The Book of Ramblings

i've always felt that the walks were for puppys benefit, so i walked him on a flexi leash and let him wander from side to side sniffing everything. i'd wait on him if he found a particularly good smell. he has a great recall on leash and would come back to my side whenever other people or dogs passed by. i just really enjoy his enthusiasm, you know?. now that i have molly i cant walk him on his flexi leash without getting tied up. i walk them on a shorter split leash, and i do try to let them sniff what they want even if it means walking ME back and forth on the path behind them. but the have to wear prong collars otherwise they'd both take off after a bunny dragging me behind them. even so, i dont jerk the leash. its uncalled for. my dogs will answer me if i tell them to 'wait' or to 'come' and they'll do it with enthusiasm. i dont have to be alpha or dominant. they listen to me because they like to please. they like being told they're good doggies, to get treats, or be petted. they think having my attention is reward enough. and NOT having my attention certainly seems to be punishment enough to train away bad behaviors. i prefer to have happy eager dogs than nervous frightened dogs.