Big Paws Only Dog Forums

The comment I hear the most is that 'you sure have your hands full'.  My dogs are the ones walking nicely on either side of me, occasionally turning their heads to watch someone walk by.  Why don't they make comments to the person tight lining their dog everytime someone walks past. 
Kids love my guys, they will run up to them and start hugging and petting them right away.  I have had few parents yell at their kids to get away because my dogs are mean, which they aren't.  Most parents just tell their kids to ask me if they can pet them, which I believe is a great habit to get your kids started on.
I think kids can just tell who is a good dog and who is not, adults must lose that ability somewhere along the way.

Em

I have used Gentle Leaders on my guys since they were 9 weeks.  They both hated them at first and will occasionally paw at their faces or run when they see me get them out.  But they also know when they see them that we are going somewhere.  I am so happy I use Gentle Leaders, my guys can fool everyone we see into thinking they are the best, most obediant dogs in the world with those things on.  I get tons of compliments when we go for our daily walk in the park (granted a get a few scared people who think I have my dogs muzzled).

I think it is great you have halties.  You will love them and it will make you enjoy taking your dogs out.

I was told that non sexual (male on male or female on female, or neutered male) humping is the dogs attempt to show dominance.  Since Cody takes it, it is likely he doesn't mind not being top dog.  I would just keep an eye on it and stop it as soon or before it happens from now on. 

My male will hump my female randomly but I can see it coming now.  He will start playing rough, trying to turn her around, and his back will scrunch up.  If I just tell him 'No' in a stern voice and distract them both with a toy or treat or ball, the humping is over until he gets the notion to do it again later.

He doesn't do it as much now that I have learned to watch for it and stop it before he can't control himself.

Good luck.