Mix it up!

paulag1955 · 11-01-2011, 01:31 AM

Do you know how when you're teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash people recommend that you suddenly change directions when the dog starts to pull?

It's been ages since I had done that with Shasta...probably a year, actually. That's about the time we switched to the prong collar. Anyway, she's been full of beans since her spay surgery. I had her outside last night for a potty break and she was just on the flat collar. She was being a stinker, pulling like a sled dog and my back is KILLING me right now anyway so I was feeling kind of cranky.

I had nothing to lose, so I turned around and started walking the other way. That evolved to walking in squares in the middle of the street, going this way, going that way (it was after midnight and we live on a quiet street) and Shasta LOVED it! She was doing her prance-y dance, she was focused on me and when I say focused, I mean she couldn't take her eyes off me!

I knew she was really having fun when she grabbed the leash in her mouth...she always does that when she's feeling especially happy and playful. (It irritates my husband but I think it's super cute!)

So I just thought I'd share. I guess this is a good example of how it pays to mix things up; even dogs get bored of the same old thing! I tried it again today and, at least for the time being, it seems to be a pretty effective way of getting her attention, even when there's something interesting going on (like trick or treaters down the street).

P.S. I've got to get a video of Shasta doing her high-stepping prance; it's just too cute.

**MaggieRoseLee** · 11-01-2011, 10:54 AM

Post the video already! Gotta share

paulag1955 · 11-01-2011, 12:31 PM

Alas, I haven't managed to capture it on video yet. She looks like she thinks she's a show dog when she's doing!

Stosh · 11-01-2011, 02:49 PM

She's a funny girl

paulag1955 · 11-02-2011, 07:25 PM

Yes, she's my goofy girl!

11-01-2011, 01:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
paulag1955 Knighted Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 2,781	Mix it up! Do you know how when you're teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash people recommend that you suddenly change directions when the dog starts to pull? It's been ages since I had done that with Shasta...probably a year, actually. That's about the time we switched to the prong collar. Anyway, she's been full of beans since her spay surgery. I had her outside last night for a potty break and she was just on the flat collar. She was being a stinker, pulling like a sled dog and my back is KILLING me right now anyway so I was feeling kind of cranky. I had nothing to lose, so I turned around and started walking the other way. That evolved to walking in squares in the middle of the street, going this way, going that way (it was after midnight and we live on a quiet street) and Shasta LOVED it! She was doing her prance-y dance, she was focused on me and when I say focused, I mean she couldn't take her eyes off me! I knew she was really having fun when she grabbed the leash in her mouth...she always does that when she's feeling especially happy and playful. (It irritates my husband but I think it's super cute!) So I just thought I'd share. I guess this is a good example of how it pays to mix things up; even dogs get bored of the same old thing! I tried it again today and, at least for the time being, it seems to be a pretty effective way of getting her attention, even when there's something interesting going on (like trick or treaters down the street). P.S. I've got to get a video of Shasta doing her high-stepping prance; it's just too cute. __________________ Paula Shasta - GSD (4/30/10) RIP Duchess - Shetland Sheepdog (12/25/88 - 2/14/04)

11-01-2011, 10:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
MaggieRoseLee The Agility Rocks! Moderator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bushkill, PA (The Poconos!) Posts: 22,215	Post the video already! Gotta share __________________ MACH2 Bretta Lee Wildhaus CGC TC TQX Glory B Wildhaus NA, NJ, NF + LOL (still) "*Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde*

11-01-2011, 12:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
paulag1955 Knighted Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 2,781	Alas, I haven't managed to capture it on video yet. She looks like she thinks she's a show dog when she's doing! __________________ Paula Shasta - GSD (4/30/10) RIP Duchess - Shetland Sheepdog (12/25/88 - 2/14/04)

11-02-2011, 07:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
paulag1955 Knighted Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Western Washington Posts: 2,781	Yes, she's my goofy girl! __________________ Paula Shasta - GSD (4/30/10) RIP Duchess - Shetland Sheepdog (12/25/88 - 2/14/04)

11-01-2011, 02:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	She's a funny girl

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