German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

Oreo · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2008 Posts: 1

We are about to bring home my first hunting dog today! Her name is Oreo, and she's an 8mn GWP who has spent the last couple months at the Animal Shelter.
While we were waiting to bring Oreo home we visited her at the shelter as many times as we could, and we took her for many walks. She has a TON of energy (which seems to be typical for a GWP) and we are trying very hard to get her to stop pulling on the leash with alot of positive conditioning.
I have been praising her whenever the leash goes slack and doing alot of turning the other way when she pulls and it seems to be working so far. However, I'm not sure what to do when another person or dog comes our way and she starts pointing. By nature of her pointing the leash has gone slack, but I don't know if I should be praising that behavior (I don't really want her stopping in her tracks in the middle of our walk because a jogger is running by).
I'm no going to hunt her, I just want her to train her to be a lovely companion on our walks and runs.
Could someone help?

cmmilach · Posted: 10/31/08, 11:10 am Post subject: Leash Pulling/Pointing

Hi,

Welcome to the wonderful world of wires! As you have discovered - they are very strong and full of get up and go. I have three wires currently & I walk them on a pinch collar - it puts a little umph in DO NOT PULL. I like them because if the dog is not pulling - it acts like a normal collar but when the pull they get a little pinch (does not hurt them) just gets their attention.

Good Luck!

Cathy