Hey there..
My little 4.5 month old Yorkie is learning to be on a leash and walk with us around the city & parks.... he's still getting used to the whole walking beside me thing.
The problem I experience is more of him wanting to not walk continuously. He gets really distracted by people (and LOVES people) & other things around.
He wants to greet every person we pass, but obviously living in the city I do NOT want to do that. I don't mind socializing him at all, I just don't want to stop to meet everyone we pass.
I don't exactly want to say "no" to him when this happens, just want him to keep going.
Another issue is the crossing back and forth in front of me. This is scary cause if I am running with him, and he decides to cross in front & my reflex isn't fast enough, then I may end up stepping on him
I've been trying to pull the leash away from the center of my path, so he will understand. I think show dogs are always on the left side.. I'm wondering how to train him to stay to one side and not cross in front of me?
I've been using phrases like "this way" and "let's go" and also "stop".
I also verbally reward him alot when he's walking steady right beside me.
I keep the leash fairly short when we walk on the streets & longer and let him sprint and "walk me" when we are in the parks and on the grassy places.
I've been reading on some other posts about leashes and am thinking I'll purchase a retractable leash. I already have 2 harnesses for him, only b/c one is quite small and he's almost grown out of it already.
What would be ideal is for him to learn to stay close beside me when we are on the concrete & then when we are in the grass, it's safe to roam around more freely.
I was thinking of starting offering treats when we are leash training... though it's not easy to keep bending down to give him the treats.... either way, I have been pondering on that.
Anyone have any pointers for me in this arena?
Thanks in advance
Love & Light
Molly & Toby