Posted on 07/26/2025 11:52:07 AM PDT by Responsibility2nd
Rockwell as a Puppy. He's much bigger now at 85 lbs.
Rocky is an aggressive mix who likes to walk on a leash and/or a no-pull harness but he still pulls - well - aggressively. I'm asking the very wise and knowledgeable FReeper community what he needs. Is there a no-pull harness that really works? I'm told a choke collar is not good, so I haven't tried that.
I dread the day when an unleashed dog appears as Rockwell will not tolerate any encounter and will react with force. I carry Pepper Spray for such a possibility and am even considering carrying something else. If you know what I mean.
What is the best option?
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Gotcha. Sounds like a wonderful life.
The combo harness things with the little string that goes over the nose will be what I try for future pulling problems. Be sure and come back to tell us what your solution is and how it works.
PS: pulling is an obedience/training issue
My one acre property backs up to a working ranch. Goats mostly, some cattle.
2 White Pyrenees are all that’s needed there. There is a better than secure barb wire fencing between my property and the ranch and no chance of Rocky getting over. But if he did, the Rancher told me his Pyrenees are trained to effectively and safely move him back where he belongs.
And if Rockwell cannot or does not comply.... he will be killed.
Understood.
The combo harness things with the little string that goes over the nose will be what I try for future pulling problems.
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Yep. Upthread someone suggested this....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009XLVEC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1
I think this is my first best option.
If owners with dogs they can't manage knew that, they wouldn't need a trainer. People differ from one another. Some need dog trainers to be successful dog owners.
It’s really quite different from a choke collar.
Much more effective and less cruel IMHO.
As I observe, my dog is strongly in favor of wearing it.
She’s now ~15 yr old and has become as trained as she is ever going to be.
Get and use a good quality Choker Chain Collar that is sturdy enough to not break it will not harm Rockwell when it starts choking the Dog will realize that they are not going anywhere and after a few times they figure out who’s in charge. I have used them several times and the Canine has learned fairly quickly to not keep pulling.
Training classes can work but it is best for starting with a Puppy and working up. Starting with an older Dog is a bit more challenging because of them having set in their ways already.
The Cone of Shame.
” a tired dog is a good dog.”
I’ve long used my dog as a personal trainer for long hikes in the local National Forest.
Works well for both of us....
Head halter. Kind of a leash that has a muzzle like collar attached at the muzzle area to the leash. The dog pulls and winds up turned around unable to move forward.
Example of one
See the link in post 83. Someone suggested this and it is a best seller. I’m considering it.
Very good advice KitJ.
Responsibility2nd, did you get your dog from a pound, a rescue organization....?
I volunteer for a Great Dane rescue organization and whenever a dog gets adopted, we will gladly help with any questions, concerns and basic training.
I have owned Labradors, Rotties....and currently have 2 Great Danes (125# & 138#). The boy Dane is also deaf.
I take both Danes for walks without any issues.
Leash training is not hard or complicated, but it does take time and patience.
I would recommend, you find a dog trainer and get at least the basic rundown.
It will make walks with your dog much more enjoyable, in the future for both of you.
Most people don’t even think about this, but
every training session has to include these 2 methods;
Do NOT let the dog walk in front of you. He should always walk next to you.
He is not the leader taking you for a walk, YOU are Alpha !!
Also, don’t just concentrate on walking. During the walk, stop a few time and have him sit down. If he was a good boy, praise him. Maybe take small treats with you, and reward him.
As KitJ said, playtime before a walk can help tremendously.
Please, don’t use spiked choker collars or even pronged collars.
I have used slip link training collars, but never those torture devices.
You will end up with a dog that will never trust you, and eventually will snap back.
Good luck. Feel free to PM me, if you have questions.
Problem is, your dog is taking you for a walk. You obey him. You follow him. Change this.
Take your dog for a walk. Keep the leash short. As you're walking, abruptly change direction. Do this many times walking North/South, North/South. Do this in a four foot area or less. This confuses the dog, he may become frustrated but! if you do this for about 15 minutes, the dog will learn to walk by your side or a bit behind because now you control the walk. When you see some issues will arise during your walk, change direction sharply.
Originally I used a choke collar when she pulled. After that training exercise I changed to a Martingale collar. I'm always on a look-out when walking her just in case another dog shows up. Best thing, she no longer pulls. She's a GSD.
Good luck!
Ok... I’ll tell what I would do...A choke collar.
I’d demonstrate that I can correct the behavior in fifteen minutes if you’ll give me your dog & leash and say nothing g while I do this.
This requires non-verbal and non-reactive interaction between the dog and handler.
A sturdy 6’ leash is first requirement.
*This requires corrections. Correction is not tugging. Correction is a snapping motion, with no verbal interaction by the handler.
Please keep these two principles in mind with correcting negative behavior...
1-ignore negative behavior completely. No scolding, no yelling, no verbal at all
2-as SOON (WITHIN 2 seconds, reward desired behavior
So here is how to implement this.
Let’s assume that you walk your dog on your left side.
Do this in front of your home before you walk anywhere. It will condition behavior very quickly.
1-slide your left hand through the leash handle, so the leash drops down between your thumb and index finger. Down, not up, or your shoulder will come into play and that’s already a problem.
2- since you have a 6’ lead, from now on keep in mind this rule... the bottom 3’ is the dog’s and the top 3’is yours.
...it’ll make sense...
3-begin with a “sit” and keeping a firm hold with your hand through the handle, use your thumb and index finger to pinch the leash at the half way point between your half and the dog’s half.
4-give the command “heel” and take a step.
5-the INSTANT dog yanks the mid point leash pinched b/t your thumb and finger, spin on your feet to the right (dog is on left) and brace for corrective snap as dog continues on course behind you and say nothing!
6-dog might yelp.
7-dog will turn to mow follow you. You want this!
8-when dog is beside you, reward with play voice good boy
9-immed Iate m y pinch the leash and repeat
...and repeat...
Until he stops with the look “you’re crazy. I gotta keep an eye on you”. This is the desired behavior.
You will have to repeat this before every walk and even during walks until it is instilled. Should take less than 4 days.
Your dog will now watch and follow you.
Dang
Keep his ass under wraps
He’s a lot of instinct you know
One of my horses nipped my 17.2 rescue thoroughbred
He got sent with a back kick about ten feet in the air
Never did that again
But that horse would let my then toddler hug on his leg very cautious with him
And thoroughbreds are hot by nature
A predatory dog around livestock is tough
The flock dog breeds have a personality totally opposite about that to Rockwell
Take your dog for a walk. Keep the leash short. As you’re walking, abruptly change direction. Do this many times walking North/South, North/South. Do this in a four foot area or less. This confuses the dog, he may become frustrated but! if you do this for about 15 minutes, the dog will learn to walk by your side or a bit behind because now you control the walk. When you see some issues will arise during your walk, change direction sharply.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I used this method on three of my rottweilers, over 30 years. It is magic. Go left or right suddenly, randomly. Short leash. The idea is to get the dog to follow your footsteps. It works, and it works quickly.
Start from dog sitting at your side. First step, lead with right foot. Slap left thigh and walk. Repeat, and this signals dog to start walking. Then work on having dog stop and sit when you stop. I am not a pro on this one (as family members fail to do it, and I can’t train them..) so can’t give good advice... Maybe someone else can.
Wow. Just Wow.
I tried that. It made all the difference in the world. Rocky walked next to my side and did not pull.
I was able to hold on to the end of the leash with just two fingers and did not have to grip it tightly and firmly as before.
The real test was when we walked by a deer. Before he would pull and strain with all his 85 lbs. to get to that deer. Now he is still fully interested, but he was entirely controllable and posed no real threat.
Thanks very much for posting that video!
You are very welcome FRiend!
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