Walking nicely

Hi All,
just joined and trying to train a chocolate Labrador 7 months old to walk on a lead without ripping my arm out of my socket
Any advice would be welcome I am using stopping, turning sit and stay method.
She is great putting the lead on sits calmly by the door I exit first and she follows same with the garden gate.
The instant we are out on the drive she almost has me over.
I turn and go back in each time but she just doesn't seem to grasp the walking bit we go about 20 yards no problem and then bang my arm is being ripped out again.
Do I just persevere and eventually we get there?
Regards
Lena

We teach watch me for heel work. If you would like notes on this you can email me if you like via my website. look in dogsey directory for details. Lancing canine obedience group.

Something nifty a trainer showed me once was a harness with a ring at the chest. When a dog pulls hard forward the harness basically turns them around facing you instead.

I know there are a lot of techniques others can suggest. I never really mastered teaching polite walking. Just a strong leash and stronger upper arms...Sophie has slowed down a bit as she's gotten older though.

Have a look in your local pet shop for something called a "Halti"

Don't panic it is ok for use on dogs and fits over the muzzle and around the face but leaves the dog able to breathe etc.

What happens ,and the pet shop will get you the right size if you take your dog with you, is if the dog pulls the halti causes the dogs head to turn which stops the dog pulling.

We had one for our Dobermann, he was a strong boy but the Halti gave better control over the pulling problem.

As I said best go to your local pet shop and get one fitted to try out first, I will help no end

With our pup Tommy, we have used the watch and close commands and they really seem to be helping. The trainer has also recommended a target stick to help. With Charlie our basset training hasn't worked so far, we have just ordered a sporn halter from the US, it's supposed to stop pulling, I will let you know if they are any good. I think it's down to the individual dog, training works for some, but harnesses etc. may have to be used for others. I understand how hard it is when you have a dog that drags you along, you definitely have my sympathy! I'm sure you will find something that will work for you, but obedience classes are a great place to start.

When it comes down to it no matter what you use in the way of equipment you still have to train the dog to walk by your side. Not all gadgets work. Some even make the dog pull harder. Especially, in my opinion, haltis and the like, harnesses etc. Some haltis don't fit properly and cause rubbed eyes, and harnesses can make dogs pull even more and some dogs can step out of them and also get rubbed under the arm pits. For me a close fitting collar that doesn't rub used with treats or a squeaky toy to keep the attention and the 'watch me' exercise that is taught from a stand still and then progressing to walking works for me and my clients at classes. But each to their own and obedience classes will help as long as they are good ones. Always go and watch before taking your dog to see if you like what they do.

I agree a good obedience class or even a few one on one sessions with a good trainer can make a big difference. Poor Soph, the only class we attended...the trainer basically barked at her to stop barking and later suggested "maybe she's not ready for my class". With Callie though the young man gave us both more confidence.

Thanks for all your advice.
Has anyone tried the jingler?