The new Halti setup wasn't great at first, but after I reprimanded Teddy, he was ready to surrender and found it was no big deal. The lighter leash and connector were good, too, but strange for me. I'm really NOT used to NOT feeling a dog at the end of a leather lead. This one is a type of climbing rope with what I would call an "ornamental" carabiner as a clip.
He's (as is his breed) a very observant dog. He's seen me walk back to the car placing my hand on Bear's back or her head. I realized today he's trying to make that happen with him. The problem is he's too little. He keeps kind of jumping up to reach my hand which is annoying and, for me, confusing.
I was trying to figure out what he was after, and it hit me. Given the impossibility of my walking with my hand on his back or head, I just stopped every 20 steps or, had him sit, and petted him. That's good for him and for training. By the time we were on the last leg of the return, he was walking perfectly at heel like it was the most natural thing in the world. I'm sure he doesn't realize how absolutely great that would be for him down the road and how it could enhance his social life.
Two cars went by. Teddy was pretty good -- a lot better than with the old system.
This transformation isn't going to happen overnight, but I'm glad we have commenced it.
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