tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227040715183679757.post8341505387617137605..comments2023-04-09T05:38:08.176-07:00Comments on Chill Out Spartacus!: Behavior Solutions Training Class Week 8Chill Out Spartacushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16663400864380724094noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227040715183679757.post-48878426598481591722014-03-07T12:49:10.235-08:002014-03-07T12:49:10.235-08:00Barry is similar in wearing the backpack. It helps...Barry is similar in wearing the backpack. It helps a little but that's it. I pulled it out last night (after seeing your post with Spartacus wearing his) and my husband and I thought that he did really well with the back pack and also, being that it's still chilly out, he can use any extra exercise we give him. In the end he still pulls - that doesn't change too much. Not yet anyway. He's totally a lunger with or without backpack. <br /><br />I've heard some great things about the gentle leader. Our trainer is bringing a collar/harness or something over for us this Sunday that she thinks will help so we'll see what she's bringing. I'm nearly willing to try anything but I know the reality is that we need to work with Barry and be consistent in training him.<br /><br />I totally know what you mean about taking pics during class and training. I've never taken any pics during any training with Barry either for the same reason. My Dog Barryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14950356334615818177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227040715183679757.post-71286072963426838492014-03-04T10:32:12.999-08:002014-03-04T10:32:12.999-08:00Hey! He is super handsome, isn't he? So is Bar...Hey! He is super handsome, isn't he? So is Barry!<br /><br />In all honesty, these are pretty old photos. I'd love to pull out the camera in class and show how great he's doing, but gotta keep our priorities straight and focus on class. We haven't used the backpack much this year. Last spring we used it all the time to physically prepare him to carry his food for backpacking and camping adventures, where space for anything is at a premium. But he's reacted at dogs even with his backpack on. We didn't see any magical transformation the way I've heard described by others. It did give him a bit more of a workout, but his behavior didn't change much. Spartacus no longer pulls much on the leash but that's because we've worked really hard to teach him to heel using "crazy walk" (changing directions constantly), and he's also less rambunctious since he turned 3.<br /><br />If you're looking for a tool to help reduce pulling, I can't say enough good things about the Gentle Leader head collar. http://store.petsafe.net/gentle-leader-headcollar<br />Especially if Barry is lunging, this will give you a lot more control than anything else we've tried. It's used by lots of positive trainers.<br /><br />The backpack is good for exercise but I wouldn't rely on it alone to change behaviors.Chill Out Spartacushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16663400864380724094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1227040715183679757.post-1442296323670354212014-03-04T09:23:33.959-08:002014-03-04T09:23:33.959-08:00I just love Spartacus' face! What a handsome g...I just love Spartacus' face! What a handsome guy! It's nice to hear how well he's done in training. We're hoping our Barry has as much success. It's still freezing here so no walks to parks or patios for picnics for us yet but maybe next month - or the month after??<br /><br />How does Spartacus like his backpack? Have you noticed if it helps to slow him down a bit and keeps him focused?<br /><br />We need to have Barry wear his backpack more often. I think it was a helpful tool.<br />My Dog Barryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14950356334615818177noreply@blogger.com