Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Question
Hiya =D i have a 6 month old staffordshire bull terrier and i love her with all my heart she is my baby but when we go a walk she pulls on the lead alot and this really annoys me because its not a very comfortable walk she rushes alot and i have always been told that if the dog pulls you when shes a puppy then she will be uncontrollable when she is 1/2 years old...please help i want her to stop pulling when shes walking...she has a harness so it will not hurt her neck while she walks.  thank u!!

Answer
Jessica -

Folks are right that this is something you need to take care of before she gets any bigger.

There are 2 things I am going to suggest - different equipment, and then a training technique.

The kind of equipment I would recommend is this one

http://www.softouchconcepts.com/

This permits the training technique to be even more effective.

As she walks alongside you and starts to get ahead of you, and just as the leash tightens, quickly start backing up. Go back 6-10 feet. With this harness, it will bring her around to face you and then come towards you as you back up.

The only way she gets to go forward is if she walks with you without pulling.... Otherwise, she gets turned around and having to go the direction she does not want to go.

Believe me, it won't be long before she is walking nicely.

Give the power of the breed, and their need for socialization, I also strongly recommend an obedience class.  It will help her as well as help you learn how to "think doggie."

Enjoy !

-Beth