There’s a big difference between training, or rote repetition, and teaching, which is more akin to critical thinking. Jasper is very smart, and has no trouble understanding what is expected of him. He has no trouble delivering it either, as he aptly demonstrated during our loose leash heel exercises. He walks calmly abreast, changes direction without skipping a beat, and sits when I stop. But only because he wants to. Not because it’s ingrained into his system yet. But these walks are having the desired effect of building muscle memory, habits, routines. His agile mind and big heart work against him when it comes to control. Fortunately, his taste for treats overrides, and we make progress. Learning self control is not easy. Jasper is making gains every week.
