UPDATE ON LEASH WALKING

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Now, I really feel that sometimes I make mountains out of mole hills.  I was panicking with Bexter was lunging at people on the leash.  We have been practicing & today I just realized that I was "too soft" with him regarding my expectations.  For example, when kids came over to visit my boys, they would come in the door & Bexter would do a good job going to his "greet spot" and sitting and staying.  But...after I released him for the kids to pet him, he went crazy.  DUH!!!  I have to let the kids pet him BEFORE I release him!  Anyway, MUCH better today with that.  He sat to be petted. He was excited, but did manage (with some help from me & treats) to stay seated!

Then...we went for a "training walk" today.  When I saw people coming toward us, I moved my hand the leash so I could have more control, but still keeping it "loose."  Then, I kept talking to him to keep him focused on me as the people approached.  When they came & started asking me about him (which ALWAYS happens), I made him sit & he did & even allowed them to pet him (with some help from me again), staying in a sit.  I had FOUR PEOPLE comment on how WELL MANNERED he was, especially considering his age.  I was such a proud doodle mom! 

Now, I need to stop making excuses for him (he's excited, people encourage it, he's cute, he's just a baby, blah, blah, blah) and let him know what my expectations are NOW.  He did VERY WELL. 

Also - Interestingly, two of the people that commented on him mentioned that their dog was "crazy" and they had lessons at Petsmart (through intermediate even) with the SAME Petsmart trainer Bexter has now.  Well...that confirmed my decision (along with some other things they said) not to continue that anymore.  So, at least one decision made!

[Melody & Bruin]

Good Boy Bexter and I am so proud of your Mommy!

[Kim D.]

Hi and Congratulations!  Thanks for sharing because I am going to try the same thing with Buddy now.  I think I missed the discussion - can you tell me why Petsmart training is not a good option? 

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Kim - I have nothing against Petsmart training.  It wasn't a bad experience.  I just felt it was probably something I could have done on my own with all my DK advice & all the reading I'm trying to do.  Like everyone told me in my earlier discussion, Petsmart training is as good as the trainer.  I like Bexter's Petsmart trainer and he does work well with Bexter (Bexter LOVES the guy), but it wasn't as organized, structured, and demanding as I would like I guess.  From here on out, I was thinking of private lessons or more structured group lessons at least.

[Anne G.]

Bexter is doing so well! That's fantastic especially for such a young pup!! About Petsmart, I think it depends on the individual  trainer because we're using Petsmart and the trainer we have has been excellent.

[Angel Schilling-Putnam]

Hello Traci and Bexter,
It's so funny how all of a sudden they just seem to "get it". Bexter is so darn handsome, and the photos of him and his sister were amazing! We've gone back to a non-retractable leash. I don't know why, it just seems to work better for him. This summer is going by so darn quickly.
I swear that showing "calm, assertive energy" really works. It's shocking how Winston picks up my "vibes", when walking. If I act all proud and confident he just goes with it. So funny! It's also too bad that everyone we meet doesn't really understand how to greet puppies. Winston will be very calm but people will come up out of the blue and get all excited, which then causes him to get excited. C'est la vie:-)
It seems like a lot of people are choosing the personal dog trainer option. I'm not sure how to find the "right" one.
How is your marathon training going?
And, the picture of your boy(s) with Bexter were adorable. Hope you're feeling better from the female issues. They're never fun. Best regards:-)
Does Bexter get the zoomies?

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

With your "calm, assertive energy" talk, you are proving that you are a Cesar fan!  LOL  I agree with you about that, though! 

Marathon training is tiring!  I have to run 15 miles next weekend & it goes UP from there...Whew!  Getting close, though.  Thanks for asking.

As far as finding a private dog trainer, read my post about the Signs of a Good Trainer.  I got tons of great tips!  It really helped me. 

As for the zoomies, YES! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This sounds great.  I do think that our "expectations" have a lot to do with their behavior.  Nice job!

[Camus]

Congrats!!! We are working on the same thing and it is my main concern. I think the age helps (Bexter is a one or two months older than Camus). I am still making excuses. :))))

When I ask people to tell him to sit before they pet him, everything goes well. He listen even to kids (kids love that). And I hate people who say: "it's ok. we don't mind him jumping". I do mind! Well, I will keep being firm with my expectations. 

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Camus is a doll!  Your training videos are inspiring me!  I never thought about making a video with Bexter.  Super job!!!

[Adina P]

Communicating and following through on expectations makes a huge difference. =)  Good work!