Originally posted by stacwase
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.
You do own breeds that not only require a lot of physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. Start obedience classes with him immediately! DON'T GIVE UP.....you need to be his leader and you need to start showing him that you provide everything he needs and everything good in his life. Check the AKC website and some breed club websites for both breeds on information on Max's inborn characteristics. Knowing why and what he was bred for in the first place makes you one step closer to determining what he needs for mental and physical stimulation!

Only in extreme situations do I agree with using prong collars (for training only). Perhaps this is a wise choice for you when walking him on a loose lead. I'm not sure what you are referring to with the bump into him for teaching him how to walk on a lead. Use the NILIF method for walking him. If he pulls, he goes nowhere. When he doesn't pull you take steps. As soon as he pulls again, you stop again. Only take more steps when the leash goes slack. Make sure you use commands such as "no pull" and exuberant 'Good walk" commands when teaching him why you're not moving. Don't be surprised if you only go 40 or 50 feet in the first 1/2 hour. It's not distance you are trying to achieve at this point, it's no pulling! This is all seperate from training and using the heel command.

Do not use a leash as he runs by your ATV... I have images of bad things possibly happening with that scenario. I also think you missed the point I was making about getting him to retrieve something like a ball or a frisbee. You don't have to run...only he does. All you need to do is throw. Chuckit's (found at all pet stores in the toy section) are wonderful for getting balls to go long distance while you just stand there and wait for him to retrieve it back to you for another long run! Again though, you need to start out slow and make sure he understands retrieving before you start giving him freedom to go long distances. I think perhaps starting him on a long line should be the way to go with this learning skill.

Good Luck to you and Max!