Shelley you might try a harness, then you can pull along without choking. I agree, when you can understand the stopping, allow it for a little but then say enough. I have to admit walking on a leash nicely is one of my "things." Whether because of my torn rotator cuff or carpal tunnel or what, I don't expect dogs to pull on me. There are times when I use a long leash so they have room to explore, but mine learn never to hit the end of the leash or it's back to heeling fast.
That said, then there is Angel the Rottie. You'll feel better when you consider how bad it could be. Angel, bless her heart, was a big girl. About 100 pounds. And when she got ready to stop, she THREW herself on the ground. When I pulled her from the shelter and fostered her, I had her in a harness because of the severe neck damage due to chain embedded in the skin. The first time she did it to me, I made my daughter go in the bedroom and shut the door because I wasn't sure what she would do when I hauled her moose butt off the floor.
What she did was walk a few steps and FLING herself back on the ground.
So my buddy in Indiana adopted her. She said one day out walking a neighbor came up to her and said she had saved them lots of money over the last 2 years. She said "how?" He said, we don't have to go to the movies for entertainment, we just come out and watch you walking Angel.
Fortunately she was very food motivated, so when she was honored at a dog show, they were able to get her around the ring with food, lol. She also got an award after she died
Einstein Award for Outstanding Rottweiler Ambassador
The Einstein Award for Outstanding Rottweiler Ambassador will be presented posthumously to a deserving canine candidate who died in the calendar year prior to the National Specialty and who was distinguished in the area of therapy, rescue or education. A perpetual trophy will be maintained by Dede and Mark Brownstein and the recipient will receive an engraved plaque for permanent possession.
This Year’s Recipient Is:
- Angel, owned by Kathy Lovan
She was rescued by Kathy & Dennis Lovan - INKY (Indiana/Kentucky Rottie Rescue). She has been a 'mother figure' for rescues and became a spokesdog for INKY, attended pet fairs and helped to educate the public. Read her story at http://beauproductions.com/angel/
So just remember, it could be worse. You could have a 100 pound dog-mule instead of a 25 pound one.