I know exactly what you're going through - I went through the same thing with Abby. If I left her with people she knew, she was just perfectly fine. If I left her with someone she didn't know, she would act like an idiot, bark, white, pull on the leash, etc.
I did do the 7-11 thing. We have a 7-11 just down the road that has big glass windows in front and, where the trash can out front is located, there is nothing blocking the view from inside. I would tie her to the trash can, go inside and grab a bottled water, and stand in line. I could see her from there but I don't think she saw me. Then I would come out, praise her for not barking, and give her a treat.
I also asked strangers to hold her while I went into a store, to the restroom, etc. One place I did practice that was on base. I figured the chances of someone stealing the dogger on base would be a lot slimmer than if I just handed her leash to someone random in front of Starbucks or the grocery store or something.
What you could do, if you're worried about Camper knocking someone off their feet, is to tie him to something - lamp post, pillar, etc. - and ask a person to "watch him" or "stay with him". That way he would be supervised during separation but he wouldn't be able to pull them.
Would that work?
I did do the 7-11 thing. We have a 7-11 just down the road that has big glass windows in front and, where the trash can out front is located, there is nothing blocking the view from inside. I would tie her to the trash can, go inside and grab a bottled water, and stand in line. I could see her from there but I don't think she saw me. Then I would come out, praise her for not barking, and give her a treat.
I also asked strangers to hold her while I went into a store, to the restroom, etc. One place I did practice that was on base. I figured the chances of someone stealing the dogger on base would be a lot slimmer than if I just handed her leash to someone random in front of Starbucks or the grocery store or something.
What you could do, if you're worried about Camper knocking someone off their feet, is to tie him to something - lamp post, pillar, etc. - and ask a person to "watch him" or "stay with him". That way he would be supervised during separation but he wouldn't be able to pull them.
Would that work?
