Why the difference in walking?

[Howard Glansfield]

When I walk the dogs Arthur pulls like mad until we get to the park.Fred will walk ahead as far as he can but doesn't pull and Ellie just pootles along and would be fine off lead all the time but that is a no no with traffic. When my wife walks the dogs ,which is rare but does if I am away,Arthur doesn't pull,Joan says to Fred 'tuck in' and he walks with his head on her hip and Ellle............ just pootles along!

I walk them nearly 100% of the time,I feed them and we both fuss them and play with them but Joan does do them cheese on toast at night(I discovered by chance!)The question is:  why do they walk so differently for each of us and better for my wife?

[Teresa]

I'd go with Finn's theory. You've probably settled with the fact that Arthur will pull and Fred will walk ahead. Your wife probably doesn't settle for that and demands more from them - and they settled with that! then there is also the "showing of your owner" thing most of them do.

I think being walked by someone they love, but that does not get a chance to walk them as much is like getting a chance to put on your Sunday clothes and show them of just a bit...just to tell everyone else how fancy your Sunday clothes/owner are and how good you look wearing/walking them!!! =)

[Howard Glansfield]

I do talk to them Finn but don't get much response,my wife talks and they listen! I think you are right Teresa,they enjoy what they see as a treat when my wife walks them.

I remember a few years ago when my granddaughter was about eight she asked if she could walk one of the dogs that I used to have (they adored her) ,he was as big as her! I was doubtful if it was safe to do as he was so strong but I let her try, in a quiet area,he walked like a little lamb for her!