Not sure if this is even the right place for this anymore but alas. My Bernese mountain dog is 10 months now, 85ish pounds. Potty training went great (besides a load of diarrhea issues but onto prescription kibble and we are good). Had some puppy issues but honestly never really experienced big puppy blues. I knew puppies were hard and a lot of work and was excited for him to grow up.
He knows so much now, I can just speak and he knows mostly what I’m trying to explain to him. (If that makes any sense) leave it, let’s go, this way, basic commands all work mostly well.
What I’m struggling with is loose leash walking. He’s a big guy, his breed was bred to pull carts. I’m struggling on walks to not be pulled into oblivion. I’d say 70% of walks since he was 3months have had food involved to learn heel and listening. Has that worked no. Our latest resort has been a (blank) lead to hopefully not get pulled over on walks. This has helped a bit but not completely and hard to keep the leash on the right spot on his neck. I guess my question is: am i just in a teenage stage? Is this going to be how it is for 1.5-2 years. We practice recall on a 30ft leash on weekends on 3-4 miles walks through the woods/hiking. We go on 2 walks a day, sometimes 30ft leash in a field with a ball. He has lick mats, a load of toys, carrots still. We did obedience training, puppy classes (now he likes dogs maybe a bit too much). Genuinely not sure what to try at this point. I’m a strong fan of positive reinforcement but at a certain point it’s my arm getting torn or a different solution. I don’t want to get judged but I’m struggling to find a solution. I likely will not resort to that but it’s been a thought.
If anyone has any advice or just a (you’ll get through it eventually) that would be great!
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