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November 21, 2008

While chatting earlier this week with my friend JoAnn, whose lab (MACH2) Chaos has moved from #29 to #14 in the country, I realized a point of progress. Let’s call it the Three-Step Rule.

Here’s how it goes:

We’re walking along our merry way when well-contained dogs race to the fence to greet us. It’s quite common in our valley. Most dogs do this (mine included). One reason we head out the way we do is because we pass fewer houses with dogs.

Sometimes I see the dogs coming, sometimes not.

If they catch us off-guard, Lilly begins a little prance — like those fancy stepping horses. Then, sometimes, she’ll take three deliberate strides toward the other dogs, which is a well-noted posturing toward being “bossy.”

If I cannot redirect her attention (with WATCH ME or food), and if I cannot increase the lateral distance between Lilly and the dogs, then she just might snark.

Earlier this week, however, she took those three bossy-girl steps, then turned to look at me (butt wiggling and face smiling) for food.

It’s like the time, years ago, she performed a SWITCH (changing heeling side, crossing from behind) without me asking, as a huge Rottie approached the other direction on the trail.

Both incidents tell me that the pattern is finally settling in. She seemed pleased (as was I), so I used our specific praise word for such circumstances — “Good Decision!”

It’s likely those three steps could still get her in trouble with the wrong dog, but for now, I’ll take that over a full-blown reaction.

About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

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