[jakesfostermom]

Jackdee - I am currently working on the same thing with my newest male. Our trainer has 'empowered' me with a technique that is making a BIG difference. In short, when he starts to pull, I immediately turn into him, and place myself in front of him, facing him, and walk forward into him (which means he has to back up and I don't speak to him during this time). Our trainer calls this 'taking his space' - and puts him back into a pack role, where he can recall that he is to respect my lead. He does refocus and gets back to walking on a looser lead. (we always use a prong/pinch collar when walking)

We tried all the "stop like a tree" - "turn and go the other direction" - "mark/reward any loose lead walking" and nothing seemed to make a difference for any length of time. We walk for two very different reasons - one for training - so that is done on a short lead (I use 2' and 4' leads for this), walking nicely alongside me, with his head at or about the side of my body while moving. The other reason is more for 'him' - so he can move along at a decent pace and get some exercise - I call these "free walking" - he knows when he is given the full 6' of lead, we are free walking. I don't require as much 'discipline' from him during these walks, so this is when he would most often pull (still does at times, but we are progressing)........as a result, we are doing less 'free walking' until we are fully reliable at loose lead walking during our training walk with the shorter lead. Nonetheless, the turning into my dog, facing him and walking into him, has made a BIG difference in our walks. He goes from being a bit strong willed, pulling, and excited to somewhat submissive, attentive and ready to listen to me again. (I always feel as if I should put a disclaimer on my posts because you will note that we are in formal obedience classes and using a trainer - so attempting this without some guidance may have NO impact on your walking experience with your dog.)