Took Sasha out for a walk tonight. It was almost like she was a different dog...in a good way. It was like everything finally clicked...both for me and her.

Have had issues with her in the past pulling out in front on walks. Tonight she walked right next to me, no issues except for a couple of times. When walking in the direction of our walk, she would tend to get a little out in front. To correct her walking out in front, did a quick turn without saying anything. She fell into position immediately, neck at my knee.

Question is, is there anything that I can do when we are walking to keep her attention. Seems like when she is focused, all is well. Food is not a motivator at all with her, but praise is, which has made it a little challenging. Have been marking with a "Yes" and praise when she does what she is supposed to. She knows how to walk (or at least I thought so).

Also, in the past I was dealing with some aggression issues. None tonight as we sat in front of a store where she just watched people...aware, but not focused. Also, one of the neighbors had a bunch of kids out and she was just fine. I was actually wondering if it was the same dog.

Maybe it's just me finally getting the hang of it. I owe a lot of it to this board and all who have given advise in the past.

Thanks,
Dave

How old is Sasha? It seemed like after Shadow turned three, she is more content to walk beside me instead of pulling. I have noticed that with a loose leash she is more calm when spotting other dogs.

The weather promises to be great this weekend so I hope we can both get out and enjoy a quiet walk with our dogs. Have a great weekend!

Thanks. She just turned 3 in February. Guess she is just getting older and maybe has settled down a bit. Maybe after all this time and reading on this site, we finally "clicked". Anyway, it felt really good.

Take care and have a great one too!

Could the magical age of 3 be working such wonders on dogs? I know what you are feeling, David! I strained for two years to get it into the head of a generally very smart dobe, that pulling on the leash is not acceptable but with little success. Formal heeling (very close and looking me in the eye)- great! Street heeling (has to be at my side but she chooses where to look)- pretty good. Just walking- a disaster!!! I was dripping of sweat after 5 minutes of walking when I got her (she was 1 year old and it was November). Since this winter we have made immense progress! I thought it was my advancing training skills... :P Congratulations on your progress! No matter what the reason

Must be the magic age! Either something just finally clicked or I am doing something right. Tonight was just another repeat of yesterday. No pulling, no aggression. It was really a pleasure to walk. I can really relate to the "dripping with sweat" comment. It is really weird, just like something you would see on Dog Whisperer.