Hi everyone,

I take my dog out for a walk on an almost daily basis...and I am finding it increasingly difficult. He is a black lab, 7 months old now and growing bigger every day. It is at the point now where it is REALLY difficult to control him when he sees other dogs or people.

Even if he just wants to run somewhere, he will literally drag me a few steps before I can start trying to control him. This happened today several times during our walk. And I need to emphasize: I'm not a weak person. He's just a REALLY strong dog.

I'd appreciate ANY input or ideas, thank you!

halti collar...fits over their heads like a horse halter...dog can't pull it will turn his head.

or they sell no pull harnesses.

you need to become the one in charge with him...he will be a large boy when he is full grown. he needs to realize that you are the alpha...try to find a training class for him & you...

also..it takes 2 to pull. think about it. if he is pulling the leash. stop.go the other way. as soon as he pulls repeat it. soon he will be interested to see where it is you are taking him.

try this too..it's called "nothing in life is free"...before he goes out..he must sit. before he gets fed..he must sit. getting a leash on, sit. before anything he must sit, or lie down what ever. always. everytime.

be consistent. be firm..not harsh .

[roads]

Obedience school.
It's never too late, just harder.

Stumpy's ideas ... super.

[ThePainNeverDies]

For starters, you need to take him to a huge enclosure, take a load of balls with you and sticks etc and just let him run until he pretty much can run no more. Take treats with you to help control him and keep him close to your side, that way he'll stop pulling.

Every time he pulls, stop walking, turn him around and make him sit. Then start to walk again. It's a frustrating, long process but the more you do it, the more he'll learn. Try not to let your frustration show, keep calm, otherwise that negative energy will run straight down that lead and make him pull even more. If you get near to another dog and don't feel safe, cross over the road. Use a distraction such as your voice to keep his attention on you. Even a squeaky toy near your side could work. If you do feel safe enough, just sit him on the same side as the other dog and when the dog comes near, let them sniff etc. He needs to learn that other dogs are not play things and to stay calm around them. Having him in the sit position gives you all the control.

The most important bit: Get a restraint collar/muzzle. Like this one:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=con...t:429,r:9,s:21

Used properly, these are amazing. Your dog won't like it at first, but you will be able to walk him using only your little finger to hold the lead - trust me. It'll stop him pulling quite quickly.

I hope this has helped

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say that I purchased one of those harnesses that stops dogs from pulling - and it made a huge difference! He pulled A LOT less, and whenever he tried, he often had spectacular falls. Luckily, he was not hurt.

success!

so glad for the update!

just remember..you are the alpha....i love my dogs dearly but i am the one in charge. i can't be their friend or their equal & expect everything to work out fine..because it won't. someone has to be the leader of the pack. it's how dogs work. it can be him or you. better it should be you.

it's like being a parent..at some point you have to make the hard call..no you can't have candy for dinner..ya gotta eat liver & carrots...it sucks but hey nutrition is important. same thing..you want to pull & charge & drag this lady around & get there first but you can't....it sucks.

doing good.

Congratulations - I was going to suggest a longer lead. It sounds like an absurd idea, but it works for me.

I also trained the dog by stopping whenever he walked ahead and only moving again when he was next to me.

[Gus1234U]

when i had a dog, she was not "trained" , but "Educated",, she was taught why things were the way they were, with challenging exercises and experiential tricks. she was too smart for most people to handle, but at that time, so was i. and, she got to run 3 miles a day, that is half the trick right there, find some way to get them exercise and sensory input. it's a rewarding relationship if you have a well educated companion, and not just a needy plush toy. best wishes, to all dog caregivers~ Gus