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First up, you put a collar on a dog leave for a day or two - next you attach a very short lead onto the collar - they almost carry it around for a day or two. Next you put a longer lead on the dog. They almost carry that around too. Next you put a short, but longer lead on the dog and you hold onto the end. They still wander around, but you give them a reminder (just a gentle tug) to let them know that you are at the other end. The dog is now used to having a collar and a lead. All the time you tell the dog that it is good - your might even want to reward the dog - a little bit of liver treat, or a quarter of a goodoh in your pocket. Most dogs don't really want too much. Then you are really ready to go for a walk. You have your pocket with goodohs in it - the dog knows you have the goodohs in it You have the treat in your pocket - the dog knows that it is there. It is amazing how are dog will "work" for even the tiniest of treats.

All I can say is get down low - give high pitched calls - have a reward for the pup when he comes.

I have found that as soon as your pup puts a nose down to the "ground" it is time to take them "out"! They are not human - if they need to go - they go! I see that you are at home - get out every 10 or 15 minutes! Yes, it is inconvenient - you may be on the phone - you may be chopping up vegies - but your dog does gives a "signal"- you only have to be able to read it!! - and just remember that they remember. (If you forgot!) You are responsible. I am very wary of the "pet resorts" - the places where they have "human" beds - lounges - television and destructive toys. They don't have pet doors - the dog is almost encouraged to destroy the furnishings - pee and poop inside ! I would prefer to just have my dog by me.

My trainer recommend that I use a "soft" food for training. ie sausage, cheese, semi dried liver etc etc. I went along with that, until my puppy became FAT. I've worked now for two months, with the co-operation of my vet ( who I must admit has been wonderfull - even if I hated him when he told me I had to go another 500grms!) to get the FAT off my pup! Now, I only ever use the dried beef liver treat, and that in pieces that are as big as my little finger nail. Of course it was probably my fault that I didn't "deduct" the treats from her usual food. I wasn't warned of that!

She, I know, went to a better place. She was diagnosed with degenerative spinal disease. It was one month, after she was diagnosed, until I had to put her down. I still re-live that moment. We - the vet , the vet nurse, me and my dear 12 and a half year old girl all sat on the floor. I'm sure she knew - she looked into my eyes and said "thanks". As she went, she waved a paw. I knew I had done the right thing. It still hurts. I miss my girl.

Never, ever, leave a child alone with a pup - or a dog! You, as an adult, know the limits, but a child, or a dog doesn't! I have three grandchildren -- I always supervise their "interaction" with my dog. I have had everything from a German Shepherd to a Golden Retriever. I have never left a child with any one of my dogs in a manner that could lead to a "child" attack, or a "dog" attack. Please just be careful - dogs don't have a consience!