Equipment Shift

[cliff]

After putting Lenny's training leash on for every feeding session, lately, i've taken to removing it-- and his collar. This may not be for everyone, but it gives me better access to massage his chest while he eats, and he seems to like that.

[neilsattin]

As long as you're in an environment where you don't have to worry about your dog running off, there's nothing wrong with doing it this way. I personally like working with a lead on (but dragging) just so it's that much easier for the dog to generalize what we're working on to being on-leash...but all the more reason to work with a dog COMPLETELY off-leash when that's possible (i.e. everyone is safe).

[cliff]

I forgot to mention that our yard, while not real big, is fenced in. Also, we used the 50 foot lead for the first time in a oceanside park. There were many other dogs, strollers, joggers, etc. Lenny was completely happy and stayed pretty near me anyway. I always had the feeling i could "reel him in" if i had to, but it was not necessary. I think he picked up on my calm so he was relaxed… and so forth

We were also with our friend and his dog (who Lenny has played with before), and her owner said she was very relaxed compared to when they go alone— i guess it's contagious.

NB I noticed that the two dogs were walking together very nicely side-by-side, which also reminded me of the tip about walking together as a way to defuse walk tensions generally. They were "hunting" together for sure.

[neilsattin]

perfect application of the 50 foot leash, and I'm glad it worked well for you, cliff. Appreciate the updates, as always!