[Lorina]

Anyone have any tips for reinforcing "heel" when the dog is only ten inches high?

When we had our obedience class, the trainer suggested lurring them with food. Well, that's a lot easier when the dog's head isn't two feet below your hand. To give him a treat for walking good, I'd have to click, stop and bend down to give it to him. And he did well during class, but I've been lazy and not following through as well as I should. I'm just wondering if there's an easier way.

He's really not that bad, but I'd like him to be better. The main problem is he rarely actually walks -- he jogs all the time. You see those little waddling dustmop Pekes at dog shows, and they're always so slow that they're the last ones to finish their laps around the ring. Beavis doesn't know he's supposed to be slow. Yes, I'm embarassed to admit there are times I have trouble keeping up with a frickin' 16 pound dog.

The funny thing is, after dark, he walks like a dream. Maybe he's braver during the daylight and wants me close at night? Or maybe at night, it's cold and dark so I walk faster to get it all over with.

[opokki]

You can use a long wooden spoon with a smear of peanut butter or squeeze cheese on the end so that you don't have to keep stopping and bending down. Continue as you were ..... click and offer a lick from the spoon.

[Kerry]

We haven't done walking on the leash yet in puppy school, but I remember what to do from my Golden. But you are right! With a little dog, it's different.

I have to walk really slooow in order for her to just walk. Usually she is running/jogging. I tried to catch her walking nicely with a loose leash, but it was a pain bending over to treat her. I like the peanut butter/spoon idea. She hasn't been thrilled with peanut butter yet, but maybe outside it will taste better.

[DogAdvocat]

How about tongs? Even barbecue tongs.