barking & pulling shnauzer

Question
QUESTION: Any help would be appreciated my 14 month old mini schnauzer is a nightmare with his barking and pulling on the leash. When we go for a walk he pulls so hard he chokes and every time we see a person or a dog he goes into a frenzy barking and lunging it has got to the point I dreadwalks. In the garden he will stand at the gate and bark like crazy at everyone and even though I approach him he carries on barking and will not listen to me. I am at a loss what to do. When anyone comes into the garden or home he is fine but barks when they leave! Thanks for any advice. He was neutered at six months.

ANSWER: Well, if you haven't been told this, they are watchdogs. So you cannot completely stop what he feels is his job. What you need to do is make him aware of you, whether it's simply picking him and taking him with you or using a treat as a distraction.

When walking, if no one has explained the proper way to walk a dog. Yes, it sounds funny, but there is. Only give him enough slack so that he has to stand by your side, but doesn't make him gag. Again, this is a stand still. (I will point out that this is not going to an overnight solution and needs to dealt with with persistence and patience.) But what you do is take a single step and when he lunges, simply stop until he stops, which may not happen right away. Then repeat the single step and do the same thing. I can almost guarantee that he is not going to get this the first time out, that's why I mention persistence. Do this for about 15 minutes, then halt the walk and go back inside. Do the 15 minute session twice a day or more depending on the time you have available. He will learn that the walk doesn't happen if he's going to act up. You can also incorporate other training as well so he has other things to occupy his time instead of wanting to pull everywhere.

As far as barking and lunging at passerbys and other animals; While in your training session, use treats as a distraction and stand directly in front of him with the treat so that the treat has his complete attention. When he attempts to even look, give him an "eh" or "no" followed by a "focus" and gain his attention once again with the treat. When and only when he makes no attempt at looking is when he can be rewarded. This will make him see that not everything around him needs to have his attention and needs to be on "guard duty."
One of my favorite are called halty's or gently leaders. They are harnesses that go around the head and muzzle and allow you to have complete control. I would suggest getting one of these. They will help you wonders!

Bye the way, THANKS FOR HAVING HIM NEUTERED? A+ FOR YOU!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your advice I will certainly give this a try especially on the dreaded walks!! Do you think a harness whilst out walking would help? I tried the gentle leader but he went crazy trying to get it off and would not walk. I really worry about the harm he is doing to his throat pulling.

Answer
It's more than typical for a dog to freak out when they first have on the gentle leader, you just have to let him get it out of his system until he calms down, which could take a little while. You can't let him have his way, then you've already lost the battle. You can get his attention with a treat and once he's calmed, can be rewarded.

A harness isn't a bad idea. I just prefer the gentle leader because you have total control of the head and it's nearly impossible for a dog to be able to pull.

It's going to take patience and persistence for the walks. Every time he starts to pull, STOP and do not walk again until he calms. He needs to realize what behavior is appropriate and what isn't. Be firm and consistent and trust me it will pay off.

Keep me posted.