more pulling than walking

[A and Y Thomas]

my 4 month old puppy named Phoenix gets so excited when he sees people that he wants to run to them which results in pulling even if no one is around.

What can I do to prevent him from pulling but enjoy just walking.

 

Sincerely,

New Puppy Parents

[Adina P]

Obedience training :)
What are your plans in that area?  Any plans for attending classes?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would begin training now. I would not walk him with a flat collar either because it doesn't give you control. Whether you choose a corrective collar (choke chain), martingale, prong, gentle leader, halti is up to you.

[L.M.]

Yup definitely have to get the training (choke) collar!  I hired a dog trainer and paid about $400 ...but the right collar would have saved me A LOT of money!  lol 

4 month old puppies will be excited when they see someone and it's totally normal.....But start training now.  My big guy was a great walker by the time he was 1.  Stella is getting there.  Walk him a lot and when he doesn't heel, pull the choke collar, make him sit and wait, then continue.  Do this over and over...lol and over and over...he will eventually catch on.  You won't be able to actually enjoy a walk for a while....but the result will be worth it.  Good luck!! 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Both my dogs when puppies where pullers.... I got the gentle leader and we all enjoy our walks now.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Four months is the perfect time to start your obedience training.  Decide what you want to accomplish overall, and then look for a trainer or class that can help you with that.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Don't feel bad, mine have been to multiple obedience classes (and graduated) and they still act like this when they see people especially if they know them! When you find the miracle let me know????

[Kami Allen]

We had a trainer come over to our house and it was amazing what he taught us in a hour and how much are walks have changed in a week!  My dog Meggie thinks she is the "pack leader" and we had to teach her it is US not her that is.  So when you go for a walk you step out the door and make sure she is inside the door until you tell her to "come"....took a couple times putting her back inside until' it clicked....but worked within a couple days.   When walking make sure she is next to you OR behind you - NEVER in front (believe me for a year she has been dragging me everywhere).  If she walks in front I give a quick tug on the leash and then stop and physically put her next to me.....it's amazing after a week for the most part I only have to give a couple tugs on my walk.  She does not have a choke chain on either!  He taught me it's important to have the leash very "lax" and not tight and restricting.....only when she goes in front do I tighten with a tug.