[LabDad]

Please help. I think I must have tried everything under the sun to get my 2 yr old lab to walk on a loose leash, but she just doesn't get it - or I don't. I've tried using treats with and without a clicker to reward her for not pulling. I've tried praise. I've tried different types of collars, leashes and harnesses. I've tried stopping as soon as she pulls and waiting for her to ease up before continuing. I've tried the same thing but turning around each time she pulls. I've tried changing direction frequently to keep her looking at me and alert. None of this has worked for us.

When she pulls, I stop and wait. She will then either back up or turn in a circle and end up back at my side which is great, but when , she walks quickly to the end of the leash and starts pulling again before I've even taken a third step. What should be a short walk takes forever! I'd take her to a professional but I can't afford it. Can anyone offer a suggestion for an extreme puller and her frustrated best friend?

 

[Kwenami]

Start smaller. Practice loose leash in the house, yard, driveway, 10 feet from the driveway, etc. before progressing. Also, it sounds like you've tried lots but not been very clear or consistent to your dog. The last method you described should work, and YES it does take lots of baby steps. If she pulls again after 3 steps, plan to stop at 2 steps and wait for the relaxation. Bring out more motivating rewards, and click and reward for her looking at you or staying close to you. The combination of reward when close or not pulling + we go nowhere fun until you are not pulling is powerful, but only if you're very consistent and patient in gradually stimulating environments.

 

[Esand]

What length leash are you using?

 

[mathilda]

house leash training helped me a lot.
I kept the dog basically leashed to myself (I hooked the leash on my belt, my chair or just held it in my hand)always when I was at home. just showering, going to the locus and sleeping I did without him.
at first it was annoying to have a pulling dog at my side, but bit by bit he got used to it and after a few days, loose leash behaviour become a bit like second nature to him in the house. after that step by step, I went with him to more exciting areas for training.

I used a normal flat fabric collar and a standard leather leash of 2m that I had shortened to around a meter when walking around and let it a bit longer when I was sitting.
no tools except patience and a few treats from time to time for tricks (sit, lay down, look at me...simple stuff).