posted 11-06-2003 04:18 PM         

We just got our new 8 year old dog from the shelter. He seems like a very nice dog - and someone must have taught him some tricks because he sits and he shakes a paw.

But now I'm wondering whether the following behavior is a trick or if it is just a strange habit. When you put the leash on the dog and hold the leash up high, he jumps up (all four legs off the ground) and grabs the loop of the leash in his mouth. At first I just thought he was excited about his walk. Now I'm wondering if this is a trick. But it seems like sort of a strange trick.

posted 11-06-2003 08:18 PM         

I'm with you. This jumping to get the leash thing drives me crazy. But it is the only time he really moves with any speed (lol). It's interesting to hear that some people encourage their dogs to 'walk themselves'.

He is a very calm dog. He does get very excited about his walks, though. My husband was on his exercise bike in the basement and let the dog out into our little back yard. The dog thought he should be going for a walk and started gently pulling on my husband's pant leg as a hint.