Training Begins...Or Continues

I remember when we first brought Bunny home two years ago.  In some ways, that feels so long ago, and in others, it feels like just yesterday.  In most ways, she moved into our lives seamlessly.  It was as if she'd been here with us forever. 

However, there was one area where she was really difficult, and I've talked about it here on the blog before.  She had never been on the end of a leash, as far as we could tell.  Walking a trout on a line down the street would have been easier, and possibly less amusing for my neighbors.  It wasn't her fault, she just didn't have the experience.  I'll confess that we didn't walk much that summer.  Every time we did, it was a struggle.  I saw Blueberry walking perfectly with Mr. Taleteller and it reminded me about how easy and fun Treat had been to walk, not to mention how hard it was, and it just depressed me.

That Fall, I decided that something had to be done.  I wanted to return to nursing home visits, as well as take her to all kinds of other fun events.  We entered obedience class.  That whole experience was great for us, and Bunny tied for top honors on graduation night, which is a story in itself that I can't remember if I've told on the blog or not.  She did so much better in obedience than I'd hoped for, and afterwards, although we still mostly use the harness, she was a much better walking companion.

Now we have added Morgan to the mix.  She isnt terrible on the leash by any means, but she pulls like a frieght train.  I have avoided taking her anywhere by myself thus far because I'm not sure I can hold her back, and I really don't fancy the idea of me being in the local papers or on the news as the woman who was dragged along in the first-ever German Shepherd rodeo. 

Of course, this problem is easily remedied if you're willing to do the work required to teach your dog how to walk with leash manners.  Morgan's education began Tuesday night.  As we headed out for our evening walk, a training collar was slipped over her head and Mr. Taleteller took along his bait bag full of treats.  Bunny and I walked on ahead.  Blueberry was busy with a bone and decided not to join us and Lilac was napping, no doubt getting ready for her early wake up call.  After we got down to almost the end of our street, Mr. Taleteller called out and asked us to wait.  Bunny and I stood patiently waiting while he reminded Morgan about where she was supposed to be walking and to have good manners.  When they caught up to us, he switched back to her other collar and we walked at ease for a while. 

Occasionally, when Morgan was walking well in the place where Mr. Taleteller wanted her, he would give her a small treat.  Bunny is no stranger to the bait bag.  She knows exactly what that means.  Soon, she was showing Morgan exactly what you have to do to get treats.  She pranced along in perfect heel position, sat on command, and just generally exhibited model behavior.  She had Mr. Taleteller treating her at every turn, and she was quite proud of herself.  She batted her eyelashes at him and treats fell right into her mouth. 

I have a feeling that Morgan's going to learn how to walk with manners very quickly!