Are these boots made for walking? In my dog’s case…they probably are. I am pretty sure Aradia has a pair of Gestapo for all four paws…because she has made a habit of walking all over me this week.

I think my problem is tools; I need better ones. I have a very strong-willed, perky German Shepherd that is driving me absolutely batty when it comes to her nightly walks. Instead of getting progressively better, she is actually getting progressively worse.

I went to Caesar Milan’s (aka the Dog Whisperer) website for some tips. I’m trying everything the guru suggests and am crossing my fingers for a positive and speedy resolution. The biggest problem I have when I walk Aradia? Other dogs.

I can tell that she wants to socialize, but there is a thin line between socialization and choking on a Chihuahua, so I’m a bit hesitant to give her the green light. Instead, I let her visit her ‘smexy’ doggy boyfriend, Bruno, through the fence. So far, that relationship is going better than any relationship  of mine ever has, so I am hopeful that a doggie park is in our future --sans puppy flavored appetizer.

My biggest problem is keeping my dastardly dog from pulling on the leash. I have the reticent choke collar and nylon leash that all the experts say is “da bomb”, but she is as stubborn as I am (yes, I do believe dogs take after their owners).

Since I like food, I incorporated treats into her walks, which seem to help – but only a little. Last night, I started the brief poking in the neck technique I saw Caesar implement, to display my dominance in the pack and get her attention --because I swear she has a wicked case of ADD. So far, she seems to respond better to that than she does to positive reinforcement. I guess a good poke really does do wonders.

On the training side of things she is improving in leaps and bounds. She is incredibly clever. She mastered sit, stay and lay down (also staying) with minimal effort. Next, we will move on to “roll over," which I am also certain she will master in no time at all.

Every day is a journey with Aradia as a solo pup. Some days it’s great, others not so dandy. Anyone out there in Internet land have any suggestions on keeping her cool, calm and collected on walks? Because I’m (literally) all ears.

More on the Dog Project