to stop the dog from pulling you just have to stop moving and hold the leash firm. when the dog calms down start walking again. every time it starts pulling stop. i kno wthis works no matter what age. my gf and I rescued a dog that is a boxer pitbull shepard mix(Strong), and she had all the same problems you mentioned. weve only had her since june but she was two when we got her. in fact the more walks you take the more it will learn to behave because you will have more oppurtunity for rewarding positive behaivor