Hi
Can anybody help? My 12 month ISBT has suddenly had a confidence boost. When he was a little puppy I would take him for a walk and every time we met another dog he would sit or lie down and wine. Now when I take him out for a walk and we meet a dog he will wait and slow down and then pull after it like crazy. He isnt nasty or anything he just wants to get over to it, but he is so strong he pulls me down the street. Can anyone tell me why he is doing this and do you have any advice on stopping this behaviour before my arm falls off.

He probably just wants to go and play! My dog of 18 months is exactly the same - sees another dog and he forgets he is on the lead! He wears a harness now (Kumfi stop-pull), which I find much better as he can't lunge away on it. Though with time (lots of!) and training you could probably get him to keep his attention on you - either change direction suddenly so that he wonders what is going on, or try and spot the other dog before he does, so that you then have time to start distracting him. My dog loves a tennis ball, so I can actually keep his attention on me by just showing him the ball in my hand - he is then waiting for me to throw it for him. He has got to the stage where he finds this more fun than trying to get to the other dog, but it's taken a while!
Hilda

Its easier said then done to get his attention. He is very stubborn and even when I offer him his favourite treat to try to distract him he doesnt want to know. He also has a harness but he still seems to be able to pull like billyo when hes seen something he wants. I do spend alot of time with him and he is a very clever dog when he wants be. Maybe I need to be a bit more firm with him and let him know whos boss. But I do find it difficult sometimes. Do you have anymore ideas?