How can I stop my dog from pulling on the lead?

Many people experience problems with their dogs at around two years of age; this is, generally, the time dogs become fully mature sexually. If you haven't neutered your dog already, you may want to consider this as it could make him easier to handle and less competitive.

Try using a headcollar which will make it easier for you to control your dog's head, enabling you to turn him away from dogs he reacts to. If you decide to use one, move away from him at an angle when he reacts; this way you will be able to control him more easily than if you shorten the lead.

Train your dog to sit at every kerb you come to on walks. Then, when he is sitting, relax the lead, say heel and walk to the next place where you want him to sit. In open areas repeat your training as at home. Be patient but stubborn; do not move on until he has done his sits and downs. If you train him away from the house (as well as in the house), he will improve.

So to recap:

• Buy a headcollar and get him used to wearing it around the house and the garden.
• Consider neutering him.
• Train him to respond to you away from the house by implementing a training regime on your walks.
• At home make sure he works for pleasures like your attention, food and games.

You need to be consistent at all times so he will become consistent for you in all areas, not just at home.