[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by gemy

Are you in Toronto? If so there is a Toronto meet up group. Lots of areas - I could refer you to, to enter formal training.

No shame here, things happen. But put that Flexi Lead away! It is truly a dangerous item to walk a dog on. Buy a six foot regular leash. Use a halter.

Promise you and your dog - 2 at least 15 minute walks a day - rain - sun - or snow.

Pulls on lead? You stop - call him back to you. Reward the come if he comes! Have him sit in front of you. Reward the sit. Now give the walk or heel command. You get three steps ahead, and he pulls. You Stop. Repeat the process of Call back - Reward - Sit - Reward.

Barking at all and sundry? Well take it bit by bit. Try training him to bark on command - maybe use the word Speak. Reward. Practise this a dozen or more times a day, until he speaks on Command. Then train Hush or Quiet. or SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Sibilant S;sss.

Actually one of the first things we teach is Focus. That is when the dog can be standing, seated, or laying down; but they must look you in the eye. You reward each look, and then build the hold of the look in terms of time.

Great advice!!