Check with your local Humane Society or shelter to see if they can
recommend a local dog trainer to help you out or if they hold training
classes at the shelter. In both Florida and here where I live in
Washington the shelters offer discounted dog training sessions - both
individual and group - with expert dog trainers. The trainers discount
their services to help the shelter because the last thing a shelter
wants is someone to give up their pet due to behaviour problems that
a trainer might be able to help you work out.

A friend of mine here had a Jack Russell that was really aggressive to
other dogs when out on a leash - and pulled badly as well. He hooked
up with a local trainer who taught him SO much and this dog is most
definitely a changed dog. And yes - smacking the dog is definitely not
the answer.

Good luck!

Laura

[Posted in FML 5596]