35 lb kid vs. 100 lb dog

[Adina P]

I let my daughter walk Rosco at a park today. I never let my kids walk the dogs alone normally, but it was about 10am on a Sunday and pretty empty there.


I taught my daughter a way to hold the leash so she had more control but could easily release her grip if needed and she could give a quick correction if his head started wandering.   I didn't expect much from either of them.

My daughter felt very proud walking him herself and said she felt like a 'real owner' and a 'grown up.'

At one point, an off leash labrador was coming our way so it was better for Rosco to be able to greet without being pulled by a leash.  I shouted at my daughter to "let go!" a couple of times, but she hung on and ended up being pulled down. She was fine, but upset. I asked her why she didn't let go and she kept telling me she "couldn't" so I demonstrated by having her hold the leash again and showing her she just had to open her hands (duh, right?). Turns out she didn't WANT to let go because she wanted to walk him like a grown up and be able to control him. 

[Stella]

Adina, my Hartley sounds just like Rosco. When I used to live in the city and go to dog parks I just couldn't catch him. I too tried getting into the car and driving off and he couldn't have cared less. The only way to get him back was to wait until he was so exhausted from playing that he was too tired to run away from me!!
She looks so grown up, I remember when you announced your pregnancy!! Makes me realize how long I have been part of DK!!

[Sarah Bennett]

I've been practicing letting my nieces (9 & 8) walk Salvador on his leash.  We've really only done it on their farm, but I'll let them do a couple of short stints in more populated/public areas, and they are doing really well (including Salvador).  I've been proud of all of them!

[Julie and Max]

I love the photo, kids and dogs are so awesome!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My ex-daughter-in-law puts two leashes on her dog and lets Evie hold one while she holds the other. Her dogs are beautifully trained and only 30-35 pounds so that is good, however they are also racing dogs and will take off after any perceived prey.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Great job Natalie!!!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Just love the photo! Good job!!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Good job!  She sounds so serious and grown up!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Cute picture.  Natalie is growing up!

[F, Calla & Luca]

So nice to hear Natalie's thoughts again. A real owner, I love it.

[Adina P]

Cute story Donna :-)
And Pat...how scary for a little still-a-baby-to-me aged child :-O