Walking on a Leash

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

I have discovered that she's not as good on the leash as I thought. If I bring my sons for our walk she just looses all concentration any thoughts. When its me and her she sits when a car is coming, stays right beside me. When the boys come its like she has P.A.D.D.  and the boys are not doing anything to get her going they are just walking with us.

 

Rhonda & Marabelle

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Not sure if I want the boys there either they already try and make commands to quickly and at the same time when I'm trying to tell her to sit they say it too and so on. I think it should just be Mike and I, then I will train the boys. Thanks for the advise all

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

She just needs more time and more practice. You haven't had her that long.

[Adina P]

I'm a one trainer for one dog kinda person.  So I'd say the boys don't need to be involved except perhaps to learn how they should behave around her and not to give her commands much while she's still learning.  Kids under a certain age (don't know what age your boys are) aren't quite equipped to train a dog properly and consistently.  At least it is extremely rare, in my opinion. I think the best way to use your boys is to use them as 'distractions' and train Marabelle to respond to your commands regardless of how the boys behave.  But that type of solid obedience won't come for some time...not during young puppyhood anyway. 

In any case, it can't hurt to teach your the basics of how to properly interact with Marabelle and how to be calmer around her on walks. 

 

As to her early good leash behavior...a lot of pups are really 'good' the first week or two and then their personality kicks in and they rediscover the world around them and get excited enough about it to want to have fun with it

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think it would be a good idea to involve the boys. They need to learn how to handle Marabelle properly to help her become a good citizen. If they have no knowledge of how to do this they could without realizing it undermine your training efforts. And it could also be good for the boys to experience success in training and helping her. She needs to learn to respect and obey everyone in the family not just you and your DH so I say go for it!! :)

[Rhonda, Marabelle & Jeriki]

Thanks everyone, I think I was just surprised at what a rock star she was on the leash for the first week and a half. I have every confidance that she will do great I was just amazed at how much my son walking with us affected her lol. she was sooo excited lol wanna run wanna run oh look over there wanna run, Bird, wanna run. lol

I look forward to training, do you think our sons should be involved when we go, or just myself, and husband for now?

 

Rhonda Krieger

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Hope she can catch on to it, but consider the age also. It's a struggle and a lifetime thing even when they do get it.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

She is just an infant and every new distraction will be a new challenge for you!  The boys probably have a different more excitable, less focused  energy  than you do and Mirabelle may get caught up in it. You are just at the beginning of your training journey with her!  Key words: Repetition and patience! :)

[Adina P]

She's a pup...they don't really have 'concentration' yet =)  Working on her obedience training when you start classes will make the ultimate difference.