Rocky was a large golden retriever with major attention deficit disorder. His owner secured Rocky on a lead AND a harness 'for safety'. (I'm not sure whether it was for Rocky's safety or hers.)
Rocky pulled her along jumping all over her whenever she stopped. He barked continuously and any attempt to correct him just increased the din. Clearly, walking Rocky was no fun.
Rocky's owner talked incessantly in an attempt to calm him down, her left hand continuously stroking his head to no beneficial effect. Rocky was clearly unbalanced and insecure.
I learned that Rocky slept on the bed and dived on the furniture, which came as no great surprise having witnessed his behaviour.
It was painful to see both dog and owner under such stress so I removed the harness and led Rocky by the lead to a quiet spot and did some heelwork snapping the lead and changing direction whenever he attempted to pull me.
We walked up and down the path until Rocky understood who was in control. I then quietly asked him to sit, using the lead and a raised hand to guide him. Removed from the anxiety and cacophony of noise that usually accompanied his walks Rocky began to settle.
Walking along with a loose lead in total silence was a new experience for Rocky. At no point did I touch or talk. I simply took charge of the walk by use of the lead and a calm demeanour.
After ten minutes Rocky lay down beside my dogs and stretched out in the sun while his owner looked on in stunned silence.
It wasn't fussing and talking that Rocky needed it was quiet, calm Leadership.
Relaxed silence is something pet dogs rarely experience. It works like magic.
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