Can anyone offer tips on how to train my lab to walk nicely on his lead?

[DrNortherner]

He is 10 months and very strong. Pulls me everywhere.

I have got a gentle leader but he hates wearing it and plays up so much that this morning I could not even get it on him. He chews it, nips at me, jumps up, runs off etc etc.

He sits to get his regular lead on but it's so hard to control him.

He is FAB in every other way.

I am booked in for obedience classes but they are full till August!

Thanks

Chicken bites - when he walks to heel nicely, give him a chicken bite.
When he pulls, turn round and walk in the opposite direction - apparently it confuses them and asserts your pack leader role
Buy heelies & get pulled along effortlessly

A Halti.

My two Weimaraners were as strong and wilful as anything but the Haltis were amazing.

Is a halti the same as a gentle leader?

At 10 months there's still a good chance you could train him not to pull (says she who failed miserably at that with 2 springers).

Failing that Haltis are fab. I cannot walk my current springer without one (would lose my arm or fall flat on my face). With the Halti even ds1 (2.7) can hold his lead.

My only caution would be not to expect miracle cures from day 1. I think the leaflet that comes with it suggests it might take 3 walks for the dog to get the hang of it - was more like 6 months for us.

I tried a halti for my dog, and although it worked, he did dislike it and pull at it and scratch at it. I now have him on a body harness, it goes around his neck and shoulders and between his legs. He can pull a bit more than on the halti, but doesn't scratch at it and walks much better. He doesn't pull on harness nearly as much as he did on just a collar and lead. And is much easier to handle now. Might be worth a try for you.

Take it training.

Dog thinks:

It's great - my human goes wherever I want - they follow me round like a sheep. How fun!

You need to become the alpha.

Personally I'd get a check chain and good lead (leather) and attend some obedience lessons; I fear walking to heel is one of a few issues (as is normal for untrained dogs)

agree with a check chain (not to be confused with choke chain btw) establish leadership role in the house.
we got a "psychologist"person in to help us with our 2 jack russells called barkbusters - expensice to start with but no more than weekly dog training classes nad if the problems re-occur they return for free for the lifetime of the dog.
mine can walk alongside with no lead and are very obedient
good luck

You need [[http://www.clickertraining.com/store/?item=doshdoau&source=google&gclid=CJb4oK24tJcCFUob3godmXF2ig the book 'Don't shoot the gog''

Karen Pryor is brilliant.

Here