I had a VERY strong willed dog that liked to pull. I could train her back for a while but it required constant correction and walks just weren't pleasant. I tried both a prong collar and an electronic stimulation collar that I activated when she pulled. Neither worked very long. I had the best success with a Halti. It's like a harness and it turns the dog's head when they pull. Worked great and doesn't hurt at all.

The other thing I was thinking of trying was a whistle they make that goes off when they pull. It distracts and confuses them.

Leash Whistle

Halti

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Yup...choke is a joke, for a strong-willed dog. Prongs look nasty, but they are far more humane and effective.

After my wife was literally drug across the street by our hounds (cats can be sooooo tempting), we made the switch. With the prongs, she can easily walk three large dogs and be in complete control at all times.

Haltis are good to, as mentioned earlier...but they are tough to use if walking more than one dog. They also don't work well on all breeds - specifically short-snouted varieties.

Halti or Gentle Leader can be very effective on dogs that "pull" but they are susceptible to being pawed off by clever canines, so you have to be vigilant.

Be sure and tell the dog that he/she is a "good dog" after she corrects him/herself.

I went to obedience school with two dogs - at the end, could do figure 8 walks and the dog knew when to slow down, and when to speed up, depending on wether she was on the inside or outside of the turn.

Yank, then say Heel - then say good dog (when appropriate). "No's" should be firm - not wishy washy No's - say it like you mean it. Sometimes a doggie treat can help with encouragement.

Good Luck!

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

I do a lot of dog training. I have a German Shepherd Dog and a Rottweiler, both are Schutzhund III. They are both SAR dogs, although the Rotti is retired. The GSD does 4 miles with me a few times a week. Both the Rootie and GSD have perfect off leash obedience.

Go here http://www.leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php for some great tips.

Use the choke or prong collar, but use them correctly. Another option is an electronic collar for off leash work. I feel that a Halti or Gentle Leader do the dog a disservice.

A couple of quick tips. If the dog is just a little bit ahead of you, without saying a word, make a hard left turn. This should put your knee right into the dogs side. The dog will learn not to forge ahead and to stay in a position where he can see your knee. If the dog is well out in front of you, do a 180* turn. When the leash gets tight the choke collar will do its job. Don't miss a step, pull the dog like it's nothing and the dog will self correct. After a few hard corrections the dog will get the idea

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Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

Personal preference?

Just my opinion as well as many of the K9 people and trainers that I am associated with.

If you do a search on the forum I posted above, I believe you will find that a choke or prong collar used correctly will be more effective.

To each their own, but I have worked with many dogs with very high drives as well as soft dogs that require kid gloves so as not to have them shut down. With the correct collar, corrections, praise, rewards and positive reinforcement I have found a dog can be taught almost anything.

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Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

When I trained my little weenie dog as a puppy, it was 100% effective.

It gets the dog's attention and puts you in control.

When putting the choke collar around the dog's neck, when the dog is on your left, the collar should make a "P", not a "9". If it makes a "P", after pulling the collar, it will relax. If the collar makes a "9", it will not release tension, choking the dog.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Kuan just put some sliced salami in your pockets, the dog will run right beside you.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL