My boys have demonstrated dramatic improvement in their behavior on our walks over the past 5 days.
The biggest change we made is how we exit the house. We usually go out the front door and that is where the trouble would begin. They are so excited about getting outside that they almost "explode" going out the door. I trained Max long ago to sit nicely while I hooked up his leash, but once the door opened, boom!
Now we go out through the garage and I carry the boys slowly down the driveway. This gives them a chance to look around and sniff the air in a calm manner, taking it all in slowly. While I'm holding them, I breathe deeply and slowly. Then I put them down and we start our walk peacefully.
Yoga-like breathing is helping in a lot of areas. I have been doing it in the car and Max has calmed down considerably. He has stopped barking at trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. No more whimpering or heavy breathing. He just relaxes in his seat.
On our walks, when we encounter a barking trigger like a dog or a person, I pick up Max and tell him "look at me" several times. I know picking him up goes against what every trainer recommends, but I haven't been able to communicate with him adequately when he is on the ground. Eventually I will work to leave him on the ground.
With Teddy, I leave him on the ground and give him soothing "shhhhhhhs." He follows my cues better than Max. If I continue walking confidently and at a good pace, he follows along.
Today we had a Lab and a Cocker Spaniel charge out of their yard at us. I was so impressed that Max didn't make a sound or tense a single muscle.
I'm hoping these improvements will stick.
