Dixieland, he's a shepherd/rottweiler mix. He's about 4 1/2, and I got him when he was 1 1/2. I do believe that he had obedience training before I got him, but I'm not sure. If he did, I didn't so it's not really relevant (if you know what I mean). He knows several commands (sit, stay, lay, speak, shake, etc.) but I've never been able to get him to behave on a leash. I have to walk him using a gentle lead or halti collar, because he pulls. I've tried the usual methods of leash training (trying to bump into him, etc.) but he's so fast and hyper on the leash, I gave up.

He actually shattered my finger into many pieces once, when I was holding the leash incorrectly and he saw a small animal. I had to have surgery and everything.

As far as exercise under my direction: I just don't know how to give him the amount of exercise he needs. In order to tire him out, he literally needs to run at breakneck speed for a minimum of one hour. I can't run like that, and there aren't any dog parks or fenced-in areas anywhere around. I used to take him to forests/nature trails and let him run off leash in order to get the exercise, but now I'm afraid to. I also used to let him run beside the 4-wheeler until he pooped out, but once again I'm afraid to do that now.


I could go 4-wheeling with him on a leash, I suppose?

There really aren't any large fenced-in areas I can use for him, so whatever I do with him needs to be with him on a leash. Except kayaking. When it's warm enough, I take him kayaking. He runs along the banks, swims, etc. for the whole 7 1/2 mile trip and is literally so exhausted at the end that he can barely walk back to the car. He likes to stay near the kayak.

He absolutely loves to pull. He'd make a good sled dog. But - I don't know how to use that to our advantage.

I have read about the NILIF (I think in Good Owners, Great Dogs). I can definitely start that again. In fact, now that I think of it, it worked before (three years ago).

I think I'll go figure out some way to use the 4-wheelers to exercise him. Thanks a bunch for all of your input.