How do I train my Flat Coated Retriever...?

how to stop pulling on her leash?
She is 55 pounds.
For those who don't know what a flat coated retriever is please visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat-Coated...

If you don't want to read all that information, flat coat's are basically black golden retrievers

Just like any other dog. Mine gets excited about everything.

he's my baby boy!!

Go to an obedience class. Flatties are smart and very trainable. If this doesn't solve it, try a head halter like a Halti or Gentle Leader. It really solves the pulling problem. You can get them at most pet stores. It worked well for one of my goldens that tends to startle sometimes and would pull me suddenly.

BTW, love flat coats.

my dog used to pull on her collar and my house hold let her do it and eventually it quit pulling at it. I guess its just a dog phase.

Sounds like you need a good obedience class where you will learn to walk your dog at a heel. This will prevent pulling.

I say a good class- PETSMART/PETCO don't count. They don't do a good job teaching you to handle all the different types of situations... Like passing people with other dogs, children, small animals (squirrles) darting across your path, etc.

Find a good trainer and take your dog. It is really a worthwile investment, trust me.

Good luck.

I have a labrador, so I am familiar with leash pulling!

An obedience class will definitely help. Also, try a gentle leader or an easy walk harness. I've used both when teaching my dog not to pull. I still use the gentle leader if we're going to be somewhere really exciting.

The gentle leader has a collar that sits high on their neck, and a loop that goes over their snout. They can't pull when they have it on. Whenever they pull, the gentle leader forces their head to look back at you. It teaches your dog to watch you when you are out on a walk. You should treat the dog every time he looks at you to reinforce this.

Sometimes dogs don't like the loop on their snout, so you have to convince them that it's awesome. First time you put it on, let your dog lick peanut butter or eat some other great food. For the first few days don't even use it for walking. Put the gentle leader on and then give him dinner. Then take the gentle leader off when he's done eating. If you do it this way, your dog will like the leader and not try to get it off.

The easy walk harness is similar. When your dog pulls, it constricts the chest, giving the dog more feedback than just a regular collar. If you try this one, you have to be sure to treat your dog every time the harness constricts and then she looks at you. Otherwise a retrieving breed will learn to ignore the harness. They're too strong and can learn to ignore it.

And if you go with the harness, take the harness off it the dog is running. It's not good for their shoulders to run or jump with the harness on, but is fine for walking.

http://www.gentleleader.com/

I use a prong collar on my 5 month old yellow lab. Some people like using them - some don't.

If I don't use the prong collar I use the walk as a reward. If he starts pulling, I stop until he calms down - after he clams down we start walking again - and I repeat if necessary.

There is also a contraption called a gentle leader - it straps around the muzzel giving you full control of the dog's head. They run about $25 at petsmart.

Obedience training is probably the best option, especially as its a retriever as they do tend to pull

I don't know where aboust your based but I do offer dog training and will be willing to do one-to-one sessions.

If you email me I can give you our website address

Although it states there canterbury Im currently in Luton and my business partner is in Bexhill so we are able to travel just about anywhere in the UK!