training a 7 month golden how to walk on a leash

Question
I have a very hiper 7 month golden.  I need to train her to walk on a leash but every time I try, she goes spastic.  Turns around, jumps, pulls, she's just a little nuts.  I understand shes got a lot of energy, but what can I do to make her give me her full attention.  I'm giving her treats when she does good, which is for a second or two, but is there anything else I can do?

Answer
You need to do more than train her to walk on leash.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  

Using a head collar may help too.  The leading brands are Promise, Haltie, and Gentle Leader. They have a strap going around the dogs nose looking something like a muzzle. They work by pulling the dogs head around. No other way gives you such great control with so little force. The prong collar is now a dangerous relic of value only for its macho looks. Do not consider using one without hands on instruction from somebody with plenty of experience with them.