Longtime lurker here so I figured I'd peek out and ask a Q. Don't rag on me too bad, lol <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a fairly new dog and have been just trying to bond with him and play since I got him (couple months ago). Letting us get used to each other mostly. He's a 2+ yr old mal with no known history other than he evidently has had *some* training.

Started easing in a little to focus work and whatnot. His focus is very good, and when I watch the Flink's video I think he's ready to start heeling. But he gets a little antsy when I pivot and move beside him, so I figured I need to backtrack and address this issue before trying to move on.

It started with him looking away from me as I pivoted to his side. After a few times of just moving to his side, calmly petting him for a second, and then rewarding him with the ball...the "looking away" only happens every now and again. So he's making progress on that. I think he was just uncomfortable in the fuss position. Also, getting him to come into my arms is a challenge. I wonder if the two are related? He is a very aloof dog anyway and mals can be so sensitive that I wondered if he is just taking his time getting comfortable with me <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> He's has just been all business until very recently, and I think he's slowly starting to show that he might even *like* me <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> So I was just thinking this is something along the lines of a bonding/trust issue or something.

I have finally, in the last couple of weeks, gotten him to come into my arms...but it's for a split second. Then he torpedoes away at 90mph <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I was reading another post about this and making pressure on him when he moves away, until he calms and then release pressure. So he understands, standing calmly is good. How would I go about "putting pressure" on him? Just hold onto his fur saver and let him wiggle around until he settles down while calmly petting him? Should I try this with no ball at first?

Would love some suggestions on this...I think I might be on the right track but am not quite sure? Or heck I may be totally off base! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I don't find coming into the arms works for me, the male I have now would bowl me over,he also exhibited conflict behaviour over the article, he is super hyperactive, a real jiggler, your dog could be like that bouncy all over,
not sure as I cannot see,if he is then a quick run a short distance then lots of soft stroking may work to ease off any stress/excitement he may have built up while biting/playing with the article, this method has worked better for me,it could also be a trust issue some dogs bond faster than others, and he may need more time to bond with you before you start, any formal work, so spend time just walking and petting him, I know that dogs, I do not know well, that have stayed with me for a short while are very rarely interested in playing until they have settled and bonded with me.I don't think I would use any pressure on a
dog that shows any sensitive reaction behaviours, I would try and win trust with food or his love toy, always try motivating him into the wanted behaviour and use more persuasive methods if necessary once you have strong bond.