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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I just had an intake/evaluation with a potential dog trainer. The issue we're having with our just-adopted, adult dog is that he pulls on the leash, to the extent that my kids can't safely walk him (and it's not so pleasant for adults). The trainer we met with today described his approach as "balanced," where he uses positive reinforcement at the beginning to teach the dog the expectations, but then uses corrections if the dog doesn't follow instructions after that.

That made me uncomfortable, as did the way he yanked on the leash to correct my dog during the intake. But if it's necessary, I guess I'll consider it.

And, while we're at it, recommendations for a trainer that uses only positive methods?[/quote]
One more thing. 
Right now you have an adult dog with unknown past and unpredictable behavior. And you need some results fast - like being able to walk your dog without being dragged around. 
It's probably possible to correct this behavior, but it would take a lot of time and resources from the whole family - all of you have to be patient and consistent day after day, and you won't see immediate results. 
Balanced approach with istablishing rewards first, and then using corrections will get you where you want to be faster, with more reliable results. 
Think about it
PS I hired a positive only trainrs from your dogs friend before. It was all hunky dory when dog was a small pup. Once he got bigger, and hormons kicked in - it stopped working, urge to establish dominance in the pack as second dog after the leader (DH) was so strong, that I have to use appropriate methods to show my dog who's the boss in our pack.[/quote]

It didn't "stop working", YOU stopped being consistent.  "Pack"/"dominance" theory is a myth.  Re: hormones - was your dog unneutered, too?![/quote]
Nope, I've been consistent, to the point I was only one walking the dog to teach him properly. At some point his behavior changed. And I was trying to work with positive only trainer. She couldn't do anything either. Her suggestions we're - give him more exercise, run him off, so he won't have energy to hump everyone. Very helpful. She was also against all those gentle leader/EZ walks. Anyway, at some point I give up, and went with Paw by Paw trainers. They also started with positive training, clicker, treats, etc, but then during first session went from regular collar to plastic prong to regular metal prong. Positive training has it's limitations.
Dominance is not a myth. Even positive training is about dominance. It's established by control over food. Human have treats/food - they're in charge. 
Yes, my dog is intact, per vets suggestions we'll neuter them @18 month.[/quote]

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