Bad behavior on our evening walk - long

[miccmill]

It's a beautiful evening so I thought we'd go to the canal to walk. I chose a different spot that we've never walked before. What was I thinking?

The first person we saw coming caught Hannah's attention and she would NOT take her eyes off this woman. I always have her heel closely when we pass people so she was right at my left knee. Exchanged greetings with the woman and Hannah followed her with a stare the whole time. I didn't know what else to do so we did some heel, sit, heel, sit for awhile. She looked like "oops, sorry lost my mind" so I let her walk ahead. She marched over to a bush and LIFTED HER LEG! did not sniff the ground, didn't see that coming cause I don't allow marking as she'd do it every 10 feet if I let her.

So we had a pretty business like walk the rest of the way, sat down at a picnic table and practiced sitting quietly for a few minutes.

On the way back, passed many people with no staring until the last person whom she tried to follow by turning in front of me! She ended up sitting right down in front of me as I towered over her "oops, sorry lost my mind again"

I called Glenn to ask how she was with him last week while I was away and he reported no problems but told me I better get on this with her right away. YUHHHH. , thanks Hon.

I'm guessing the new walking environment set her up. I don't change things up much because she is who she is.

Now, do I go backwards a bit and work on our relationship? Should I be taking her to new places to accomplish this cause I'm not having to correct her on walks in our usual spots? She must be completely used to the typical sights and sounds in the neighborhood. My gut says this wasn't fear but disrespect.

[Judi W]

I'd say she has progressed to the point where it is perfectly reasonable to stretch her a bit. Not like you're taking her to a wrestling match in the lower east side. I agree, she's trying to make her own decisions again and since we know she does a lousy job of that, you just need to remind her of who is the decision maker.

[miccmill]

Well that can certainly be done. I've got a lot of nice parks in this city that we have yet to visit.

[Judi W]

Give her a bit of space, but the very second you see her even thinking about posturing, give her a correction. She'll get past it quick enough if you do. She's been skating along all happy long enough.

[miccmill]

She's been skating along all happy long enough.

I've never been completely sure when to give her a challenge to the status quo. I think it's akin to playing with fire for a dog like her if you don't know what you're doing but you're right, she's pretty comfortable in her little kingdom these days.

[Judi W]

Well, we know now that she is capable of learning the rules. Keeping those same rules, there is no reason why she cannot learn the apply in different locations. Doesn't mean you push her beyond her capabilities, but that you take her areas of success and move them around a bit.

[MontanaRott]

Lisa, we had/have many of the same issues with Steve, and have noticed as we expand his horizens, his abilitly to get comfortable, and keep his training and following of the rules, in a new place/situation comes quicker with each experience. You are doing a fine job with Hannah.

[Ilovemypuppy]

I agree you are doing a great job with Hannah and also agree with the advice here to expand her horizens, within her capabilities in order the generalize her correct behavior. I have to remember to practice in new locals more often as well.

[miccmill]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.