Mastering the Walk?

So, this week I've started the process of mastering the walk. As both of them have their separate issues whilst walking, I've decided it's best to practice with them individually before I try them together. This means that they will only each get walked every other day, but I'm looking for long-term results so it's better than not trying at all.

Yesterday I started with Gypsy. As soon as I got the lead out she was jumping up and running around me. I sat down calmly and waited until she did the same then attempted to slip the lead over her head. She went to bite it so I took it away and waited again. Second time lucky, lead is on and she starts writhing around, pulling and jumping.

Gypsy was definitely not 'calm submissive'!

I waited again until she was sitting (about five minutes) and opened the front door. She immediately ran towards it but I pulled her back a few times until she sat again. We walked out the door quite calmly and I stood quietly while she tried to run off down the road with only a few tugs on the lead and the occasional 'sshh!' to stop her. Once she was calm again, we began to walk up the road. It took a while for her to walk nicely beside me and then, after about five minutes, she got it! We walked for forty minutes and, although not perfect, she did a really good job.

I was delighted! This is easy! Cracked it!

Billy's turn tonight!