Help - Unruly Dog

[rockyracoon]

You might remember me telling you that we adopted an 11 month old Bullmastiff back in October. Well, he's a great dog indoors but an absolute mare outside. For the first few weeks that we had him, he was keen to greet other dogs and whilst he pulled on the lead, it wasn't too bad, then we had him neutered, and the problems started. He pulls like a tank on speed, my husband who is very strong can barely hold him. We've had 2 trainers for 1-1 visits, one took the line of, reward good behaviour and distract from bad, which seemed reasonable to us. So we ventured out with him hoping to give him treats when the lead slacked, needless to say, we came back an hour later with a bag full of treats having got no further than the end of the road. This went on for a few unbearable weeks, he just wouldn't learn. When we stopped walking, he was quite happy to wait until we were ready to move ahead when the lead slacked, then he'd be off again. We were walking him on a Halti harness, clipped to chest and back.

We got another trainer who said we were using the wrong lead and came for a walk with us with Rodney on a slip lead. Whilst the trainer was there he walked like a dream, but the next day, off he went. He's also been quite aggressive to other dogs since he has had his bits removed, which is quite disappointing. He gets super excited when he sees a dog, screams like a banshee to say hello, then growls at them.

Has anyone got any advice. We tried the Halti face harness but he would end up injuring himself with that, any how he got it off as I think his snout is too short.

I wish I hadn't got him neutered. It seems the problems started just after.

[pixie374]

I think a lot of dogs seem more threatened on the lead than off. Whether they feel more restrained, or are trying to protect their human, I'm not sure.
My cocker spaniel pulled like a tank. It felt like he was pure muscle, even though he isn't a massive dog. I had to stop every time he pulled, and walk on again when the lead was loose, so he realised eventually he wasn't getting anywhere. It took about 6 months, but now if he forgets and pulls, he comes straight back and looks at me. Give lots of treats for the whole time there is a loose lead too.

[pixie374]

I've seen people going round in a tight circle too, with a pulling dog. I can't do that, as I have three, and would end up like a maypole... but it may help for you.