First Steps in Training a Leash-Reactive German Shepherd

[@SomeMinorDogTraining]

For anyone reading this: I know that dog training can be difficult sometimes, but you're doing great. Keep up the good work, and your dog (and your own sanity) will thank you for it!

[@borg_wow]

This is great stuff. We have a black GSD whois just about 5 months old now. She is doing great, loose leash walking, checking in, sit/down/stay/wait, impulse control is dialed in, socializes well, both dogs/humans BUT...leash reactivity. Oh man. She just..loses it on the leash when a dog gets too close, I mean grumbling, scream barking, trying hard to go at the dog etc. we're not sure what it is. We're at a loss and looking into more pro training options now. Leash corrections, touch/verbal corrections, treats, nothing keeps her dialed in enough to avoid the complete zone out and freak out.

[@cfinnweb]

0:54 hey Nate, can you help me understand a bit more about the collar placement? The collar in the video seems to sit kind of low, my 2yr old GSD’s collar is at least an inch higher up (probably more), so not sure if I’m too high. How would this affect the response to leash pressure and the anatomy of the neck? It would be great to see a 30 sec collar fitting and placement review in one of these leash pressure videos to clarify the proper tool use. Much appreciated!

[@NateSchoemer]

Great questions. For basic flat collars, I don't worry about them being higher up on the neck as you would with a prong collar. When we teach leash pressure, the dog learns to respond to very little pressure or no pressure at all. My biggest concern when using a flat collar is ensuring that it's not so loose that the dog can slip their head out (if that's a behavior the dog in training tries to do, which this dog doesn't), and it's not so tight as to choke the dog. However, that is why I prefer martingale collars, since they can stay loose and comfortable on the dog, but can tighten up just enough to prevent the dog from pulling their head out without being choked. Unlike a choke chain, which continues to tighten the more the dog pulls. I hope this answers your question. :)

[@cfinnweb]

@@NateSchoemer awesome, thanks Nate!

[@Louie_Dowling]

hi nate what are the benefits for luring? I want to do it but I just feel like it's a waste of time.

[@truegrizzlesfan2292]

Hello nate, i have a question. Did the owner used the marker free as the reward vs rewards+ release. As i am watching the video, it seems you are using the free as yes with the gsd as a reward only. If so, which marker do you used as reward+ release with this dog. Thanks in advance. Asking, out of curiosity.

[@NateSchoemer]

Since there isn't a 'stay' command used in this video, it might be challenging to discern how the markers are being utilized. However, for this dog, 'yes' serves as the continuation marker, while 'free' acts as the terminal marker. Once a dog has been conditioned to respond to the terminal marker, there's no need to move away to prompt them to come to you after each mark; you can simply mark the behavior and hand them the reward, provided they understand that 'free' signifies both release and reward.

[@truegrizzlesfan2292]

​@@NateSchoemeroh I see. Thanks for the explanation 😊

[@AngelykaMendoza]

I only have one question, how do you train them to get their nails trimmed? My 8 month old Rottweiler was fine getting them done at the vet since i got her at 6 weeks old, apparently the last time they hurt her and its a fight to the death now,( greatly exaggerated) but im sure you know what i mean. She is super sweet and it kills me that she was hurt, but how do i get this done now? Please? A video would be amazing and greatly appreciated 😢

[@NateSchoemer]

That's a great question. Given your dog's negative experience with nail trimming, she's now showing fear-based behavior, similar to PTSD. To address this, I recommend counterconditioning and desensitization. Start by exposing her to the nail trimming process at a level she can handle, pairing it with something pleasant like treats. Gradually increase exposure as she becomes more comfortable, again pairing it with something she enjoys. This process can take weeks or months. Alternatively, I trim my dogs' nails through exercise. Frequent runs on trails naturally keep their nails short. It's easier and more enjoyable for them. I hope this helps, and thank you for your support!

[@roomio85]

Hi Nate, could this be an age specific challenge? My 9 month bernedoodle is also showing some sign of leash reactivity which is more like a urge to meet/greet the oncoming dog and person during his walks and I have noticed a little more distance between him and the oncoming distraction helps to eliminate the reactivity. Usually walking on sidewalks are difficult to increase the distance from distractions.

[@arjunghumman2787]

Great video as always Nate, any chance you can make a video on the proper use of a remote collar? Always love your work!

[@xyyashirox7]

How much food should I give to a 4 months puppy?

[@chrisr-m6568]

Haha So Nate! How does this help the dog with the reactivity!?

[@MISSBEST1]

What treats are you using ?

[@Nuzzy-ef9wc]

Sick beast 49

[@francescaarmstrong3760]

My dog pulls a lot when she walks on the leash I'm trying to make her stop and just walk normal I did all my steps I did everything but I need more help

[@armandhammer2235]

I'm confused how that dog is "Leash reactive".

[@NateSchoemer]

On walks when she sees other dogs. Although, I haven’t been having any issues so far. Often dogs will act one way with their owners, but completely different with a trainer.

[@armandhammer2235]

@@NateSchoemer Thanks

[@armandhammer2235]

@@NateSchoemer You are Nate the Great , the dog scenes that. Cheers.

[@armandhammer2235]

@@NateSchoemer I taught the leg weave. We're working on the pole weave like Crufts now. Once I learned luring and marking it's kinda easy. You taught me to keep it fun and short durations, that works. Cheers.

[@armandhammer2235]

@@NateSchoemer I also have a dog who loves food, toys and work. I'm blessed in that regard.

[@natali230880]

Brave man 86

[@Виктор-ж6ч9х]

Cold designer 47

[@SabrinaSaidova-t5s]

Brave money 47

[@akashgamingyt5825]

Athletic hunter 79

[@aapkanazriya871]

Hindi language sir please