Just wanted to give everyone a training update on Sammy. He is now 1 year and almost 2 months old. I have learned that even though he can heel perfectly on our normal walk, that does not mean that he can heel going anywhere else. When he is in a new place, everything changes. His trainer explained that when he gets excited, everything changes.
I was hoping that taking him to a few new places and training him there might work so that he can heel when he is excited, but I’m not sure. Any advice? Â
I have noticed that some leashes do help with some of the pulling and safety concerns. I have a leash that lassos around his head so that it can not come off. I don’t have to worry about him backing out of his leash at all. Sammy is now a large golden retriever. His last weight was 93 pounds so he does try to use his weight to get what he wants. I use this lasso leash on our regular walk because we walk near to a road.
I have another leash with two handles on it. I take this leash when I now he might get excited, like when we are going to a new place. The handle that is closest to Sam can be used to keep him close to me and to not pull too far. It does require me pulling up quite a bit though each time he ignores the heel command.
Sam is making a little progress around other dogs. He is still shy but has stopped rolling onto his back, so I think that means he is gaining confidence.Â
Soulful Escapes
He now sits when he sees other dogs waiting for them to make the first move.
He has made a friend at the field where we take him for some of his walks. This dog is usually sitting at a fence, and then he runs back and forth and then takes off for the rest of the walk. I would like to see him make a few friends since he is kind of an only child.Â
Pawsome Pup Tales participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
