Obedience in the Real World

[BannaOj]

Was walking the dogs last night, and had to steer them off the sidewalk to make way for some joggers. They were quite impressed as they went by and said "Wow, you did that with FOUR of them!" I've been walking the two adults, Glyph and Ciara and the 2 five month puppies who aren't quite as steady. Getting them maneuvered over to the side in a bunch is trickier than actually making a turn, and I'm glad the joggers appreciated it. The dogs were all pretty good about it although Vette barked at them twice as they went past, more out of curiousity than anything else.

[fogebotom]

You will find that your dog will work for another person, differently though. My dogs work very well for me, but when my youngest takes one in the ring, they are constantly checking with Mom to see if it's okay. My suggestion is to hand the dog off and leave the room. I actually have taught 4-H obedience for years and the parents must stay to watch their kids but there are times I have to ask the parent to stand on the other side of the room, outside the door, etc. Once those parents see the issues the kids are having with a momma's dog, then we put into action plans for the dog to bond more with the kid so that they can work as a team. One parent went WOW this year when she realized how it made her child feel when the dog work for her and not the parent.

My newest brat--Eddie the wonder pup, is no longer my new show dog. Meredith snatched him up for handling classes and he would much rather work for her then me. So guess who has to do weight lifting and show him in breed too;0)

I find that it can be an issue more so when the rules are not clear and that they are not followed by each person. Dogs prefer patterns, set responses to questions and tasks. So make sure if your hubby is working with them, set the rules, make sure he follows them so the dogs aren't confused when you work them. Believe me-I have the same issue with my hubby and in particular his GSD. Max gets away with crap but when I am around, I expect him to behave just like all the other dogs in the house. I have to constantly get on David's case that if Max is allowed to do what ever it is, why can't the other dogs? He usually gives.

Good luck--it will all pay off in the end!

Cindy, the crew and the 6 pack

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by kalima62

Thankyou peggy, I was beeing a bit jealous though, wanting Rommel all for myself !!! LOL!!!

If he's a momma's boy he'll always be a momma's boy. Don't worry he'll be your special boy even if he does enjoy walks with dad too!

Peggy

[Michael Romanos]

BannaOJ - you are very polite. I would have the jogger/s moving off the sidewalk toi get around me and my Corgi/s.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by kalima62

IAs i'm training Rommel for obedience and agility, I wondered if the so called "Bond" that ties the dog to the handler when you work together is ruined if sometimes my husband get's him out for a walk and not me.

I get this as meaning the husband is only taking the dog for walks, not working obedience with him.

Peggy

[BannaOj]

Well, I wouldn't call it polite. More practical. When I only walk one or two dogs, I would probably stay to the right of the sidewalk and the jogger would pass by on the left side, and it would be fine. But walking 4, and 2 being puppies they just spread out more, and we take up the whole sidewalk so there isn't any room for another pedestrian to pass. And I don't want to give the puppies any opportunity to get out of hand either, because untangling 4 leashes is a pain.