Expert: Delores Beck - 1/2/2008

Question
I am afraid to take my 3 year old female cocker spaniel for a walk around the neighborhood because she barks a lot at other dogs, she also pulls very hard on the leash, what can I do? and what's causing this problem?

Answer
When you're on a walk and you spot another dog, act before she gets going.  Make her sit...give a tug on her leash from the side and say NO (quietly but firmly).

The trick to stopping this sort of behavior is to correct before it happens.  Watch her - you'll see the signal
that she's about to launch into excitement - and THAT is when you correct.

Have you taken her to obedience classes?  She needs to be taught to walk on a leash with you - at your pace and staying beside you unless given permission to do otherwise.
This really isn't hard once you're shown how to accomplish that.  Plus the classes are fun for dogs !
Delores