I have really got back some good thoughts on this. There are almost always advantages and disadvantages to most actions. I just need to weigh them out. I know most people exersize loose heeling when walking their dogs. I personaly prefer to take my dog to larger areas so he can run, rather than just walk him for exersize. We usually go once or twice a day for 30 to 40 minutes each run. When we walk to and from these areas, or when we pass people or other dogs I prefer a formal heel. A couple reasons for this is that my boy is a very dominant dog and structure keeps him in line. Another reason is that I wish to allow him to run and play as nature intended him to. I live in a liberal state that does not allow dogs off of a 6' leash. Hell, they are trying to pass laws that demand neutering. So he needs to be better behaved than my neighbors children if I am to continue. Short story/ We were leaving a park one day when #2 police cars pulled onto the shoulder of a rural street after sighting us. Both officers were intensley watching Elvis. He was 100 to 150 feet away from me at the time. I immediately called him to heel as I walked toward them. He quickly responded in perfect form. I proceeded towards them and stopped on the sidewalk right in front of their cars. I motioned for them to go. They shook there heads-No, and watched us closely. I knodded and crossed the street right in front of them. As we walked away in a perfect heel, I am certain that their decision not to to ticket me, as we were still off leash was because there was no doubt as to my control of him. Elvis is of the breed that my homeowners insurance discriminates against, not to mention peoples negative perception of the large black dog. I really, really appreciate the feedback. I love it that I have this forum to aquire experianced feedback.

I walk all mine at the same time but it's informal and i just don't want them pulling, whichever side they end up on is determined by wherever they were when we walked out the gate, it's just a walk,
AL

I have three dogs, one is alway on the left, one is always on the right, the third is taught to be in a heel on which ever side I need him on that day. That way I can have one in each hand and it does not matter who I am walking that day. If I am walking all three, two are alway on my left, that is my strong side. I find it easier to keep the dogs on their same side when possible, so when I say heel, there is no doubt in their minds, and they go to their correct sides. I think it all depends on what you plan to do with the dogs in the future, and what types of training you may want to do.

Michael,
I know you didn't ask for it.
In my mind there's a big difference in expecting a behavior in an open field and running/walking along a busy road off lead. No matter how well the dog 'seems' to comply......One just never knows whats around the corner or will set the dog off. It's just never worth the risk.

That you're proud of the dogs attention and ob is justifiable, but you're only tempting fate by struting around with off lead work in busy uncontroled areas like roadways.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

Thanks Randy, I appreciate that advise. I can not expect the same behavier from any other dog. Meaning I will probably not be able to train my girl (Stella) to ever give me the confidense that I have with Elvis. He is one of a kind. I have read posts where others have disagreed with those who leave their dogs on (sit-stay) in front of stores while they are inside. I remember one where the gals dog went out a window in her car while driving. It honestly was really hard for me to keep my mouth shut on that one. I really do understand and appreciate your concern, and I will chew on it. But for now I will take your original advise. "Whatever floats your boat".

Yeah Michael,
I'm great proponent of the whatever school. That is unless someone else isn't steering their own boat....and it runs into mine or some other innocent sailor's dingy.

You say you're well aware of the dangers and the liabilities. Fair enough. Then I won't say any more about it.
I only hope that if you find your boat is made with a water soluble glue, it isn't someone else that have to pay for the shoddy attention to small details.....Like a mooring line.

I wish you continued luck with your dogs.
Randy

Thanks Randy,
The unfortunate thing about these forums is that they are limited to giving a complete picture of any situation. I am not sure what lines you read between to get the words you put into my mouth, but I will say you seem to be genuinally concerned. I really just asked a sincere question about dog training, but if in the future I require nautical advice I will direct my posts to you personally. To all of you that gave me your opinion on the dog training, THANKS!-it really has helped me.

First of all Michael,
I am not putting words into your mouth nor reading between lines, quote; "I am certain that their decision not to to ticket me, as we were still off leash was because there was no doubt as to my control of him."
I opined that walking off lead in an uncontrolled environment (if there is such a thing) is not wise. You responded in the vein that it was a common practice and your dog was special.
So don't pretend that I'm making anything up.

This is what I get for trying to be a nice guy? You ask a rather mundane question about heeling that anyone with any sense could answer for themselves with more then ten minutes of thought.
So within the conversation it comes up that you think it's a grand thing to parade your dog through traffic, up and down busy roads off lead. And a common practice at that. So don't pretend I'm making anything up. You're either a very poor writer, or denying what was written. Make up your mind.

Gee, sorry now I put the effort into what I thought was kind of a cute metaphor for life in general and the relationship with your dog directly. It obviously went over your head.
You obviously know more than the very best trainers in the world. And it's obvious that your dog is an exception to the best trained canine species collectively. Maybe you can weigh in here once in awhile with your insight for the rest of us know nothings.

In hine sight you want my best advice?

Don't get another dog.
Randy

 Quote: michael eudy

"Whatever floats your boat".

and

 Quote: michael eudy

if in the future I require nautical advice I will direct my posts to you personally.

Wasn't the "nautical" theme yours, Michael?

 Quote: randy allen

.... I know you didn't ask for it. ... In my mind there's a big difference in expecting a behavior in an open field and running/walking along a busy road off lead. No matter how well the dog 'seems' to comply......One just never knows whats around the corner or will set the dog off. It's just never worth the risk. ..... That you're proud of the dogs attention and ob is justifiable, but you're only tempting fate by struting around with off lead work in busy uncontroled areas like roadways.

I have to say that I agree. Completely.

That's JMHO, just like everything else posted.


Is the original topic exhausted, then?