Why Does My Dog Pull So Much? - Tip of the day
Answer: Because you whacked the lead on and went marching the streets from 14 weeks old twice per day. Teaching your dog that you want to march the streets, but only as long as it stays within the boundary of the lead is actually quite an advanced thing to teach a dog when you think about. You are basically trying to teach your dog, to march forward but, actually don't march forward.
Let's change tack:
How does a guide dog know it's working?
Answer: it's been taught to work in its harness. So, no it isn't the harness making your dog pull. It's what the harness means to your dog, that is making your dog pull.
What does your dog’s lead and harness mean to them?
If you are still reading this, then the answer is: wayyyyyyyyy hayyyyyyyy offffff weeeeee goooooooooo on a march fest, pull the humaaannnnn.
Ideas:
Don't always march the streets. Do some mindful walks on your road where you don't go anywhere but explore smells and sights instead. Secret bonus tip: it's ok you don't have to march your dog around the streets or park twice a day. I'm not sure who made this up and I give you permission to try something different.
Do some training at home in the lead and harness, so that it doesn't always mean marching fest.
Work to engage with the dog. Give the dog reasons to check in with you. Or better still, interact with you.
Are you asking the wrong question?...
How do I stop my dog pulling?
Doesn’t that focus on the problem of pulling?
Could you ask instead…
How do I get my dog to focus on me a more?
If you feel like you don't have enough control over your dog out on a walk then stop exercising your dog and start training and having experiences with them. I will say it again, temporarily stop being so hell-bent on exercising your dog. Off lead play can also create an expectation of getting off the lead, which can create unwanted expectations and feelings on the lead.
Ditch the need to cover distance. Go out to explore and sniff. Transfer training you do at home into the harness and lead. Transfer training your dog at home onto the walk. Become your dog’s team mate. Stop and do some relaxation games. Heck even stop and have a sandwich. Walk down the high road and let them sniff in every stop doorway. Anything that communicates to the dog that it isn't just a marching fest.
Let them look at things. Stop hurrying them up. A lot of the time dogs are literally just happy looking at stuff. And that will tire them out.
EXPERIENCE OVER EXERCISE
If you are needing help to put your puppy or dog on the right track, have a look at my pages on 1-1 puppy training or 1-1 dog training, I look forward to helping you. Send questions via text or WhatsApp and I will always respond within a day or two maximum.