That circling really works for me. SL doesn't do this but she will try to get ahead sometimes. I turn her in a circle and she slows down immediately or stops. Whichever I'm wanting her to do. I've been using my hand though. I hold the rope and nudge her flank.
Hands are OK for pushing the body over, the important thing is to avoid slapping at their ~face~ with hands all the time. You want to be able to reach up at them with hands and have them not fear that.