The weather is beautiful for some leash walking training. Adding a backpack with a bottle of water in each pouch helps some working dogs snap into work mode. Here is LJ handling like a champ. Responsive and handsome as ever.
Carwyn is improving and handling distractions much better. Mom barking no longer disrupts her focus.
Little John demonstrates some of his recent skills. Our Hold and Place work is going well.
Let's talk about walks! Good leash skills are important and proper leash handling is key. Little John and Carwyn are only just 4 months old. We have been exposing them to collars ans harnesses since they were 3 weeks old, and leash handling since 6 weeks old. You do not need leash pops to get positive results. A proper front latch harness can help redirect a lot of pulling, and doesn't encourage pulling in older dogs where it has already become an established behavior. Practicing different speeds and changing direction quickly teaches your dog to focus on YOU with the walk. Look At Me is a great tool, and you should ask them for that behavior while on leash starting our. Remember to be engaged. Your dog is relying on you to be aware. So put the phone away, put your head up, and eyes forward and walk with confidence. They will feel and reflect this behavior.
Dog socialization is very important. Always remember to take it slow, let the dogs set the pace. You never want to force your dog into a situation they are not ready for yet. Introduced Little John and Carwyn to my nephews dog Cora. After nearly an hour of staring and hiding, the first play bow was offered. Now they are getting off to be best of friends.
Remember, patience will always get you better results than force!
Roxie and Little John playing. She is very gentle, and the love that she has for her pups is amazing to see and beautiful to watch. People who think animals don't feel emotions are simply wrong. Here she is being gentle and teaching him about play and boundaries and how to respectfully engage with other dogs. And she does it with love. And he loves his mommy.
Resource guarding is a very natural behavior for dogs. With work and practice, you can help dogs learn to share and be less guarded. Nothing better on a rainy day than everyone chewing treats together.
Nothing like a solid game of Frisbee before a walk to get the minds of working dogs into action. She couldn't be happier.