6 month old puppy pulls on the lead...

Question
Hi, I have a 6 month old english bulldog and have had him for about 3 months.  He is very obedient and listens to all commands and except for the occasional bulldog stubborn fit he'll always obey a command. I live in nyc and when I take him for walks he walks very well on a loose lead at the heel, however this is only when we are walking in a direction away from my apartment complex. Anytime we start walking towards my building he will immediately pull on the lead and I cant stop him from doing so.  I tried using all the techniques that I used which worked well getting him to walk on the lead at the heel away from the building, but once he knows we're going in he will pull toward "home."  He is often very afraid of sudden noises or other dogs outside and I am working to socialise him with other dogs - I think he was kept in a kennell before I got him which caused him to build up some fear.  Anyway, stumped on how to solve this problem.  Any help would be much appreciated

Answer
Hi Jim

This problem is common and isn't to do with his training - as you say he knows how to walk on a loose lead.  It is because, as you mention, he is nervous and anxious when out and so turning for home is a huge relief.  He is so motivated to get back that he cannot respond to training in that state.  Remember survival is the strongest instinct there is - if he feels threatened out and about then he will be oblivious to your efforts to get him to stroll home slowly!  Bulldogs are also not always very responsive to training so you have done well so far.

The answer will be in building his confidence up when outside and making returning home boring.  So use treats and toys when you go out, try to find dog friends for him to make and meet up with for play times.  keep walks short and frequent so he doesn't have time to get too worried.  also remember bulldogs cannot cope with exertion so he may also be keep to get home for a rest!

Never feed him or do anything rewarding for him when you get home, just unclip his lead and ignore him for a while.

As he matures, gains confidence and builds his trust in you he will improve.  Just be patient and understanding with him.

Lucy