DEVIL ON THE LEASH

Question
I have a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback (Male)who is 5 1/2 mths and 35kg already. He is, as we speak, getting de-sexed.  At the beginning of our daily walks he is fine and walks on the loose lead well, but half way through and closer to home he becomes possessed and chews on the lead (and me!) and gets aggressive.  I have tried turning my back and ignoring until he settles down which is hard when you are getting bitten in the process! and I have tried pushing him down and saying no, also rewarding when he finally does settle down, but does not seem to really work.  Oh, and I have coated his lead with vicks vapour rub and chili, but seems to not mind! What do you suggest?  Will this behaviour be curbed now he is de-sexed?

Answer
It sounds as if this is pretty normal puppy behavior.  Don't push at him - it can make him think you want to play!  It sounds as though he doesn't respect you yet.  Get him in to a positive training class and have him learn some skills, and some manners, there.  Lots of exercise and playing with other dogs will also help him learn to be less energetic with you and inhibit his bite.