[poohbearsmom]

Zumie, please listen to jlaack and becky.

If distractions are too high for you to regain the focus of your pup, it's much more fair to increase the distance of the distraction to the point at which you can communicate with Gary, and then reward the pup for proper responses. This way, you are setting the pup up for success. A vinegar filled spray bottle does NOTHING to enhance your relationship with this dog, but rather will send him into avoidance. Not the best of ideas if trust is what you'd like to build.

As your pup succeeds, distractions are increased. I never expect a young, green dog or a pup to give their handler full on attention in class (if it happens, kudos to student and pup!) - because of the distractions, but it gives me the ability to show people how to handle these situations properly.