Wonky is available for adoption! This little guys chirps like a cricket when he is excited. You couldn’t ask for a gentler mellow guy than this!

Tonight I had no energy. It must be that it is Wednesday. Work is busy and dogs are busy too. It took everything I had in me to work up the gumption to take the crew for a walk.But I did it! An boy did Missy D. think she was gonna be in charge! Some times it can feel like you take two steps forward and one back. So let’s just say Punkie was on a pretty short lead tonight.

We are still working on distractions. At this point Daph will ignore everything but another dog. And if the dog barks at her, well forget it. I keep her leashed to my waist so that I can use all my body weight to resist her pulling. She receives no attention from me when she reacts poorly to another dog. Rather we continue on like nothing out of the ordinary is occurring. And when I say poorly I do not mean aggressive. With Daph it’s all about play. To her another dog = FUN.

I also use a gentle leader with D. I have had a lot of success with the Gentle Leader. And I no longer have to use one on Debbie or Ike.

For me personally it is better than this alternative.

Some people really like the prong/ pinch collars. If used CORRECTLY , correctly being the operative word here, they can be quite effective. (NOTE- the link will bring you to an illustration of the proper use of a pinch and Gentle Leader collar) Another option is the micro pinch. I find the larger prong/ pinch to be too clunky and awkward. Also - I don’t like how they look - on a pit bull in particular. I don’t want people to think I am walking a viscious beast. A lot of people, judging by appearance only, assume you need the heavy hardware because your dog has issues. Most do not understand the device as a training tool. The micro, by appearance, is much more clandestine and subtle.

I am thinking about giving the micro pinch a whirl when Punk and I have refined leash walking to a perfect heel. If I can get to that point I think a micro will help put the urge and want to get to another dog into perspective for her.

It is in every dog owner’s best interest to have a well behaved dog, especially when it is a pit bull. Taking our bullies for a walk about the neighborhood and having them seen is important, people notice. And what better way is there to advocate for the breed than that?

Filed under: Observations & Reflection