Walking Class

I signed up for this walking class on a whim and then decided I didn't need it. Two days later, I'm glad I signed up. Bella is actually stellar on a leash in the neighborhood where we walk 95% of the time. We choose many different routes through the 'hood, so it's not as if she is never exposed to new things. And as you can see from the picture, although she's out in front, the leash is at length, but not taut. However, last night my husband joined us on an evening excursion and this was unusual. As an experiment, he walked ahead. Oi! We failed miserably; Bella pulled as if she was training for the Iditarod!

Today I took her to two new places (to solidify my need for this class) and I suffered the same abysmal outcome. She doesn't run at the end of the leash, but does reach it frequently. Nor does she pullpullpull. But the end result is the same—the leash is taut. I don't get the concept of how to teach her to walk without heeling but also without pulling, though I know it can be done. I've tried stopping and Sweet Girl stops also. I've tried turning around and my favorite pup goes with me, albeit at the end of the leash. So I understand "A" (no pulling) and want "C" (loose lead), but haven't grasped "B" (how to connect the dots). Hence, the class.

I'm excited about going back to Ahimsa and I believe the woman who is teaching this one is the one who taught our first puppy class. The place is far away and the time is awful—Sunday mid-day! But it is a one day class, so I guess I can miss one gorgeous, sunny, warm, weekend day if I have the carrot of a well-trained owner & dog in front of me!