Dog Training Days 18-21

OK, so it's beginning to look like I should write this blog weekly as my days are getting so busy!

We are making some progress on the walks with both dogs which is so exciting! Finlay is still a bit behind Riley in terms of "getting it" but he's getting closer. When we see a dog, I've tried putting him in a "sit" and have him watch me. While the dog is passing us, I give him bunches of kibble (I switched from treats to kibble so they wouldn't gain weight!) and get his attention on me. It seems that when we are stationery, I am able to control him better than trying to walk past the other dog. I have had success walking past, but quite frankly, I think it depends on how tired he is...

Riley is still doing really well, in fact tonight was great because she didn't make a sound when we encountered a dog off leash. I won't stay on my soapbox for too long, but I can't stand it when people let their dogs "roam". They may think it's safe, but it simply is not. We don't live in the country, the houses are close together, there are lots of children, cars, etc...just too many variables, plus plenty of dogs that get walked and don't react too well when they see another dog (surprisingly enough, my dogs aren't the only ones!). Anyway, I had my eyes on this dog and told him to "stay". We crossed the street and I was keeping an eye on him and didn't even bait Riley with food, I was so concerned about this loose dog. She just walked along with me and watched the other dog. I was so proud of her, that when the threat had passed, she got her fair share of kibble!

It's funny because I've been reading Victoria's book, "It's Me or the Dog", and she talks about body language. When I told the loose dog to "stay", I remembered her book and stood up straighter and felt confident that I could be the one in control of this situation. The dog kept his distance then ran between some houses and didn't bother us.

I'm really enjoying Victoria's book and think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a pet or those who are buying a pet. It's so educational, even for someone like me who has read tons of books on the subject of dog behavior and training. Like I said, we have tried other methods and haven't seen the results we are seeing now.

Now I've got to figure out what in the world is making the dogs so excited to go out and sniff the grill! They are so anxious to go back out there and sniff and scratch at it...we checked it last night and didn't see anything, but their noses know and I bet something has been in there...