Sam, our 8 month old black Lab has pulled on his lead almost from day one . I have tried all the methods advised and eventually resorted to a head collar which I didnt want to do and he hates it so much, I felt guilty even putting it on his head . A friend who is a behaviourist told me about this method which I have been using for a few days and it is working so I thought I would share , sorry if someone else has already posted about it . Its similar to the stop at the pull and change direction, but instead of changing direction , I stop when he pulls and then slowly start to take a few steps backwards walking . He follows, facing me , walking beautifully and I tell him what a good boy he is , then stop . He reaches me and turns himself around so that he is now also facing forward by my side , we stand for a couple of seconds and then set off once more . In the short time of using this method , he has improved so much , my neighbours must think I am crackers walking backwards, but what the heck, it works
Re: A method thats working for us Thats sounds great, glad you are making progress. The key with heelwork is to get the behaviiour established then build distances up in tiny stages and not be tempted to march off on a three mile lead walk when your dog can manage a few steps.
Re: A method thats working for us When I had my spaniel pup, the only way to reach our car from the house was down a 50 metre track, that lots of other cars drove on. Once he got too big to carry comfortably, the only way to get him there safely was on a lead - and we would stop every time he pulled, and wait for him to let the lead go slack before moving on. The neighbours definitely thought we were mad - taking up to 5 minutes to travel 50 yards! It is totally worth it in the end though, Kate, so do stick with it
