Ugh... Finnegan's antics... the pulling won't stop!

[twocrazylabs]

He just turned 9 months and is basically hell on wheels. He weighs about 55-60 lbs and is all muscle. He's so strong that I can't walk him... and he's only 9 months! He's a huge huge HUGE puller when we walk and he does not listen. He is just so focused on smells and trying to get ahead. We got a no-pull harness where you hook the leash in front instead of on the back, but that is super uncomfortable for him and just awkward to walk with. It's no fun for any of us to go on walks when all he does is pull.

I know one of the most important things is to being consistent, but it's hard to practice when we're almost at our limit. Does anyone have any recommendations? Leashes, collars, etc.? I've been researching prong collars and we're thinking about going that route after we get more familiar with it, but I'm open to suggestions!

Please help!

[Labradorks]

Most people here will suggest a prong at this stage. He's already big and he's already learned he can get away with it.

I would recommend training. What have you tried?

[kimbersmom]

Prong. I had a trainer we had been working with in the past to help me to size it and use it. Kimber was *very* headstrong and was completely undeterred by the prong until Rosie popped the collar on her. I would've been way too wussy to pop it on my own.

[twocrazylabs]

Most people here will suggest a prong at this stage. He's already big and he's already learned he can get away with it.

I would recommend training. What have you tried?

Thanks! We did his typical puppy obedience training and he did really good at it. He's very food motivated so at least I have that...

[Moby and Barley's Mom]

I am using a sort of prong collar - the Star Mark training collar. It is plastic and does not look as scary as the metal prong. It is a LOT better - but not perfect for sure. I may advance to the next stage and get a prong collar but you have to keep reinforcing the training as well. I will try to stop whenever he pulls and start over - it helps - but again is not perfect. You need to get one - I was at my wit's end with Barley.

[twocrazylabs]

Prong. I had a trainer we had been working with in the past to help me to size it and use it. Kimber was *very* headstrong and was completely undeterred by the prong until Rosie popped the collar on her. I would've been way too wussy to pop it on my own.

Same with him... completely headstrong! I need to track down a trainer in the area now to help train with a prong.

My only issue with a prong is that I don't want him to become "collar smart", because he really is a smart pup.

[Labradorks]

Thanks! We did his typical puppy obedience training and he did really good at it. He's very food motivated so at least I have that...

To have success it takes a lot of practice and for the best results, continued classes.

[rochie427]

At one point I had also used the same harness as you and I hated it. When we started working with a trainer she had us switch to a prong collar. It made a difference right away!!! It is now such a pleasure walking with her.

Just make sure the prong collar is adjusted to fit your dog properly.

[kimbersmom]

Same with him... completely headstrong! I need to track down a trainer in the area now to help train with a prong.

My only issue with a prong is that I don't want him to become "collar smart", because he really is a smart pup.

I've never quite understood the "collar smart" problem. I only needed Kimber to walk nice on leash, and it was easy enough to always use the prong. I suppose if you wanted to do some type of competition on leash or therapy work, you might need him to be prong-free. But one step at a time...

[CraftHer]

Another vote for prong collar with training. The with training part is very important. Mocha was nearly pulling me over and I would have red "leash marks" on my hands. I just could not control him. So our trainer recommended and trained us on the prong collar. We call it power steering! "Leave it" is another strong command to teach them on a walk.

Good luck!