Coco's training is going slowly (but definitely improving) - the usual 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I have had 2 fairly decent training walks this week, with his Happy at Heel harness, but today was the step back. It culminated in Coco grabbing the lead and trying to launch into a game of tug. At my wits end, rather than let him tug I dropped the lead and he ran around with it in his mouth, bucking like a bronco. I pipped my whistle and he immediately stopped what he was doing and came back - I was overjoyed! This happened 2 more times - each time he stopped and came back. We went home on a high. He has not been off lead with me on my own yet. We have done successful recalls (verbal & whistle) together on a long line, and he has played with willing dogs off lead, but always with OH and me together. I was so happy this morning - I realise it was "risky", but he did it!
Well done Sue, you are making such good progress with Coco. Ok today may have been a step back in him grabbing the lead but a huge step forward in that he responded to your whistle on each occasion
That sounds like great progress!! I totally agree about not getting into a game of tug. Be a little bit careful that you don't build a chain though. If he grabs the lead and gets to run around and kill it that may become habit forming. You could teach him to actually play tug with a toy or to just carry something in his mouth and do that as an alternative behaviour that means he can't grab the lead.
That's great work! Especially to snap him out of his bucking bronco routine so well ☺ Don't worry, every time we seem to improve in one area, we seem to go backwards in another haha! Ella decided she was too good to 'drop' last week... Oh well
