One Step forward, several steps back

[Sandy]

We are working with Toby on walking on a leash, with respect, as per our obedience classes. In other words, no pulling, etc. He's been doing SO well. And then this morning....oh my goodness. He wanted to check out every pee mark, child, car, bird, blade of grass along the way. He 7 1/2 months, so I guess this is to be expected. Am I the only one whose dog seems to regress at times, or are there more out there? :)

[Adina P]

It happens to ALL of us regardless of training method! Your consistency and continued practice will win out =)

[Sandy]

We just got in from out afternoon walk. Much, much better. Toby performed well - let's go, get in, sit and wait, loose leash walking, etc. He wasn't perfect, but that's why we're training. :) Oh, and drop it. He picked up a crust of pizza off the ground and I told him to drop it, and he did! I think that's pretty incredible, and he got a jackpot of rewards for doing that. So.... we're 50/50 for the day.

[Kim Williams]

I think leash manners have been the HARDEST for Parris. She is almost 2 yrs old and I STILL have to correct her about 2 to 3 times during a 45 min walk. It is SO much better than even 6 months ago. I know we have gone through regressions.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Our Puppy Basic class trainer told us that at 7 months, for a reason that no one seems to understand, puppies seem to totally forget everything they have ever learned!! They become teenages.
I didn't believe that could ever happen to my perfect Samantha - well, my dreams were shattered!!! At 7 months, almost to day and for the next couple of weeks, Samantha would have moments like she never wore a leash, much less starting off leash classes, and do all the things that we worked so hard on. It didn't last long but it was a very, very trying time.
Our trainer was right, jsut continue as if nothing wrong happened. Correct when you need to but just keep in the back of your mind, this will not last. Like the terrible-twos the human kids went through.
Keep smiling!

[Sandy]

I will keep smiling - with gritted teeth. :)

[Debbie and Thomas]

Hey-at least he is trying! If Thomas picked up a pizza crust-there is no way he would drop it. I'd have to offer him a steak or something to get that treat away from him. Sounds like Toby is very smart-what a good boy.