View Single Post
Old 09-30-2015, 04:50 PM   #2
Maximo
♥ Maximo and Teddy
Donating Member
 
Maximo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,047
Default

I relate to your situation in both the setup of your neighborhood, and a doggy who thinks he controls the walk. Things get easier with age though.

First, safety: make sure you are wearing light color clothing with something reflective so that drivers can see you.

Do not allow frustration to take over. Be confident, relaxed. These little guys can read us easily and frustration seems to feed their stubbornness. Or it breaks the lines of communication.

Max responds so much better to sweet talking. If I say "baby" at the end of something, he follows right along. Sweet voice vs harsh voice always wins with him. "This way, baby."

Use a short leash, no more than 4 feet, especially in the evening. Shorten the leash even more to keep him closer to your feet.

Use keywords and phrases like "Let's go" when you want him to move. Say it happily and move your feet in the direction you want to go.

Use the keywords to mark other things like, "car" for instance, to get off the road.

If all else fails, I would pick him up and move him. There is a little risk that he may never learn then, but my boys have learned that they may as well listen to me because they are going to get moved anyway.

Good luck!
__________________
Kristin, Max and Teddy

Maximo is offline   Reply With Quote
Welcome Guest!
Not Registered?

Join today and remove this ad!