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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Obedience school.
If you can’t control him you are asking for trouble.
“””Rocky is an aggressive mix”
Is part of the mix Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Sounds like you’re in over your head. I’d immediately get Mr. Rockwell some professional training, because this could end very badly. Good luck!
Not as far as I can tell, no.
Pit? Yes.
Get a “tactical harness” with back and front metal D-rings. If you front hook the dog, he/she can’t pull effectively. Working with them so they don’t pull is the best solution, but I found that while working with my two Chows as puppers, simply front hooking them was enough for them to get the message that pulling was not tolerated. Now they are great on leash, I usually hook them together with one as lead and other follower.
IMHO, harnesses are why dogs pull on a leash. My dog was started on a choker collar at <12 weeks. I am constantly complimented on how well she behaves. She never puts tension on the leash at all. Choker collars are extremely effective when used correctly. When used “angrily”, they are counter productive.
The overwhelming number of dogs I encounter that pull when leashed are wearing a harness.
You have to constantly asserting your authority if you have strong willed dog.
One suggestion I do have is obedience school, so you can learn how to be constantly asserting your authority.
Dogs like your dog will smell weakness instantly and you cant have that if you are going to keep it.
Here is an example, you can see Akira is back hooked while Ravynir is front hooked.
I have one that looks just like that laying next to my chair. Half Ridgeback, half pit. Smartest and friendliest dog I have known. But yes, at 80 plus pounds it was quite the tug on the leash when he was young. A harness was used back then along with a strong leash. Now a piece of yarn would be enough.
AI....
Choke collars can be effective for training some dogs, but their use is controversial and depends on the dog, the trainer, and the situation. They work by tightening around the neck when the leash is pulled, applying pressure to correct behavior, often used for leash pulling or obedience training. Studies and expert opinions, like those from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, suggest they can reduce pulling in some dogs when used correctly, but improper use risks injury, fear, or aggression.
Pros: Can provide quick corrections, effective for strong or stubborn dogs in skilled hands.
Cons: Risk of tracheal damage, neck injuries, or behavioral issues if misused. Many trainers prefer positive reinforcement methods, like treats or harnesses, which studies show are often more effective long-term without risks.
Effectiveness varies: A 2019 study in Animals found positive reinforcement outperformed aversive tools like choke collars in reducing stress and improving learning in most dogs. Harsh breeds (e.g., German Shepherds) may respond better to firm control, while sensitive breeds (e.g., Collies) may become anxious.
Recommendation: If considering a choke collar, consult a certified trainer to ensure proper use or explore alternatives like front-clip harnesses or head halters, which are safer and often equally effective. Always prioritize the dog’s physical and emotional well-being.
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Hmm. I might reconsider a choke collar.
suggestion per request:
take doggie to professional doggie obedience training school
(where you will be part of doggie’s training, with guidance of experts)
doggie looks like he could make a great pet (and yes, protector) ...you made a nice choice! you simply need to get in charge of doggie and the two of you should be a great pair together
While on a walk with him, pick an area of maybe 40 or 50 yards. Let that little area be your Slow Walking Zone.
Once you enter the Slow Walking Zone, you slow your gait.
If he keeps yanking and tugging, say in a normal tone of voice “Rocky slow down”.
If he does slow down, walks at your pace, give him a biscuit or a small piece of one. Then pick up the pace for the rest of the walk.
Later, you may do a Slow Walk at the beginning and near the ending of the walk, so that he becomes more used to controlling himself.
Lavish praise when he follows your command.
Only give the order one or two times per attempt.
Say it with authority, but not by hollering.
Make him listen closely.
Head harness
Dog head halter
We’ve had great success using a prong collar when training our large breed dogs not to pull when being walked on all leash.
Obedience school is stupid; the dog is yours and in the end he has to obey you, not a trainer and large breeds with prey drive are often not responsive to treats or praise. If you spend the time, it is easy, just put him on a leash. Point a direction and verbally command, “This way” with authority, if he pulls, change directions, pointing and verbal “This way”. “Halt” is good too, but you need to be strong enough to make him stop. I like “Wait”, which I start the very first time when they are small. It means I release the leash, and command “Wait”... they freeze in place until I physically touch them and say “Good boy/girl”. I’ve been doing this with Chows (a stubborn a breed as any you will find) for forty years and they are all wonderful companions before they are even one year old.
Have you considered a muzzle?
Next time, go for a lab or a golden. Or smaller.
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