Walk Nicely on Leash
It is no fun getting dragged all over the place when you and your rottie are out walking. One of the first things you'll want to work on with your dog is to get him used to the leash.
Positive Method
Start by clipping your rottie's leash to his training collar and let him get used to the pull of the leash. If he gets frantic and tries to pull away, try clipping the leash to his flat collar (just be sure his flat collar is on snugly).
Your rottie may pull a bit on the leash. Give him time to walk around and figure out what he can and can't do on the leash as you hold it. When he's done exploring the limits of the leash, try offering a treat to lure him into a loose leash. Give him the treat when the leash slackens.
You can usually purchase a clicker and target stick at a pet-supply store; however, if you're having difficulty finding these, you can order them online from groundbreaking clicker trainer Karen Pryor, at www.clickertraining.com.
As you start walking, have a treat in your hand and show it to your rottie. Keep his attention focused on you as you walk, occasionally giving him a treat for paying attention to you. As you walk with him, use the treat to keep him from forging ahead or lagging behind. A few sessions will make him easy to walk with.
Clicker Method
Start by clipping a leash on your rottie's collar. Let him walk around and explore what he can and can't do on the leash as you hold it. When he's done exploring the limits of the leash and lets the leash go slack, click and treat. When he tightens on the leash, do nothing. When the leash goes slack, click and treat. He will soon try to keep the leash slack as you hold it.
The next step is to get your dog used to walking in the direction that you want him to go. As he walks in the right direction, click and treat him. Ignore him if he forges ahead or lags behind. Click and treat him only when he is going in the same direction as you and not pulling on the leash.
