[nagdu] Dogs listening

[Cindy Ray]

Actually I was thinking about this issue yesterday. I don't think I need to 
do too much different on my handling,but I came to the conclusion recently 
that I need to relax as I use the dog. I talked to him too much and he 
didn't want to hear it. I found he worked better when I did that. Yesterday 
while walking, I tried to relax my corrections and make sure the verbal ones 
were less manic! I think sometimes that happens though I don't realize it, 
specially since my dog has been known to bolt. I corrected and I was firm, 
but it was easier on me, and maybe easier on my dog. We sometimes appear 
more harsh than we are, and some folks think using the dogs at all is a 
cruel way to use the animals, so sometimes, often, I think we have to be 
appearing more relaxed. Appearing more relaxed also appears less harsh.

Cindy