"I have to say the change in Flynn’s walking behavior seemed to happen overnight due to the Gentle Leader Easy Walk. It gave me so much more control and I could guide Flynn without any pulling. And it seemed to have a psychologic effect on Flynn: once he realized his body was going in my direction even when he didn’t want to go, it put a stop to any “power struggle.”
As for the reaction to other dogs and people, the progress has been slower but steady. At first, he would still get so anxious that he wouldn’t always want the treat, but it was amazing what a little praise did for him. I tried to avoid other dogs when possible, but when it wasn’t possible, I would have Flynn sit, and then I would get down on one knee to be at his eye level and just talked to him, praised and petted him, and tried to keep his eyes focused on me, and not the dog walking past us.
It was hit-or-miss at first, but the progress has been amazing. I’ve gotten to the point now that I don’t use the treats at all, and when we’re walking and we have to pass by another dog – if it’s a neighborhood dog that I know Flynn is familiar with and not so shy of – I don’t even make him sit anymore. We just keep walking and I keep talking to and praising Flynn the whole time so he’s focused on me. My neighbors tell me it looks like I’m carrying on quite a conversation with him!
There are still some situations where we absolutely have to do the “sit-and-praise” – if it’s a new dog Flynn isn’t familiar with or a couple of dogs that just get under his skin – there’s a terrier in the neighborhood that is allowed to run free or if on a long leash, the owner doesn’t watch it very closely. These are the times that I really can tell what a difference this training has made. He still reacts occasionally, but the level of reaction is so reduced from the anxiety he’s shown before.
By the way, we have “chill-out” time in the evenings when, if Flynn has had a stressful day, he gets a really good, gentle rub-down, which seems to work wonders on calming him. Also, I’ve switched him to Wellness Fish dog food. I think all these actions combined have made a tremendous difference.
At least three of my neighbors have commented on Flynn’s improved behavior and I’ve passed your name on to them. I think it’s amazing what can happen when a person gets the right kind of information and training.
We’re not finished yet, and there’s still training to do. Flynn will never be the kind of dog that loves to socialize with other dogs, but at least now, we can walk in peace and my time with him is so much more enjoyable! Thanks."
– DM (Burlington, NC)
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