[nagdu] families and our dogs

[Debby Phillips]

Mary, first of all, the collars that many schools use will not 
hurt the dogs' necks.  When you do a leash correction the collar 
may tighten a bit, but it releases.  There are a bunch of 
do-gooders out there who know nothing about training dogs.  Cloth 
collars may be fine for your pet, but not for a working dog.  I 
would use what the school gave you in the first place.  As for 
narrow sidewalks, or any other difficult terrain, sometimes you 
have to be encouraging and a little firm to get the dog to guide 
in those situations, but it can be done.  It's not failure on 
your part if you haven't had experience with tons of snow and 
narrow sidewalks.  Hang in there, spring will come.  (Smile).    
Peace,    Debby and Neena