[PyrNet-L] Walking on a leash

["Murden, Deanna" <Deanna.Murden@wl.com>]

The last group discussion about puppy training seemed to generate a lot
of interest for both new and potential puppy owners as well as those
"seasoned" pyr owners, so I thought I'd bring up my latest challenge
with my girl.  Walking on a leash.

I need some help here.  Now we're about to go into our next level class
which will use a head-collar for teaching.  But my problem is not with
her pulling on the leash, it's with interest in walking itself! Not
going on walks, she loves that. But will often sit in the middle of the
road while walking! (we have no sidewalks in our area) as in "Hey,
that's enough, I'm going to sit right here". We have a short discussion
on the inappropriateness of this, and on we go, trotting nicely.

This morning she got difficult.  While lagging a bit behind me, I felt a
sudden tug from behind.  Assuming she sat down, I turned and there she
was in a complete flop on her side, legs out, head on the ground.  I
suppose she knows I can get her out of a sit position, so she threw her
weight to the ground!  I'm not feeling very alpha! ........any hints??

Now, I don't expect much from her at the age of four months or so, but I
*do* expect to not reinforce the "bad" behaviors while trying to teach
good ones.  Our long daily morning walk has been reduced to a short one
once or twice/week until I can figure this out!

Deanna