May Training Assignment....Walking Our Doodles

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think that there are so many of us in this group who are working on getting our Doodles trained so we can ALL enjoy a great walk.  For some it's about just a nice loose leash walk....with no pulling.  For others it's about training a strong heel position and possibly taking our dogs into competition.  For others it's about how to walk two dogs together....without having a nervous breakdown.  So, I think there are many different objectives among the group, but I think most of us would really love to be able to really enjoy our walks...and know that our dogs are enjoying this time too.  So, for May let's share where we are and where we want to go with our "walks".  What are the obstacles?  How are you approaching it?  Do you have training assistance?  What methods are you using for your training?  Most of all let's share our successes and challenges.  I started this "walking" journey with Murphy in the Fall....he was so reactive that for two months the only walks he had were to go out and go potty.  When I started training in earnest, there was still no pleasure in it for either of us.  I'd come home and say to my DH..."where's the joy in this?".  Well we're very far from perfect now, but at least I can say we've found the "joy", and I look forward to our walks and so do my guys.  So, let's have some fun with this...and let's "get walking".

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Got it....thanks for the clarification.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

How would you use a retractable leash with a big dog?  They seem extremely dangerous to me.  We got one once and it broke immediately so that was the end of the Haver's ever using one.

[Pat and Traveler]

Nancy, it works nicely for us (so far!) because I only use it extended when there's nobody else on the sidewalk.  If I have any concerns I reel it in, and it functions just as any other leash would.  We tend to do early morning walks.  :)   

[Kyoko]

I started to tether Charlie to my waist by putting the belt through the leash loop. Both of my hands are free, and gives me a feeling of moving towards off leash (hahaha, just a "feeling" for now ) This is also easier for me to do "look at that" game, since I have my hands free for click and treat. She is doing well for the most part, and I introduced "Walk with me". So, when she gets a little ahead of me, I would say "walk with me" and she started to offer head turn to re-oriented with me, hop right back in heeling position. However, the squirrels and birds are still problem!! I truly feel that we are sooo much happier and much in tune with each other now....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Kyoko, I think that's a great transition step towards off leash.  We had Murph on the bike path yesterday, and I also had his leash around my waist to keep my hands free.  I really think he thought he was off leash because my hands were free and there was no tension in the leash.

[Pam & Trixie]

This last week Trixie has really improved on the Loose leash walking.  I was so happy with our walk this morning.

She starts level 3 in Dog school this week.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Good job, Trixie!  Can't wait to hear more about your next phase of training.