We thinking about getting a dog from a friend who cant have him no more.
He is about 2 years old and very big chocolate labrador, he will be our first dog Theres a slight problem with him, and i want to know if he can be easily trained and that is.. he is very very very strong and last time i tried taking him for a walk, i ended up hurting my hands and arms from the lead and him pulling all the time. Basically i have to hold on to lamp posts and anything i can to stop him dragging me across the floor.

Any tipss pleasee

Labs are strong dogs right! Are we correct in assuming that he has had no lead training! And is he to be walked alone or with other dogs! The reason I ask this is because if you are walking with other dogs it is very hard to stop!

There are oudles of collars and leads available on the market! having tried most of em many are a waste of money! most of them being variations of another! Maybe it would be worth investing in a course of dog training classes.

There is a book that I used to go by - very short book as it happens called can't pull, won't pull!

DT

Hi. There have been a number of threads on this subject. Have a look through for people's suggestions.

The only thing I would say, is it is about having a positive attitude. If you immediately take on the role of pack leader, from day one, you will be able to deal with any problems. Have you ever watched the Dog Whisperer on Sky 3 and Nat Geo channel? This is a good place to start.

Problems with dogs are caused by lack of knowlege in dog psychology. Because people do not understand how they think, they inadvertandly end up dealing with things the wrong way. A good example of this is a dog who shows fear, say through fire works. The owner feeling sorry for the dog, gives it attention and comfort and says "don;t worry", similar to how they would deal with a small child. However, dogs not being small children, do not understand the human's intention. If you give attention and fuss to a dog, what are you saying? You are AGREEING with the behaviour and therefore the dog thinks he done what you want. therefore next time there are fire works he will become more afraid, because he thinks this is what you want. This is how phobia's can start.

You have a fantastic opportunity because you are seeking help before you take this dog on. This gives you a massive advantage and if you set rules and boundries for the dog from day one, you will not have a problem.

When I took on my first 2 rescue's, I knew nothing about dog psychology and I made thiings even worse. I wish I had the opportunity again, with the knowledge I have now, because I wouln;t still have problems a year and a half later. Don't let this scare you as my 2 were street dogs from Greece and a lot different to a domesticated lab. However they are all dogs and I believe we do them a dis-service by not understanding them.

Well done for getting advice, take it the next step and learn about dogs properely. How you deal with the dog in the first few weeks, will set the tone for his behaviour and your relationship. Go easy on the fuss, and to start with just use it as a reward as opposed to "just because".

Best of luck x

I have found the canny collar a god's send without it i wouldn't be able to walk my lad

like you my arms neck shoulders were in tatters
but since the canny no probs at all

Wow thankyou for all ur answers..
And thankyou goodvic .. really good tips i will take on.
cant wait to get him.. but theres so much more i need to sort out.
And yes i need to look at leads too, the last time i took him out my friend put the chain around his neck and i suppose thats not good at all!
I shall look at some leads! xx Thanxx

Hey no prob, hope it helps. The right lead is important, but it is about respect. If you dog respects you then he will walk next to you. If he does not see you as the leader then he will be pulling you. People often make the mistake of thinking it is about the collar or lead etc, when in actual fact it is about them seeing you as the boss!

Best of luck x

If he pulls, you stop and correct by bringing him to heel, set off, it he pulls you stop correct by bringing him to heel.

or

if he pulls (and he is beside you on a short lead) pull him towards you - his front legs should lift off the floor - DO NOT JERK THE LEAD, it may damage their throat. His instant reaction will be to pull away again - he'll do this maybe 4 - 5 times inwhich you should lift him off his front legs bringing him toward you. He'll get the idea.

or

when he pulls call his name, turn and go in the opposte direction.

or

when he pulls - give him plenty of lead, so he runs over himself and change direction.

id personally go with the first. Labs arent that strong a puller generally so hes probably trying to show domanance - if any.

what about taking him for a good long run and tiring him out then try walking with him.

The way we did it was to stop dead the second there was tension on the lead and only start walking again when he had come of his accord to our side. With my dog and his insane terrier stubborness we had to combine this with a halti but with a lab this shouldn't be necessary.

Do people only have a problem with dogs pulling forwards?
Mathew has a severe case of ADD and will pull all ways. He pulls forwards, then across the road to try and chase a carrier bag, then across you to look at a cat(and gets his feet stepped on numerous times), then he will stop dead to pick up a drink can or watch an ant, even to watch a plane in the sky!. Oh he also has to jump up and try and catch any low hanging greenery he see's!!Everytime I look down at him he is carrying a different, and increasingly bizzarre, item in his mouth and training with treats resulted in him jumping up and down in excitment and actually walking backwards to better watch the treat in my hand!
So any collar you'd reccomend or should I go straight to medication.LOL