So now that we have the pull back problem under some control, my next task was developing some back up system for the bolting. As mentioned before, leading by the bridle would likely be effective, but risky should he get the idea he can bolt while bridled. His owner dislikes the idea of using a stud chain because apparently it causes Harley some great distress, probably misuse or abuse by previous handlers. So I was charged with the challenge of creating a technique/device that would discourage Harley from his bolting off by providing his handler with enough leverage to maintain control, yet use the least amount of force possible.
I chose to use my handy light nylon rope with o ring again. Setting the seed again with much pressure, response, release work, I conditioned Harley to the new feel of this rope. To remind my readers, my theory has been to create new points of pressure that Harley can be sensitized too, since the “typical” pressure points of halter and lead have proven ineffective and desensitized.
Pictures speak a thousand words.
- The light rope is looped over Harley’s head and the bottome part slipped thru his mouth. A clip holds the o-ring secure at the halter so it doesnt slip around.
For some reason the caption isnt coming out on picture number three here. I am holding both the purple lead rope and the yellow support rope in my right hand. The support rope allows me to ask Harley for a soft “down and in’ flexion of his head by applying light pressure to the poll and the mouth. The O ring provides for quick release of pressure as soon as he demonstrates compliance. Should he try his typical bolt manuever, a quick jerk of the head and off to his right, the support rope provides leverage greater than the lead rope, discouraging his initial move to dislodge the leadrope from our grip. The quick release rewards giving to pressure. It hasn’t come up yet, but in theory, my yellow rope is long enough to give me additional reaction time to plant my feet and stop his bolt.