[Nikkiekoala]

My golden is 16 months old. I am having difficulty with taking her for a walk. When she sees her leash she starts to shake and is hesitant about going out for a walk. Once outside she will seem nervous but walks nicely and not pulling UNTIL we head in the direction towards home. Then she pulls and pulls! Hard! She can't get home fast enough whether I'm done walking or not. Basically she walks normally the whole time we are walking in the opposite direction of home. I can walk a couple of miles in the opposite direction but as soon as I head the direction of home she'll pull the entire way. She needs her walks but my body can not take the pulling that comes. Any ideas what I can do? Btw I currently use a gentle leader but have tried a pinch collar as a last resort. My golden pulls relentlessly with it that it scared me. I haven't tried a martingale collar yet because I'm not convinced it will help.

 

[mustluvdogs66]

Has she always been this way? When did it start? Did anything ever happen on a walk to scare her? Have you tried different routes?
You are correct - If she pulls on a gentle leader, then the martingale will be even worse.
You may need to hire a positive reinforcement trainer. However, in the meantime I’d recommend walking around your yard, using treats and building her confidence. You can walk as long, it’s just not as scary. Or you can drive a block or two away and go for your walk, then drive home.