Rehabilitating Ruru

I purchased your book and DVD last December.  We now have a 4 month-old Flat Coat named Ruru.  I am trying the attention-getting exercises, but he much more enjoys grabbing the leash in his mouth and playing tug-a-war with it.  He also seldom runs ahead, but rather lags behind me.  Any hints on how to get him to move along and not pull on his leash with his mouth?  Heeling is nearly impossible. He just wants to stand there or lie down.  I'm constantly praising him and slapping my leg and even tugging a bit on the leash, but he just doesn't want to run along--unless he's chasing something or someone.

(Judy recommended  the DVD “Initiating Dialogue: The Foundation”)

“Initiating Dialogue®: The Foundation” is very helpful.  It was good to see how "uncooperative-at-first" dogs were handled.  Ruru is doing very well on the leash now!  He does still try to bite or play tug with the leash, but that doesn't last long.  I will continue to work with the methods shown in the DVD.  We are currently working on Sit and Sit-Stay, and soon to learn Down.

(Sometime later)

Since watching the DVD “HEEL With Dialogue®” in January, I’ve been practicing with him every weekday. I've been able to have him Heel beside me without a leash for perhaps as much as 100 yards…His heeling and walking in his "bubble" are far better than that of any dog I've ever owned.

I take him on daily walks in the park near my house. We see plenty of other dog walkers there, and it's always a treat for Ruru when he gets to greet the other dogs. Every day many people comment on what a well behaved dog he is! They are especially impressed to hear he is only 9 months old. It didn't take more than a week or two at most of working with Ruru at the park for him to be able to do Sit-Stays while other dogs or joggers passed by… Ever since, he has been consistently putting himself in a sitting position when he gets within 25 feet or so from another dog walking towards him. I'll give him the Stay command, and most times (unless there's another energetic puppy approaching) he'll remain sitting even when the other dog(s) approach him and start sniffing him. Only after I get the other dog owners' permission for the dogs to socialize, do I release him and reward him with praise-in- response and some time to play with the other dogs. When play time is over (in a minute or two), I have him sit. Then I say "let’s go," and he usually trots right along with me with no protests.

I tell everyone who comments on his training and behavior about helpyourdog.com. This has been the best training program I've tried. I love the no-punishment philosophy, and friendship, not alpha-dog, relationship, and the self-confidence building for both dog and owner.

Doug, Michigan