Dog hates walking on leash....?

Question

I have a 3 1/2 month old female Bullmastiff, very smart and very stubborn. She was the alfa dog in her litter.

When I place her on the leash, she lags behind and puts her nose to the ground. I have tried both the 10ft (to keep her at my side) and retractable leash (to allow her to lag a bit behind and sniff). However I don't know what to do. I also have her brother and he was quick to train to walk at our side. I would like to be able to take both dogs out for a walk in the morning and evening without having to take 2 walks (one for each dog).

I have started to give her extra time in taking her out by herself in front of our house on the street and work on getting her to come and praising her profusely when she does, but I'm wondering how long this alfa sniffing the ground female butt to the ground thing is going to last. My hubby is thinking about a choke collar (which I am against).

I just want a pleasant experience when walking. Any guidance would be grateful!

Answer 1

What kind of collar ar you using now? BTW There is nothing wrong with a prong  or choke collar if used properly. With a large dog it gives you more control. I have friends who are trainers who use nothing but even with a trained dog. You could try a gentle leader with her and see if that helps any. Formal training classes would also be a big help.    

Answer 2

She is a bit young and maybe not yet keen to start walking..my neigbhour's dog was like that she just wasn't keen and would feign paralysis.

Try a harness so she is more comfortable and just walk around the house till she gets used to it.

Good news is my neighbours dog did outgrow it and now the 6lb lady regularly walks 6miles without stopping.

Answer 3

Just be more patient. Shorten the leash more so that she stays right by by your side when walking. Call her attention when you make the first step (always start with the same leg. If she's on the left, start with the left, if she's on the right start with the right) and gently jerk the leash forward. Every time she looks down, jerk the chain a bit to get her attention. If sse keeps pace with you, shower her with praise while saying out her name. (never use her name when scolding by the way). Just keep repeating this every single day, several times a day if possible. But don't make the sessions too long or she will get bored.. A twenty to thirty minute session should suffice

Answer 4

put it down

Answer 5

I know it's easy to get frustrated, bud don't. Keep calm and have patience....most importantly don't give up, Bullmastiff are stubborn and they are only going to get bigger and make it more difficult to train.  Try a thinner leash that you place higher on the neck... this way you don't have to use much force, keep her close to you and her nose pointed up.  My pup was like that too and the leash higher on the neck made a world of difference.

Answer 6

At this point to me it sounds like she's leading your walk, not by pulling but lazing around and sniffing and walking when she feels like it.  And since you said she has an alpha history, it's likely she's doing so because she "can".

Any kind of collar can be a great tool when used properly on the right dog, including choke chains.  

I'd think about obedience school to solidify your relationship your dog, and specifically your LEADERSHIP relationship with your dog.  Also, a choke can could be useful in this case... choke chains aren't for strangulation, they're for correction, and meant to be used on loose leash only.  When she lags behind, give her a "go" command, like "lets go", and if she doesn't start moving, jerk the leash and immediately release.  Repeat command followed by leash jerk until she follows, and then praise, pets, treats, play, whichever works for you and her.  You're the boss of the walk.

That's just what I'd do, good luck!

Answer 7

take the dog to a special training lesson.

start the dog off by walkin it in your garden?