We've tried both nylon choke collars and martingale collars for Katie. I don't like choke collars in the first place, and the nylon one just seemed too harsh, even though she has a thick ruff. Aly is right--a martingale collar hasn't stopped Kate from pulling, but it has give me more control over her. And it doesn't cut into her windpipe. Frankly, as with all behavior problems, Kate's pulling I'm sure is the result of some cue she's picking up from us. In spite of obedience classes and, now, agility training, she still pulls and lunges--not constantly, but for sure if I don't walk fast enough or if she sees another dog she wants to play with. Usually I can distract her with a treat, but I'd like her to pay attention without, as well.

She's usually worse on the way TO the park than on the way home because, I guess, on the way home she's tired out. So we've started jogging to the park, and that helps too. I suspect she just has so much energy, especially in the morning, that it's hard for her to control herself. (Which doesn't mean she shouldn't be able to with the right training.) If I ask her to sit or wait on a walk, she usually can. So I know she's trying.

I think I just need to figure out (probably with the help of a trainer) how to better communicate to her what I want. For now, I'm using the martingale collar and, when she pulls, I stop abuptly or walk in the opposite direction to get her attention. It takes a lot longer to get anywhere on our walks! but I like this method better than jerking the leash which has no effect anyway.