There's a technique that I've found works well with most larger dogs, but particularly with GSD's (no idea why...):
1. Gather the leash (gradually - no pulling!!, the dog shouldn't even really notice that you're doing it).
2. Try to keep a consistent tight tension for about 10-15 seconds (you may have to speed up or slow your walk so there's neither a pulling match nor slack) before suddenly dropping enough slack back into the leash that the dog has no choice but to "carry their own weight".
If the dog doesn't start to get the idea after 3 or 4 repeats (though even if they do, it's normal to need the occasional reminder), move on to trying another technique. As much as this one works on most dogs, if they don't "get it" more or less immediately, it's my experience that no amount of repetition will work.
1. Gather the leash (gradually - no pulling!!, the dog shouldn't even really notice that you're doing it).
2. Try to keep a consistent tight tension for about 10-15 seconds (you may have to speed up or slow your walk so there's neither a pulling match nor slack) before suddenly dropping enough slack back into the leash that the dog has no choice but to "carry their own weight".
If the dog doesn't start to get the idea after 3 or 4 repeats (though even if they do, it's normal to need the occasional reminder), move on to trying another technique. As much as this one works on most dogs, if they don't "get it" more or less immediately, it's my experience that no amount of repetition will work.
