Aggression & desperation

[Greta Van Tiem]

So Annabelle is very difficult to walk. She really goes out of control when she sees any other animal or person. Sometimes, she even pulls out of her gentle leader! Has anyone else had this problem? I don't know what to do? But it seems to be getting worse. :(

[Kyoko]

How old is Annabelle? Have she ever been to any training classes? I think the key is the obedience....

Also the book " Control Unleashed" by Leslie McDevitt was really good and helpful to me. http://controlunleashed.net/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, obedience training is the key. Are you attending any training classes? Working with a private trainer? Practicing every day? If not, do you know of any good trainers in your area?

[Adina P]

Most dogs are difficult to walk unless they have been trained to walk in a way that is compatible with the person on the other end of the leash.  Ask your vet and search the following websites for a trainer near your zip code:

http://apdt.com/
and

http://www.dogpro.org/

If you've never trained a dog before, a good class or trainer is what you need.  I would opt for a trainer or a class taught by a trainer who has actually won obedience titles on his/her dogs.  That usually means they know what they are doing.

[Lynette Main]

Try obedience classes. When you are walking and she starts to pull forward,turn quickly and go the opposite direction. I wish ther was a classto control LICKING!!!!......Good luck.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

out of control as in aggressive or just hyper and pulling?
Zoe was hyper and pulled and cried as a puppy...she got used to it and now LOVES walking. She doesn't pull any more and is the perfect dog on a leash now :)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Working with a trainer is what you need.  Working on general obedience can help and most trainers will work with you privately on special issues.  We had a special leash, greetings, come class that  Finn and I took after the basic class.

A couple of hints...

When you're training a dog to walk on the leash it doesn't matter how far you go.  As soon as the dog pulls, reverse directions.  Frequent sits are good too.  Early on, I spent one or two whole walks in the driveway.

Teach Annabelle the "look" command.  Put treats in your pocket and while walking say "look" and if she does, feed her a treat while walking.  A dog can't pull when they are looking up at you.

Vary your speed along with a command like "Let's go" or "Wait" (to slow down)

If she's pulling on the Gentle Leader that could be dangerous for her neck.  You might want to consider an Easy Leader harness. If she pulls, she ends up facing you. I was working with a rescue pup that was a strong puller and the Easy Leader worked like magic. The Easy Leader IMO is just a temporary tool though.  It doesn't eliminate the need for training.

Good luck.

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

In order to help I think we really need to know her age and what training you've done so far.  That said, I agree with everyone that finding a good local trainer is key.