Dog pulling + kids = nightmare. What actually works?

[ellenann]

Anyone else’s dog decide that walks are a competitive sport the second you’ve got kids with you?

Between buggy / scooters / school bags, I’m finding pulling on the lead is what tips a “nice walk” into a stressful one.

I’ve tried basic leads and collars but haven’t cracked it yet.
Genuinely interested - what’s actually helped reduce pulling for you?

Training course ?

I swear by SWAG headcollars! I have a strong dog, and this is the only thing that saves my back/arms/sanity. I've been known to abandon walks on the rare occasion that I have forgotten to bring it with us.
https://swagk9.co.uk/headcollars/

A halti collar

Second a halti.

Harness and training

Get a trainer in and do a one-to-one session.

What cracked it for me was practise, practise, practise. Take time, without kids, and have plenty of treats. Walk a few yards, treat when doing well. If out of position, turn and start again. You may only go a few feet initially.

Training, that’s the only thing that properly works, halti’s teach your dog that if he pulls the pressure is uncomfortable, so he stops.
If you use one it should be a temporary measure until you can train him.
Loose lead walking isn’t easy to teach - so I was told, and certainly what I found. MY dog still can be a total dickhead on a lead despite a lot of training, I think it will always be a work in progress.
Find a good positive reinforcement trainer and practice.

Lay your lead along dogs back, loop under belly, back up and under the lead you placed on the back.
The dog cannot pull, its not even uncomfortable for them, it just works