Re: Lead Walking and New Dog

[Anonymous]

Hee hee, not laughing at the situation Roz just know exactly how you feel. meg walks well (ish) by herself but as soon as I add ollie to the situation (errr all the time) she is a ball of bouncyness and looks to him when we walk backwards (not up at me like she would if it was just her).
I think basically it comes down to patience and practice (2 things that I am very bad at!) We have to realise that by letting our dogs pull we have reinforced the behaviour and it takes more to undo it than it would have if we had done it properly from the start! I have “lost it” with Meg on a number of occasions over the last few weeks purely cos I have been stressed and feeling guilty that we stopped her training for so long. trying to make up for lost time I have somehow lost my way and tried to rush but shouting and getting frustrated. Who knows what damage I have potentially done to the girl, I really feel like I am letting her down and making her worse.
I am hoping that over the next couple of weeks I can put in some more training with her and do “best place to be” all over again. My frustration lies with “she should be able to do this by now” and “will she ever do this”.
Anyway-back to Roz-I would get a dog walker or take your friend up on their offer but be clear about what they need to do (and what not). When are his hydrotherapy sessions? I can come along for moral support ( i know what you are like with dogs and water) if you like.
Sorry – I have rambled too – just remember – you are not alone!