I am so frustrated. I am frequently the one who walks both boys (75 lbs a piece)... mind you I weigh 125.... They are always extremely excited when we first leave the house... knowing we are going to play at the park in our neighborhood... I understand the extra bounces and tugs at first... but one boy, Rocky, my rescue hybrid, NEVER slows down. We could play for hours at the park and he would still want to pull me the entire way home.

Bear is completely content to walk next to me and I thoroughly enjoy walking him and he is the perfect running partner... however there are times I consider leaving Rocky behind because of the pulling... note that I never do because he is still my baby and I know he needs the stimulation and exercise... but the thought happens...

so here is my frustration... I have tried all types of collars and leash setups. I have tried choke collars, regular collars, harnesses, and the gentle leader. I thought the gentle leader would be my saving grace. He is so head-strong... and as soon as we get out of the house he won't look me in the eye or acknowledge me as the command-giver or leader.

Now I have tried for a few weeks to walk him alone and work on "heel", etc... and correcting techniques, etc. but I am at my wits end and nothing works. I dont know if I should try another collar style, or if I need to work on bonding stuff or different commands to get him to respect me. I just want to be able to enjoy walks with him instead of getting frustrated and feeling like he is pulling the entire time. The corrections don't phase him... he is simply a dog on a mission...

Any thoughts? Tricks that have worked with your huskies and those who have strong personalities like this?

We had that problem with Oslo. Currently we use a halter but we went through a few types till we found one that worked. I can't remember the brand off the top of my head but I can check when I get home tonight.

The full setup is a halter connected to his collar and a harness which has an extender section connecting it to the halter. The leash is very short and is connected to the halter of course. We use this so even if he slips of the halter and the collar we don't loose him.

We have also bought a backpack for him because it can take hours of walking before he gets tired. We place a couple of light weights in each side that makes him work harder and tire out quicker.

Have you tried a prong collar?? Personally, I swear by it. I swore up and down for years I would never use one, but it has been my saving grace. Sheba walks like a dream and she is no longer as reactive as she used to be.

My trainer explained to me that the concept behind the prong was to teach the dog that THEY are the ones giving themselves the correction. You keep your hand ROCK SOLID next to you, so that when the dog tries to pull, the collar tightens, but they realize they are the ones making it tighten, not you.

If you haven't given it a shot, I thoroughly suggest it.

We have a harness it has a collar which anchors it above the shoulder blades, and elastic covered in wool goes down and around each leg to clip in at the front of the chest, the elastic joins at the back of the kneck and it can be adjusted to put more pressure if needed, if they pull it feel uncomfortable behind their front legs - I swear by it.

What I reccomend is that you only take Rocky and you go with something that is either faster than him or has wheels. People tend to take bikes and just chill while their dogs pull. The other thing you can do is buy a harness that has a lot of pockets and put things in them so he carries more weight and he gets tired more quickly

I found the brand of halter we use. It's called the Petlife Halti Head Collar.
This isn't where we bought it from but this is what it looks like.
Petlife Halti Head Collar

Thanks everyone! I might try a pronged collar... the halti looks pretty neat! It is similar to what we use now and he has figured out that he can pull against it.

I am extremely nervous to try a bike... and I dont want to jump into the walky dogs and spend that money if he doesn't like it...

The prong collar may be my next step... a gentleman at the park we visit just switched over and swears by it as well...

Maybe they make a pill for stubborn dogs? HAHA

We have a backpack too... spent $$$$ on the ruffwear one. It works really well, I just feel guilty putting it on during these hot summer months,... and sadly, i think it channels his inner husky and makes him "work" harder...

I don't really like Halti's or GL's. They way they are constructed can severely hurt the animals neck. Sheba was wearing a Halti for awhile, until I took her in for an adjustment and my vet told me her neck was very stiff and "stuck" in some places.

If you are dead set on using a head halter, I HIGHLY recommend this one-http://www.newtrix.ca/.

If you do go with a prong, make sure you have someone help you properly size it or watch a How To video on YouTube.

Kelsey,

Thank you so much! Yeah, I can see how he stiffens his neck against my "gentle leading". I think it just frustrates us both more...

I will definitely watch the Youtube video on the prong collar... my only worry with that is it is going to get all caught in his fur

Try this leash trick if you'd like.  Worked great for us to keep Harry from pulling and we didnt have buy anything special.  It tightens around the belly when Harry pulls.  He learned pretty quick that pulling leads to a bit of discomfort and stopped.  The first time he was a little shocked and jumped a bit so be ready if you do try it.  I'd use a second leash on the collar at first so you can quickly drop the leash if he does run/panic. After that first time, he doesnt seem to mind anymore and it keeps him from pulling when he gets excited.

http://dextersdays.com/2011/07/the-leash-trick/#.Uesn840n_jI

Thank you so much everyone! Yesterday after trying the slip knot and getting so frustrated, I made the decision to buy a prong collar... and.... BEST DECISION EVER. He is a completely different dog on walks. I am excited to enjoy our walks and runs that much more.