Does anyone have any suggestions how to train a Staffy puppy to not pull at her leash so hard she makes herself gag?  The only way we can keep her from hurting herself is by using a harness instead of the leash but that gives her more pulling power!  She's just a bit over 4 months old and has taken very well to other training like: sit, stay, lay down, leave it alone and, best of all, housebreaking!  We are really proud of her but we'd like to start now on the leash pulling thing.  Any advice or suggestions from techniques that have worked?  Thanks!

Ok, so i havent mastered this with Leo but we are getting somewhere. I have a no pull Lupi harness which with corrections at the right time, has worked wonders. I call give Leo a sharp tug and a SHHHT or WAIT! and he comes back to heel. However he also has an easy dog harness for the dog park and swimming, we use this harness with a long line lead usually and hes always good on it.

The otherday he had his ezi dog harness on and i wanted to take him for a walk around the block so just clipped his lead on (Instead of using the Lupi harness which we usually use on general round the block pavment walking) and he pulled to no end!!! No matter what!

He has started to jump up and pull on the lead when we are at the front gate right before we go for a walk, which is another story! Not high jacking your thread here but as i said, i havent mastered it and are in no way an expert! Have been trying to get Leo out of this latest habit without much luck so am now looking into some private in home training lessons  Oh Boy, it never ends! Fix one issue, move onto a new fresh issue

Goodluck, let me know how you get on (And if you have any extra tips!)

Cheers

i too have terrible trouble walkin boycie, he is extremely strong for such a young dog, so strong in fact he has snapped 3 nylon harnesses, i have had to go and buy him a leather one, my husband has to walk him now, i really miss walkin him, Rogue is fantastic she walks to heel with or without a lead, its just that boycie has to be in front of her, i have been advised to try a canny collar, they are supposed to be excellent for stopping pulling, i will be investing in one and giving it a try, i will let u know how i get on.

Thanks all!  I think I'll try the loose lead technique and just try to stick with it.  Hahhaa, my husband will hate it since it sounds time consuming and frustrating but hopefully it will pay off in Penny not pulling and hurting herself.  And I guess I always have the other harness/gentle leader ideas to fall back on.  We'll be starting puppy kindergarten soon so I'll let the trainer know this is a big issue for us and she can help as well.