Some dogs challenge us no matter how hard we've tried to do everything, "right." It's unfair. It sucks. It's embarrassing and it's frustrating. And the dog is never happy about it either.
Yes, your dog is likely unhappy too. But here’s the good news:
CHANGING YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOUR TO A FOCUSED, RELAXED WALK IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE, BUT THE SOLUTION STARTS RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
STEP ONE:
Teach your dog that you have his/her back no matter what and that the best choice in any situation is to focus on you. Your dog can walk calmly past other dogs, people, motorbikes, ANYTHING, because you’ve taught them that it’s their choice BUT the best choice is always you. Your face, your voice, your direction.
STEP TWO:
Picture a loose leash no matter where you are with your dog, or what’s around you. By what’s around you I mean your dog’s toughest distractions, and by focus on you, I mean your dog will WANT to listen to your voice and commands because they know you’ll guide them safely past their nemesis if they just stay calm.
STEP THREE:
MASTER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MASTER. You may have heard it before: your own thoughts and feelings affect your dog’s behaviour. If you can’t change your own habits, you won’t be able to change your dog’s. Learn without judgement what YOU need to do for your dog. And speaking of feelings, you can look forward to how it feels to be the envy of the neighbourhood with your dog, instead of the struggling lady with the crazy dog.