Ever wish your doodle wasn't so cute?

[Christy&Riley]

A very sweet neighbor pulls over her car this morning while I'm taking Riley for a quick potty break before I go to work. She rolls down the window and calls Riley by name. Of course, my way over friendly doodle bounds at her car with me in tow on the end of the leash. Just went to the chiropractor yesterday...UGH...that money is down the drain now. I yank Riley back and make her sit, partly because she took off while on a leash and jerked my neck and partly because I didn't want her to scratch the car. The neighbor says something like sorry for interrupting your quiet time. It's not quiet time. I'm trying to manage this dog without blowing my neck out. How do you not see that calling this dog by name is going to get a reaction?

Then a couple months ago a neighbor threw a styrofoam toy and Riley took off after it while on a leash. The lady thought it was great fun. Me...not so much. Particularly because I'm now trying to hold her back and pull the piece of crap out of her mouth before she swallows it. Another time a neighbor pulls over the car and let's his little rat dog bark at Riley from his lap. The barking didn't phase Riley. It was when the owner called Riley over that it jerked my neck.

While I appreciate the friendliness, how do these people not see that I have a hard time holding her back when they get her riled up? All are dog owners but their dogs weigh about 10 pounds max. The first has even played with Riley so she knows this is her weak spot in training. I know I need to just ask these people not to address Riley because it gets her too excited. And it is also my fault for having a dig with my neck issue. But for now I just needed to vent after this morning. Thanks for listening...

[Christy&Riley]

I'm from the "because I said so"camp but sometimes that doesn't translate well to dogs it appears. I suppose I need to give more incentive, at least initially to get back on track. Adina helped me realize that I had stopped my training work when we moved last year so that is a part of my problem.
Riley is treat and play motivated. When we were potty training I would praise her and she could care less. If she got to celebrate by jumping around playing with the leash she was in heaven. I didn't let her do that long because I didn't want bad leash manners. However, to this day she wants to celebrate a potty like that. It's like she looks at me with these eyes that say "Can I do it, can I do it please?" Easier and healthier than giving treats so I let her do it as long as she quits on my command. Not sure hiw to give a play reward on the street when she doesn't lunge after someone. By the time we get home it is too late for her to connect it. I think I'll try treats for a bit. Thanks!

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I'm from the same camp! Ha.
When you treat, you need to give her a signal that you want that behavior. So, you can use a word like yes or a clicker. I do both because I dont always have a clicker with me and it also helps for when you don't have treats - a nice rub on the head with your such a good girl.
Also, I learned "look at me" and for her to touch my hand - so that you can keep her focus on you. When they are really distracted a high value treat can really keep them tune in.
I wasn't a believer until I had to get Gracie out after a long day at a grad party occurring at our house. We had late arriving guests and I knew she couldn't be crated any longer. So, I grabbed my treat bag and her harness. We went out and stood with the rest of the guests. She was so focused on the treats and me that she could care less. She was also hungry so that helped as well. I use a mixture of treats so she never gets bored with what is coming.
Also, I read your post about the play and treating. We practice our come here and recall when they are out in the backyard playing. I don't think the treats hurt them at all. We use tiny bite sized cut up pieces with zukes mixed in.
I didn't treat Gracie for potty, well I started and then I was like you, she should just do it because! I am treating Jade for potty and she has caught on super fast!
One other thing, the treats aren't unhealthy if you figure it in to their diet. Gracie is pretty muscular and trim, so I don't think I'm doing any over indulging.
Good luck!

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Sue, she has learned that "Lets go to Grammy's" is a fun excursion. So, I guess she's a spoiled granddog. :D