or Leave it commands NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Above r 2 commands that u will use through out ur lifetime in a dog household.

Their is an old saying "U cannot teach an old dog, New Tricks." Well not true. I learned new tricks. I have never had a problem teaching my dogs but I've always had a problem realizing their might be a better way then how I was taught.

I found a book at Petco which u can find all over. It is "101 Dog Tricks" by Kyra Sundance and Chalcy. Cost $20. I spent ovr an hr reading thru complete book at Petco before I purchased.

It covers agility, disc dog, dancing, service dog retrieving, obedience, search therapy, tracking and funny commands to teach ur pup.

It has easy steps. Pictures for reference. As I learned in obedience class yrs ago longer steps this book contains the new technology of 1-2-3 easy teaching. It has been the 1st dog book I have purchased in yrs. and well worth it.

Obedience was not my problem but fun tricks I was not sure the steps so now Jonah can do many fun things that bring smiles.

Just a suggestion go to ur local pet or book store and read thru it. See if it is the book for u. Other then that u can find how to teach the "drop it" and "leave it" command on web that will correct the problem of ur pup putting everything in its mouth. Good luck

May 02, 2013
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trash eater NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

My little girl Cotton does the same thing. We have to constantly watch her while walking for fear she will grab something dangerous. She will be three in august and still is a ground picker. very picky eater but will eat ants, leaves,sticks whatever if given the chance.

They are a wonderful breed and we wish you many good years ahead.

May 01, 2013
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Don't Worry NEW
by: Mitch

My Cotton was a lot like that. He will get better. Just stay consistent. That's the secret for any dog. Eventually he will get to understand what you want and will stop. Moriarty did the same, only he would pick up stuff and carry it, forever. I just kept at it and eventually he gave up.

One of the best things I ever did was never allow Moriarty to eat people food. Now, since he is almost 2 1/2 years old, he never even tries to eat people food. He ignores you when you eat (doesn't beg at the table) or when traveling and I am hoping he will live longer because of it. The longer he is with me, the happier both of our lives will be. I love my little ball of hair so much I dread the day, hopefully 15 years from now! That he has to go, but I am better for having him.

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Dog walking just for fun

by Lou

I know this is definitely a newby problem (My Coton is my first dog in over 15 years).

Ryder picked up on potty training almost immediately - he's so smart. But now I'd like him to accompany me on my daily walks (nothing too strenuous). The problem is he seems to stop every 5 seconds to sniff around or to pee.

How can I teach him to understand the difference between going outside to go potty and going outside for fun and exercise.

Thanks!

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Aug 05, 2015
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i wanted to add. . , NEW
by: Reenie & CoCo

I wanted to add that I reserve commands for CoCo for his safety, when commands are dam important! The rest of the time I "talk" with him - explaining the things & reasons I need him to know or understand. As an example he barked at my neighbors cat. I asked the cats name and explained to CoCo who the Cat was, her home, her mommy and introduced him to what a cat is - "we're safe".

When we need to walk faster, I tell him why: "mommy is very late for an appointment, to see a Client, we must hurry today".

It's amazing how the Coton understands our every word, especially our whisper tones!

Aug 05, 2015
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Sniffs & Fun NEW
by: Reenie & CoCo

My 1 yr old CoCo is male. He came to me as the runt of a litter, shy, scared, afraid. I gently introduced him to new things, a liitle at a time. We live on a private river. I trained him both on & off leash, mostly off. CoCo taught me lots cause I chose to listen to him rather than train him into a traditional system.

He taught me he's scared and needs to be assured he can find his way home if he gets lost, especially on new routes. His pee is his markings, to identify where he is and how to get home. CoCo gains confidence with his markings. Without them he has no sense where he is, as to his home, or our car.

If I bring him on exactly the same route, several times, his need for excessive pee markings decreases and he's safe to be off leash.

As for sniffing, well that's his FUN! It's healthy to sniff various scents, a heavenly experience for dogs like a French Cuisine meal is for food lovers or an essential oil store is for an aromatherapist! When I let him off leash I say "Go Play"!

While I walk he plays, sniffing his scents as we walk in the same direction. If I veer off one way, so does he, following at his leisurely pace. That to me is a good puppy walk! Sometimes I hide behind trees when he's busy sniffing. Oh my, he goes crazy looking one way and then the other, "Where's mommy?" He darts off for home full blast and knows every step of the way home cause of his markings and his internal recording of scents he passed by! His sense is like our eye sight - we know how to get somewhere by sight. Dogs know by scent.

To train a dog to listen to just our commands isn't nothing more than a surrender mode for a dog, or a work mode, or a competition mode. To have fun & creativity a dog needs off leash roaming time, or play time. He'll be much happier when he gets home.

And remember to keep walking, as my CoCo follows my lead, he's just roaming behind. I don't need to call him, he'll catch up on his own. Of course I keep a close eye on him, but I don't smother him with excess commands. I permit him to figure some things out on his own. Boy is he ever smart!

Of course, I assume you have leash free doggy Parks in your area. If not, find some nature trails. That's leash off territory and your Ryder will be very happy.

Most dogs don't see that well, their color range is lighter in tones. Their way of gaining security, a sense of where they are, is by pee markings, sensing, sniffing.

Jul 29, 2015
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walk vs potty NEW
by: Iris

Hi, congrats to you and your new Coton. Here's some helpful hints. After eating and drinking he will be stimulated to go.take him to an area you want to get him used to as his toilet area. Be very patient, say
"go pee/poop and when he does then say it again with excited praise, "go pee Good Boy!!. The" Go poop good boy"!! Some people like to use bits of food for treats with praise but it's better to give verbal and pat your dog lovingly. Then he knows he's pleasing you. Being a male he will also want to mark his territory,and scent marking to find his way and let other dogs know him. That's why he wants to stop everywhere, so it's good to teach him heel,and sit, sitting drains some excess energy.Walk using a short leash and keep him close to you. If you walk with authority,not watching him for direction,and lead him he should stay at your heel or side, not in front of you.keep him at your side, if he veers towards the grass remind him ,point to your eyes and say" watch me", when he does say again with praise, then say heel. If he veersoff the path turn him with you and go back the other way. He will have to watch you because now he's not sure which way the two of you must go.
Be consistent and praising.They love going "Walking". Tuffy knows "go" and if it's in car" he will go straight to his poop/pee spot and do all his business before I let him in the car. Your dog will be happy to please you,it is their whole job and purpose as you best friend. The Coton de Tulear is the smartest dog I've ever known, and the sweetest and most loyal and fun. They are insanely hilarious. My dog Plays football with me. We use his "girlfriend" a stuffed toy hedgehog almost his size. He plants himself a few feet from me and I kick the toy up and Tuffy catches it with his paws and teeth and runs with it. Then he brings her back and drops it at my feet. He would play that for an hour if I didn't run out of energy first. Good luck and enjoy.,xoxo Tuffy and Iris

Jul 29, 2015
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dog walking NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah

Don't stop keep walking. While this is true depending on how young walks need to be kept short starting out while legs & bones grow. You can look up on web recommended lengths per age.

While u walk, walk don't stop again if Coton young ur steps should be slower then probably normal so they keep up with their little legs.

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Dog walking maniac

by Ragini
(USA)

I have a two year old soon to be three and he's got such a wonderful personality that even my sister who does not like dogs at all has become a dog lover. The problem we are having is that whenever I take him for a walk and he sees other dogs he starts to bark like a maniac and the other dog owners become very guarded because he sounds very vicious.

All he wants to do is play with the other dogs. I've had several trainers and it seems like my dog knows when the trainers are here or wherever we meet and behaves. I try to take him for a walk on a daily basis but it can be difficult at times because I don't live on a street where I can walk him. He loves to play with my neighbors curly coated retriever also 3 years old.

Any suggestions on what I can do to make him just mind his own business when I am walking him?

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Aug 21, 2013
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Barking NEW
by: Janice

We have had a lot of problems with Brady and his barking. Especially in the house..........He loves to look out the window, there's a sidewalk across the street from us. When any one would walk by, he would bark like crazy. This has stopped because I have stared using Sentry's Stop That! noise and pheromone spray. Now, all I have to do is say "Stop It!".......show him the spray can and he stops. It's GREAT! I haven't tried it on our walks.

Aug 20, 2013
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Maniac NEW
by: Abbie's Mom

Abbie is exactly the same. These Cotons are so smart. She behaves perfectly with trainers.... comes when called, etc. But when it's just us, it's the battle of the wills. The water bottle really worked for me because it surprised her and she would look at me at which point I would redirect her. I don't understand why she behaves so viciously because if another dog comes near her she'll act submissive but then play. Try explaining that to dog owners who only see a ferocious sounding Coton.

Aug 20, 2013
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dog walking NEW
by: Ragini

Tried the water bottle but only works initially then he's back to the barking again.

Aug 20, 2013
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Barking on a walk NEW
by: Sandy

I have started carrying a small water bottle and spray Pixie on the head/neck when she starts to bark. It can be a bit much to carry as I am walking two dogs but it sure is helping.

Aug 20, 2013
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Similar dog NEW
by: Anonymous

I would be interested in these answers, too. Tolo is very friendly, but you wouldn't know it from his barking. Please, help?

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