Lunging at People While Walking on Leash

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Bexter is doing much better with loose leash walking.  We have been practicing more.  He stays with me and is doing better about not pulling (not perfect of course, but much better).  I am using a regular flat collar & leash.  Of course he pulls more when we are in different places (Petsmart, park, etc) & there are more distractions...so I have to practice that.  But, in the neighborhood, better.  However, whenever we pass someone on the sidewalk (people or dogs, whatever) he lunges playfully at them.  Bexter believes he is the center of the universe (I don't know where he got that idea???) and that everyone loves him.  He is very friendly.  This is not aggression at all, just friendliness and excitement. 

How do I teach him that it is not appropriate to lunge at people while on the leash (or anytime for that matter)?

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Nicky, I know what you mean about not wanting to make mistakes.  It is also interesting to me that you said puppy classes would be a "waste of money."  Looking back, if I had to do it over again, I would probably not have done the Petsmart puppy class with Bexter.  I was just so paranoid about him not being around other dogs, I wanted to socialize with other dogs right away.  Now, I see that probably wasn't necessary.  He is so friendly around every person & dog, I don't think that would have been an issue.  I would have saved that money & gone straight to the private lessons around his age now, which he probably would have learned more & would be more appropriate & tailored to his issues/needs.  I will definitely do it that way for my next doodle.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

good to know since petsmart is 70 miles one way...so you would suggest waiting till 4 months??

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Others may disagree, but I really wouldn't worry too much about making mistakes at this stage.  I know I've made lots of mistakes along the way, but I've found that my guys are very resilient.  I've learned things along the way and changed some of my approaches, and they do a great job of "going with the flow".

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Jane - Your comments always make me feel so much better!  Thank you for saying that.  I tend to worry WAY too much.  When I look at Bexter, he is a REALLY good puppy.  He has some normal puppy issues, but he is for the most part extremely CALM.  He just lied down & let me cut around his eyes today & around his butt area.  He is really special.

Mimi - Seriously, I don't think it would hurt to wait.  I don't think we got much more out of it than I could have done on my own.  I should have used that time (and money) to go toward finding & hiring a good private trainer.  I hope I have found one, but not sure if hubby will go for the cost.  Money is tight for us right now - trying to buy "back to school" supplies, etc.  Not sure if this is the right time to approach him, but I don't want to wait til Bexter is too much older either.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

money was always tight when my kids were living at home and at college and after college till they were off the payroll. :) good luck on finding that right time..i have a few ideas but should not post on g rated site:) 

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Mimi, You have peaked my curiosity...