First of all I want to thank you for the wonderful podcasts. My 11 mo. old American Eskimo, Roxy, has had 3 different six-week training sessions and many of the bad behaviors are still there! Your podcasts have helped where the training sessions we've gone to did not. I'm really enjoying the lessons on respect....especially "goalie."

Here's my problem: it seems now when I put the leash on Roxy she becomes very submissive. She'll even go hang out in her kennel and doesn't seem to be interested in playing or training or taking a walk. Once I take the leash off, she's back to her old self. To be honest, her behavior on the leash is preferred as she is quite assertive/dominant without the leash.

Do you think this is anything I should be concerned about?

Thank you for your question!

My first thought when I read your question was ‘Roxy has your number!’ My rule with my own dogs is this – if I notice that one of my dogs does not like something then I write down what the objection is. I then decide if the objection is reasonable or not. In Roxy’s case wearing her leash is not a reasonable objection.

My response to Roxy would be to attach her leash 30 times a day for the next 30 days. In the beginning I would give her a treat each time I put the leash on and each time I took it off. I would keep my foot on the end of Roxy’s leash so that the only option she has is to hang out with me practicing ‘settle down’.

Thirty days of ‘settle down’ and ‘Goalie’ will modify her dominant assertive opinion of her pack life.

Thank you for your kind words about our podcasts. Thank you for listening and please keep us posted on your progress! Margaret Davis

Dear Margaret,
Yes, you're right! Roxy DOES have my number! She's a smart cookie! I will work on your suggestions and will be anxious to see the results. I'll keep you posted!
Thanks,
Kelly