One thing that you might try is some basic obedience..... Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Heel.... Once your dog learns to listen and obey basic commands you will have better control. I have tried walking my little sweet monsters the Ceasar way, with their harnesses. I walk in front and the furkids walk where I ask them to. I always start walks with the kids either in the heeling position or behind me. We walk at my speed which is geared at giving the Yorkie Kids a good challenging workout sprinkled with time to sniff and explore. As our walks progress and when the kids are behaving I allow them some time to explore.
When they bark I speed up, slow down, stop, give them a sit command, we reverse directions, in other words I keep them very busy focusing on me and what the crazy lady is doing. This might sound lame to some of you, but it has helped tremendously in gaining the respect of my kids.
Believe me, we aren't perfect yet, but our walks are becoming more pleasant -- well at least they were before I broke my leg.... there has probably been some regression, only time will tell. |