Very good topic!
As ususal, opinions, techniques and even results are varied. We are all working with different personalities in our dogs, so we have to adjust our techniques to allow for that.
I have started with a choke collar on my newf, but she is so competetive that she would ignore the correction. Then for the first time ever, tried the prong collar. It worked very well, however, each time I would correct her, I'd get a conversation from her. It stopped her from pulling but brought out a need of hers to make her displeasure known. Just by tial and error, I found with her, that if I would touch her with my left hand at her right shoulder, she would willingly back-up or stop pulling ahead. This type of correction, she is accepting without any back talk. Now I work her with the prong collar on (just in case I need the stopping power, which I haven't needed) and I carry a riding crop in my right hand. I keep the leash loopy so she does not feel the prongs tighten, and if she starts to get ahead of me, I either put the crop about 6 inches infront of her chest for a visual, or I LIGHTLY tap her right shoulder as I say "heal". She immediately steps back without any displeasure from her. I was told by someone that she would probably do well with the "clicker" technique. I have never used that nor do I know much about "clicker" training so I improvised to work with her personality.
My point is, I find it valuable to hear Karen's experience, something I would not have known could occur and yet hear how well it works for others and the personalities they are working with! I had to modify and apply it a little differently to my dogs personality.
Sharing is so valuable! Thanks to all.
