This lead training business is a pain in the bum! But we are persevering and both dogs are making more progress.

I can't believe what a good boy Buddy is! He is excited at first and getting out of the gate takes forever as we are doing what Karlie says and making sure we go out first but after a few minutes of pulling he completely calms down and for the majority of the walk the lead is actually slack, I'm really proud of him Bella is the "smarter" dog on so many levels but Buddy has taken to walking without pulling so much quicker than her

Speaking of Bella.....

We are to the point where we get half way round the route and then she calms down a bit. She is so excited at the thought of going out that just getting her to stand still to put the lead on her a knightmare but half a calm walk is an improvement on a couple of weeks ago. The gloves are helping and each time I feel a little less achey so there is improvement with her, its just very slow.

I don't know if I'm being a bit hard on her though, I don't do the treat thing for a start and the route we take is the main bus route so she's exposed to loud traffic noise which she doesn't like. I'm sure we'll get there in the end.

Try to desensitise her to the lead. When you can, just take the leads and move them around, carry them around the house if needs be. When she starts to get excited about the walk put them away and just ignore her. You could also clip the lead onto her whilst shes in the house and leave it on for a little while. You can then take it off again without actually going for a walk. That way she will start to see that the lead doesn’t necessarily mean its time for a walk.

I read about this technique when trying to overcome seperation anxiety with dogs. Seems a bit cruel dunt it but I'm sure it will work, never thought of it for this situation, Thanks!

Its not really cruel, it’s the best way to desensitise her. Beating her with the lead would be cruel