Wow - awesome posts, all.

I'm here to report another minor victory. Hubby and I have each walked the dogs in the last 24 hours - him last night, me this morning. We had them both on their chokes, with a treat in our hands (not to mention baggies and keys - I need about 7 more hands !)

Each time we had them "stay close" (which is our command that means stay within two to four feet of us - not quite as stringent as "heel", but not a "free" walk). They did it. And everytime we saw them getting focused or overly breath - the signs that they are about to lunge at someone and bark their heads off - we said "No bark!", showed them the treat waiting for them, and they didn't make a sound or a move. We said, "Stay close" and they did it - ignoring the passerby.

It's going to take a long time to train them out of this, but after the little glimpse we've had, it's going to be worth every minute!!