Leash training

OK, I just went and read that link out of boredom.  All I'll say is "oh my".

And yes, CM DOES absolutely state that dogs should ALWAYS be walked behind or beside.  There is no room for debate on that issue.  His statement is crystal clear.

You mean the one spence provided?  It says "this may seem petty in a human's mind, however, it means a lot in a dog's mind.  Instinct tells a dog the leader goes first."  Where did they GET that from???  It presents something as fact which is NOT actually a fact.  There is NO research to support that whatsoever, up to and including the research and evidence of my own eyes.... as often as not, leaders lead from the rear! 

Highlight of the page:  "Do not praise your dog for walking calmly."  OK, sorry, I couldn't read anymore.  I actually wondered if it was a joke for a minute there.  If it is, it's not a hugely funny one.

It's not a very good website for getting leash training tips off, IMO.  There are much better ones out there.

Yep.  That's the one.  If my dogs think that they (or one of them) is the leader when they are off lead, why do they look back to see which way I'm going?  Why do their ears swivel back to hear what I am saying?  They can be as far as 50 feet in front of me and they won't exceed that distance because that's how far it was OK on the drag line......but they make darn sure they know exactly where I am and what I'M doing.

Oh, I've got it....maybe they are checking to be sure that I, the follower, have continued to follow their lead!  THAT must be it!  I'm sure they wouldn't want me to think for myself.......

glenmar

Yep.  That's the one.  If my dogs think that they (or one of them) is the leader when they are off lead, why do they look back to see which way I'm going?  Why do their ears swivel back to hear what I am saying?  They can be as far as 50 feet in front of me and they won't exceed that distance because that's how far it was OK on the drag line......but they make darn sure they know exactly where I am and what I'M doing.

Oh, I've got it....maybe they are checking to be sure that I, the follower, have continued to follow their lead!  THAT must be it!  I'm sure they wouldn't want me to think for myself.......

Yeah, that must be it.

And here all this time I thought I was leading them....

Guess I'm not the brightest bulb in the string.....

Next thing you know, they'll be telling you to quit begging and stay off the couch.  ROFLMAO 

  but I find the notion that a 20 minute on-lead walk for a high energy, high drive dog to be sufficient exercise totally laughable. 

even my elderly low-drive dog wouldn't be satisfied with a 20-minute on-lead at-heel walk. Maybe it's because we use a leash instead of a shoelace? that must be the "key" to the whole thing.

mudpuppy

  but I find the notion that a 20 minute on-lead walk for a high energy, high drive dog to be sufficient exercise totally laughable. 

even my elderly low-drive dog wouldn't be satisfied with a 20-minute on-lead at-heel walk. Maybe it's because we use a leash instead of a shoelace? that must be the "key" to the whole thing.

Must be.  Maybe we should switch to shoe laces and restrict their air intake so they get tired faster... 

Well, I'd be fine with a standard shoelace since my dogs are tallish....but gosh, what about some of the folks with SHORT dogs?  Industrial sized shoelaces I'm guessing.

Fortunately I'm still allowed sofa access, but I'm just betting some of those sniffing sessions under the trees are more about plotting to overthrow me!  Going to buy shoelaces now.....

Buy lots and knot them together.  Actually, the magic is in the KNOTS themselves anyway, not the laces.  A common misconception  

Ah!  Thanks for sharing that.  Not that I need to do that for my supposedly non-existant dogs, but it might work on the snails in the fish tank......

glenmar

Well, I'd be fine with a standard shoelace since my dogs are tallish....but gosh, what about some of the folks with SHORT dogs?  Industrial sized shoelaces I'm guessing.

No, Glenda, you just dangle the dog!  20 minutes, twice a day, don't forget.  Dangle. 

Ah, Dangling, not to be confused with hanging.  Two different intents....and I bet those little legs will go like crazy while the dog dangles!

I would if I could dangle Theo??  He's smallish for a gsd......

glenmar

Ah, Dangling, not to be confused with hanging.  Two different intents....and I bet those little legs will go like crazy while the dog dangles!

I would if I could dangle Theo??  He's smallish for a gsd......

Well, I think that technique would not work for Sequoyah - after all, she's more agile than a Jindo.  Perhaps I could entice Nike or Adidas or somebody to sponsor a set of "Aussie shoelaces".  She always shunned endorsements, but I think Sequoyah might just go for it.  Cha ching.

And, think of it.  We could get her on Oprah - I can see it now..."Speckled Monstah Dog Psychology Shoelaces"  See ya, gotta go find an agent. 

You guys are so naughty.  I should report you!

My reference to KNOTS was a nod and a wink to anyone who has also read "Bones..."