For fear of sounding redundant I also highly recomend the "gentle lead". Our 100 lb goldendoodle thinks everyone in the world, human or dog, is there for him. He's been known to put me flat on my face. I now use a short leash (I think it's 4') and the gentle lead system. He's a joy to walk with ---and still thinks the world's there for him.
I don't mind relying on a piece of equipment; i.e. the Halti, to make walks a pleasureable experience. We always have it with us, so that's not a problem. At this point in time (11 years later!), we don't have the Halti fastened very tightly any more. Just having it on causes Chipper to behave appropriately. He goes nuts with excitement when he sees it, since it means a walk, so I don't think he hates it at all! Each to his/her own.
Me ('57)
DH ('55)
3 kids (18, 20, 23)
Chipper (lab, 11) and Duke (boxer, 6)
2007 Dodge 1500 V-8/HEMI; 3.92 axle; WDH with Dual Cam
2007 Keystone Passport Ultralite 285RL
My wife and I have had dogs for almost all our our 27+ years of marriage, and I grew up with dogs before that. We now have a female shepherd/collie mix (10), but it was the female flat-coated retriever (4) that has tested our patience--smart, playful, lovable, but intensely stubborn, and an incredible urge to track prey. Not long after she found us (we teachers are such suckers for stray dogs!), the Dog Whisperer programs started airing on National Geo Channel. We had taken her to "puppy kindergarten", but we needed more help. At first I just laughed at the silly Hollywood moon-worshippers and their dysfunctional pets, but Cesar Millan's main point is that humans need to understand how dogs communicate and relate to their pack, and humans must be the pack leaders. It makes both the humans and the dogs happier, and it doesn't diminish the dog's sense of freedom during walks, outings, camping trips, etc. Cesar's methods work beautifully with our retriever, and I only occasionally need a slight sideways tug to pull her out of hunting mode when she sniffs deer, cats, skunks, etc. She walks with a loose leash at my side (NEVER in front), and of course the evening walk is her favorite time of the day.
My advice is to watch a few of these shows, go to the website, and see what works. It's cheap, and it will augment what you learn in dog obedience classes.
BTW, both dogs approve of our new 2008 Rockwood 8272s--plenty of room to stretch out in front of the couch after a nice hike!
* This post was
edited 05/01/08 05:24pm by Major Dad *
2008 Rockwood 8272s
2004 Nissan Armada 4X4
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