Growing Pains and Going Insane...

Every dog has to 'grow up' at some point.  There comes a day where you decide, "maybe I'll try this and see what happens."  Some days, its a horrible idea.  You realize you forgot the mantra "Slow is Fast" and you've got to back up a few steps.  Some days, however, like today, you realize your little darling is ready for that step.   Much like a child's first mastery of a new concept/boundary/etc, these moments are your 'markers.'

Ranger's marker this week came in the form of a transition.  Off came the prong collar and on went the gentle leader. 

I will not stand here and say that every way - or even *MY* way - will work for every dog.  Each dog is different.  Each dog needs different things.  Ranger *needed* his prong.  That's not to say that he might not need it again in the future.  Its also not to say that just because the gentle leader works for him now, that it will still work for him in 6 months. 

Anyone who tells you dog training is an exact science, that they have all the answers, they're full of crap. 

So, while we were going back to square 1 and trying to teach him to watch me and pay attention and stay focused on me, we tried out the gentle leader to see how he would respond and if it would make any difference.  I can tell you unequivocably, it did. 

Armed with a gentle leader and the multi-configuration leash around my waist, we persevered.  I re-watched some of the Leerburg DVDs and onine streaming training videos.  What I really *wanted* to do was to step back, regroup his focus work *AND* charge a marker (or clicker).  But I refrained remembering once again that 'slow is fast!'

There are times when he's still mking 'puppy' mistakes.  Truthfully, he *IS* still a puppy!  - But, he's also paying better attention to me - he's moving with me as a unit most of the time - and when he doesn't, I'm giving him an 'uh uh' (which tells him, nope, that's not right... try again!)  --- I'm making him think and problem solve.  I'm making him figure out what to do to get my praise, which is part of the marker theory too! 

Of course, he's not thrilled with being tethered all the time.  He's not so thrilled with the gentle leader... but he's starting to adjust.  He's not trying to paw it off any more.  He's walking up/down the stairs slowly and *with* me. 

My dad has been working hard at ignoring Ranger - or at least asking if he can pet him before he does it - which I very much appreciate.  Its not that I dont want them to be 'buds' but Ranger needs to listen to ME first and foremost.  He wasn't. 

All in all today I could see our first rays of 'hope.' with him.  Let's all pray that the light in the tunnel continues on tomorrow as well!