I'm trying to stay positive about the things Isis does well, rather than get frustrated that she still turns into Lil Miss Snarly pants when on her leash.

So. She stayed in a down-stay for five minutes with me out of sight. Only army-crawled a teeny bit, but stopped when I poked my head out and told her "You stay." That's huge progress.

But.

Leash reactivity. Still.

On our walk yesterday, a jogger came toward us with a dog off lead. I tightened my grip, as usual and told Isis she was being good. She made a break for the other dog, without even barking, which surprised me so much I almost lost my balance and my grip on her leash.

Today in class, after Isis made a move for a boxer, the trainer's daughter told me that I need to keep the lead loose, because the prong collar makes her think she's getting bitten, which makes her lash out at the closest dog. No kidding. I was not aware of this, and this could explain every leash reactive moment in recent weeks. But man, if I hold the lead loose, and she bolts, she could jerk my arm that much harder. That's going to be hard to practice, as I feel embarrassed when she lunges at strange dogs. I need to find someone willing to be a guinea pig.

Also, the trainer's daughter advised me to grab Isis by the face, look her in the eye and say "out" in my lowest, least emotional tone of voice possible, rather than the high-pitched shriek I usually emit, so I'll work on that too.