Use a head collar to teach your dog not to be a lunger

Dear Cathy: We adopted a 2½-year-old boxer mix and have had her for about five weeks now. She goes after cars, bicycles, and people jogging when we walk.

She is a handful to hold back. We have a choker on her, but it doesn’t help. She also has the habit of play biting.

I have small grandchildren who like to run around the house, and she sometimes runs after them, knocking them down. — Emilio, Ridge, New York

Dear Emilio: You can address her lunging for people, animals and cars through training and by using a head collar, like a Gentle Leader or a Halti, when you take her for a walk. Instead of pulling on a collar and leash from her neck and shoulders — the strongest parts of her body, the head collar controls her movements around her muzzle, much like a horse harness, making it easier for you to control this behavior. Put the head collar on and take her for an immediate walk, so she gets used to it quicker.

Also, train her to “heel.” Say the command, then make a sudden turn and walk in the opposite direction so she has to follow. When she does, use a clicker or her reward word to mark the correct behavior and give her a treat. Practice this on every walk until she learns to stay by your side.

As for the grandkids, they are triggering her drive to chase prey. To ensure the kids’ safety and reduce your dog’s play biting, teach the kids not to run or scream around the dog. If the little ones need to run and scream, separate them so they are not playing together at that moment.

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