Please don`t yank at your dog`s neck It isn`t necessary. Simply change direction. The dog will follow.

Duly removed

What has who goes first through a door got to do with dogs pulling on the lead ?? We are not our dog's leaders, we should be their guides(as in training)& providers. Dogs do know we are not dogs BTW

Seems like she is exciteable? And she would have picked up on your stress too, possibly making her worse.


One thing at a time.

If you are feeling stressed - turn around and go home. Better a short, succesful session/walk/training than a long one where the dog learns to ignore and you feel crap by the time you get in.

Have you tried going out more often for shorter sessions? I may help.

I found using the harness gave me more control and in turn stayed calmer - allowing me to guide him back and ignore/stop the lunging. I also stopped walking and 'walked into' him until he was in place before keeping going. Whenever he was next to me I would say (in calm, soothing tones, not hyped up exciteable) 'good' If she will take food outside you could treat then, also getting her a 'special toy' may help her to focus on you. I found that once they reach a certain pumped up level (or better still, when you see tham about to go up a bit) just turning round and calling it day helped. Each time you go out you should get a bit further.

Also, try to use some of her energy up when at home. If you have a garden run around like a looney with her - get physical energy out of her and make you the best thing ever into the bargain. Play tug etc. At home get her thinking a bit and learning the names of objects, scenting hidden toys out etc At the moment it sounds like outside is very exciting!! so try to even it out a bit.

You might want to teach a 'watch me' and a good 'leave' too. Spend plenty time working on this indoors and in the garden getting it fool proof befor you even attempt it outdoors though.

Dont give up on her yet!!

(ps. the reason that I say I wouldnt let her out on the flexi yet is that she cant learn to be next to you if she is up ahead on flexi. Plus whatever command you use for heel - if she hears it in the flexi position thats what she will think it means.

Using a harness alone means you have no control of the direction the dogs is going in & it doesn't actually stop the dog pulling & they can be huirt by pulling into a harness

You seem to be advocating a lot of pulling & physical force being used ?? Have you never taught loose lead walking ?

Then it isnt working, try the dogmatic headcollar or the kumfi harness. Kinder and more effective. These are only tools though, they only aid you while you train, not the solution. Far kinder than a choke chain though and youll probably get better results.

Jodee - I have found a harness a great help, although more to hold the top or guide him back.....(I use the one that attaches at the front)

edit - mind you I have seen harnesses that I wouldnt put near him either....

edit - I know each to thier own but I really dont think its a good idea. I think that could be negative and intimidating - shaking them whilst they are in heel position......you want them to think thats a great place to be IMHO

Clicker training is a method that makes the dog use it's brain & learn what is rewarding behaviour. !5 minutes of clicking training is as tiring for a dog as 45 minutes walking

You do need to learn to get the timing of the clicker right & how to use it.

Karen Pryor has a website here & her books are excellent

In the UK you are required to have a collar on your dog whilst in a public place(which BTW includes your car)& if a harness is used on it's own you have no control whatsoever over the dogs head & neck & hence no "steering" only "brakes". They are only an aid & once removed you have not solved the problem od the dog pulling

Oh dear to the bit in bold