cervical, lumbar, feet and my dog

[catherine K]

Dear Maria,
I have a mini Austrailian sheperd. And he also pulls when he sees ANYTHING that he "thinks" is moving. I try to walk him at times, when we are less likely to meet others. the early eveing is the worst time, it seems everyone and their grandmother is out for an evening stroll. I also have taught him, on days when the pain is so bad, that I just walk to this grass area, and he will do his business, and we are done.
I have watched the dog whisperer...and every show on teaching him not to pull, but, he just seems to anyway. So, because I love him so much, I just figured out a different way. He always knows my bad days, and lays at my feet, or cuddles me when I need to lay flat. You are right, the pulling, and jerking of the lease is terrible for the cerivical, and the lumbar. Good luck! I have even tried bringing some of his favorite treats with me on the walks, and when he "sees" something, I pull out his treat to distract him. It does work. Just a thought.