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Have you ever leash-trained a dog? We’re on our third Labrador, and we haven’t successfully leash-trained one yet. Our first dog never needed it; she naturally stayed with us and behaved on walks. Our third and current dog came to us at the age of six via our son’s fraternity. He has plenty of ingrained bad habits we’re trying to overcome, so we haven’t worked too hard at the leash thing. But he does okay. Besides, if you’ve ever walked a male dog, you know it’s ten steps, stop, sniff, piddle, and repeat.
Our middle dog, Tessa, came to us as a puppy. Realization that our first dog was an anomaly dawned, and we knew we needed help. When she was about six months old, Tessa and I embarked on obedience training. Each morning, afternoon, and evening we’d walk up and down the street practicing sitting, staying, and heeling.
Heeling is the foundation of successful leash-training. This is where Tessa learned to walk at my left heel. Not way behind so that I was dragging her but where her head was just behind my left knee. Our practice started with me reminding her to heel as we started out. With slack in the leash, I would let her forget to heel, get in front of me, and then I’d abruptly change direction. A hard right would yank her back in my direction. A hard left would cause my knee to shove her shoulder, and we’d tangle up in the leash. And about face… Well, you get the idea. Trust me. No Labradors were harmed in this process. If someone came away with a bruise, it was me.
If we get out in front, lag too far behind, or take our eyes off our leader, we’ll be walking in the dark, missing course changes, and lacking security, confidence, and peace. Click To Tweet
The abrupt change in direction reminded Tessa to stay in her heel position. When she was in the right place, she could anticipate my moves. She’d see me move to the right and adjust course. She could respond to a left turn without us tangling up.
We never did master this. Tessa usually walked two to three steps ahead of me, constantly looking back to make sure I was still going where she was going. Every walk had moments of correction. She would have enjoyed our walks so much more if she’d learned to stay in a heel.
8 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Tessa is/was a beautiful girl. Prayers the new fella finds his rhythm. Living on a farm, Bubba the chocolate lab has the run of the place, but he’s got “Heel” down real well. In fact, he even shadows me when I’m on the tractor or lawn mower. 🙂 Great analogy between the patient training we have to exhibit with our beloved pets and the way God trains to walk with Him. Enjoyed this post ma’am.
Denise Roberts
J.D. – thanks for stopping in! Always love your thoughts and I know they come from the heart of one who loves animals! I learn so many lessons of faith from our dogs!
Candace
I don’t know anything about training a dog, but I can identify with your takeaway! Thank goodness God is patient with us just as you are Tessa.
Denise Roberts
Candace, thanks for stopping by! God is so patient. One of these days I’ll learn the lesson that the journey will be so much more pleasant if I’d heel!
Stephanie Pavlantos
Great analogy. We have been there, too. Every dog is different as are people. Following God’s lead is always important. I know I want to run out in front of Him at time. Thanks for the reminder.
Denise Roberts
Thanks for connecting Stephanie! I love our fur babies but they are different as can be!! I learn so many lessons about God from them. I think they are special emissaries!
Julie Lavender
Thank you for the reminder, Denise. I need to remember to walk in step with God, with His guidance and leading always. I fail often at my training, but I”m so glad God extends grace and lets me try again …. and again ….
Katherine Pasour
You are right–we learn so many lessons from our dogs. One is–unconditional love! I appreciate the reminder of how important it is for us to walk in step with God. When we get out of step, it’s we who are straggling or going off somewhere chasing a rabbit! Enjoyed your post.