Tuggings - How do I get my dog to stop tugging at the leash on walks?

How do I get my dog to stop tugging at the leash on walks?

She's 4 months old and is pretty big. When I take her out she tugs and tugs and tugs. I really need to break her of this habit and would like some suggestions. I don't really want to do the choke collar but...

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I have basenjis and they are notorious for not minding. Take your puppy to a puppy class, it did wonders for mine! petsmart has them and they are not that expensive. good luck
Had the same problem. Every time she tugs extra hard, tug her back even harder while saying NO! She has to know that you are in charge. Eventually she'll figure it out.
I saw a few experts demonstrate this. When she tugs, give her a quick tug and then start walking the opposite way every time. For some reason (after you do it a couple of times) they realize that you are the one in charge. I started taking my older dogs on walks and the same would happen. So for awhile I stopped because it was dangerous for them and me. But after seeing that demonstration, I tried it and now they realize that I am the one in charge. I even tried it on my puppy who is huge and now he listens and though he still pulls, he doesn't tug. So I suggest trying that. You don't have to try and strangle them but a quick gentle tug on their collar and turning to walk in the opposite direction away from where they want to do will teach them that you are the boss and to not tug or they won't go that way.
If your puppy is that big at 4 mos. choke chain and very short leash is the only way, teach puppy to HEEL! If you let the puppy have too long of leash, then he WILL drag you all over the neighborhood. You have to let him know that YOU are the Alpha
chain collars cause internal damage, (breething problems, bruises) and emotional damage to the dog I suggest walking them on a very short leash foot leash (use a normal leash, pull it up so the dog walks right beside you) do this for 2-3 walks and your dog will walk without pulling on the leash (most likely,) rinse and repeat if this doesn't work :) it worked great for my German Shepard X Lab, she walks on a full leash with slack nicely :) EDIT: don't walk a different way if they tug, don't hit or yell, it's not effective lol
If you don't want to use a choke collar you can use what is called "the gentle leader". It's great once you have it on correctly. http://www.trainedpet.com/category_s/105.htm I also recommend getting puppy training. Good luck.
Try getting her a "gentle leader" - this is a collar that goes around a dog's nose instead of neck - the nose is more sensitive and therefore the dog is less likely to pull. This has worked wonders on my dogs! Be sure to follow the directions.
Training classes would be your best bet if you have the time & money. And you don't need a choke collar. A choke collar alone will NOT teach her to stop pulling, she will just pull & choke herself and over time it could injure her trachea. Choke collars shouldn't be used without the guidance of someone who knows what they're doing- they are a training tool, not a collar to go for walks with. You need some guidance to help teach her the RIGHT way to behave on-leash. It's best taught in person, by a trainer. For the time being you could try training her to walk with a Gentle Leader or Halti headcollar. They work like a horse's halter and make it impossible for the dog to pull you. Or you can use an "Easy-Walk" harness; it attaches to a ring on the front of the dog's chest, pulling them off-center every time they attempt to pull. Both are gentle and humane ways to discourage a dog from pulling. If you get the head collar or harness, give plenty of rewards when she walks politely beside you. Attach a command to it, like "Heel". And give her some time to grow up- she is an exuberant puppy & much of this behavior she will grow out of. But it helps to start teaching her manners NOW so she doesn't have bad habits as an adult.
We used a choke coller for about a week thats all it took and our dog does not tug any more. They also make more humane choker collers (ya I know total contridiction) They are made of material instead of chain and the tighten alittle at a time instead of a total choke out. Hope this helps.
my dog did this too when he was a puppy. take her out on the leash more often. she will get used to it.
When she starts tuggy give her a firm but gently tug. If she stops give her a treat and praise. If she doesn't tug again and if that doesnt work show her the treat and she should come to you. Only use the last option if you are losing control over her
Definitely having professional dog training for your puppy, whether it is with a private trainer or a class, is necessary. Do not use a choke collar. They are outdated and only choke and inflict pain on a dog. You might consider a "pinch" collar, which actually does not inflict pain but creates a sensation on the dog's neck which simulates a mother dog's teeth giving a corrective "shake" on the scruff/neck area of her puppy. I know that with correct use of the "pinch" collar it is not painful, I know that this will sound weird, but I tried it on myself. I put the collar on my neck and yanked it very hard. Dog's have an extremely strong neck muscle compared to humans, so I felt assured that I wasn't hurting my dog. I strongly suggest that you learn the correct method for the "pinch" collar. The collar is not as effective if used incorrectly. The other corrective leads/restraints I have not used personally, but probably what a trainer recommends for your puppy and her needs will be the best method to try. Good luck with your puppy. http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_training_pinch_collar.htm http://www.pets-warehouse.com/pic-d/DCP559022.jpg
She may be big but I'd never even consider a choke collar for a pup that young. Try a Gentle Leader or a Halti for now if you can't get a handle on a flat collar and enroll her in puppy class. I'm not a big fan of choke chains anyway. I prefer a prong (pinch) collar which works a lot better IMO, but again not for a puppy P.S. Don't use a prong collar without having a trainer show you how. SO many people use them incorrectly
have lots of treat with you as soon as he starts pulling crouch down until he comes back toyou without calling his name and give him the treat does this a couple times until he gets the idea or pull his leash get him next to you and stay there until he sits then walk when he walks aheadstay there until again he sits