Incorporating different techniques-suggestions plz

[horsephoto]

I have a 2 year old rescue GSD that we got in May. She is making progress but it seems like two steps forward and one step back. The current issues are:
pulling on leash-I have been using a gentle leader, stopping when she pulls and only walking along when she has stopped (this worked with my affenpinscher) and using treats to keep her walking beside me. There has been some progress but it is inconsistent. Any other suggestions?

Getting really excited, when fed or when I get home. I have started feeding her all day, by hand and making her do something every time she gets some food. I also make her wait before she can eat the food treat because she will sometimes be careless of my fingers otherwise. I don't acknowledge her or take her out for 30-50 minutes after I get home. Ditto any other suggestions.

She has some mild separation anxiety symptoms, but not bad as we have another dog, and we do separate them in the evening so she does have to spend some time alone. The worst of that is that if she sees my 5 year old daughter walk ahead of us, or talk to someone else when we are on a walk she loses it, whines and pulls and just freaks out. She will meet people relatively nicely if introduced on a walk. She has had fear of loud noises, the washing machine, thunder, fireworks, etc but that is much improved.

I try to give her a couple mile walk or long playtime every day. Plus she plays with my affen all day too. I think she is on the tail end of puppy-ness and did not get much (any) training from her previous owner. My husband calls her ADD and though I can see the glimmer of the dog she can be, she's far from there now. Also, anything you can do to stop/discourage whining? I am sure I am missing some vital fact but am looking for training/behavior suggestions.







Thanks!
Oni and Rocket

[Tbarrios333]

For the pulling I do either stopping when she pulls or saying "Ah ah" and then turning around, walk about 5-6 steps and then say "Lets go".
If she pulls again we turn around again until she gets that we're going at my pace.

Both are good methods but it's definitely taking a while.
I'm betting it will be about 8-10 months before you'll start to see any real improvement.

[AK GSD]

Our female Scout is great at not pulling on the leash but our male Boss is inconsistent also. We have tried the stopping technique, the turning technique, treats, etc. but he can get excited and then has self control issues depending on where we are and what is going on. We went to an easy walk harness (same company that makes the gentle leader I believe) and it has worked like a charm with him. It does not replace training but is a nice tool to help.

One thing to double check regarding loud noises is that there are no underlying ear problems. One of our previous males always had ear problems and hated loud noises.

Good Luck!