I am glad to see this thread, I have been conflicted about the dependency/following thing. I would like to know the mechanics behind this characteristic. On the one hand, follow the leader=good for safety and normal for puppies. On the other, get a life would be nice too. I'm trying to find the line, incessant following might work for some dog owners, but it is not that useful in my house, and it doesn't seem to apply if there's a dog across the street.
Recently I started doorway STAY training when I saw it mentioned by Cap'n noonie?...Wow. All of a sudden at least the dog is pausing to get permission at EVERY doorway.
I'm sure a long owner-out-of-sight STAY will be challenging and win him a lot of cookies when we get to it, for now he still sneaks on his tummy to peek where I went...
I saw the accidentally-stepped-on coming a mile away, and everyone was able to give the pup a good little soft kick rather than step upon it. He probably got knocked 3 or 4 times and now keeps a good safe foot distance himself. |