Angee always seems to pay better attention after she's had an opportunity to burn off some steam. We usually walk a half hour before we try to learn new behavior. Angee is a very fit and agile scotty so she really needs the exercise.
While developing Angee's ability to walk I have tried to develop her walking on my left side. When we do encounter other dogs on the trail, Angie then has to split her attention between me and the other dog. When I sense her attention is becoming locked on to an approaching dog, I try to get her attention. If she pays attention to me (looks up at me) she gets a treat. I usually win, but sometimes I don't.
Some days it seems as though Angee is looking for an excuse to not bark and growl at other dogs. I can point at a clump of grass on the side of the trail and Angee will focus her attention on the grass for quite some period of time, until the other dog passes. I have wondered if she really isn't looking for an excuse to not carry on, particularly in light of my showing displeasure when she carries on that way.
Now Angee is to the point of ignoring other dogs rather routinely. She will either take interest in a stick or clump of grass on the side of the trail or maybe look to me for some sort of attention.
Angee is now to the point of trusting me during those times when she is unsure. I'm glad, because we are going to try and put it all together in a very public place where we will both be unsure. The 20th Annual Walk for the Animals, presented by the Humane Society for Southwwest Washington, will be held May 7th, Ester Short Park in Vancouver. Lots and lots of dogs, cats and four-legged creatures. My fingers are crossed.
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