Hi,

I have a 8 month old Choc lab and I am having terrible problems training her not to pull, even with a halti on she still pulls.

I have heard the a known for being naughty dogs choc ones and if tru she definately lives up to this!

Dani: )

do you attend training classes??

have you tried the "look" or "watch"

make her sit have some of her favorite treats ready stand in front of her and hold it up next to your eye and say "look" when she looks at your face give her the treat  then progress standing next to her when she looks up at you then treat... next step walking to heal with or without lead say "look" as you walk when she looks at you immediately.. treat
eventually ...hopefully while out walking when you say look you get her attention back onto you with of course jus  the occasional treat .

I taught my beardies to walk to heel with this method which is commonly known and  told to me by a dog trainer who teaches for film and stage. 

roni

Hi Dani,  Unfortunately all labs pull at first but you have to be firm.  I tried all forms of halti, gentle leaders ect with no luck.  I have now returned back to the choke chain a heavy one at that, and it has worked.  Charlie is 11 months and pulled for England all head collars did was stress him all the more.  With a choke you must correct in the proper manner.  When correcting direct the chain and lead down she will here the noise first.  This is what is the distraction.  If you pull up you just create a feeling of stranglation which makes them pull more.  Also hold the chain in the opposite side to what she is walking and hold with one hand only.  Talk to her all the time praising plenty. Try her first in a quite area in the park go up and down treat her when she is good.  Remember to have pocket full of treats and pat them gently to get her attention. I hope this helps be persistant and patient but always reward good behaviour. 

Oh by the way he pulled just as bad as my black and yellow!  Its just a myth.  Best of luck let us know how you get on.  Dont forget training classes are excellent.

Hoorah--someone else who uses a 'choke chain' . I work show and breed labs, i also have a border terrier and bullmastiff and the good old fashioned choke chain is a must. When talking to people if i mention i use a choke chain they look at me as if i have had committed the worst sin ever. Choke's are great if used correctly and all my adult dogs can walk to heel without or on a very loose lead no problems.

When I went to get a half check for my dogs the pet shop staff looked at me like I'd asked for a bit stick to beat my dogs with!!!!

Hi,  Got that reaction too when I went to a uptodate shop!  But my old tatty pet shop owner recommended the correct one. If my arms not being pulled off, and my dog is behaving, I dont care how they look at me!!!

Hi
I use a choke chain on my dobe. He is a pretty much a perfect walker now. I think this method is fine if used in the correct manner.
Em

http://www.learningaboutdogs.com/acatalog/Specialised_Clicker_Training.html

Have you thought about going to a trainer, either 1:1 or a class where you can be taught techniques that you can use at home to prevent pulling.

Unfortunately there is not a single piece of equipment in the world that will STOP pulling only gadgets that will minimise the pull.

These gadgets would include choke chains, head halters and harnesses.  They operate in different ways and you must choose one that suits you and your dog and causes the least pain.

It is worth remember that dogs can only pull if they have something to pull against, hence why it is worth training a dog to walk where you want it to be without a lead at all! :D

The Walk With Me book written by Kay Laurence and available from the above link is only £4 and is very useful; she even runs workshops on walking on the lead.

HTH