We have some wonderful days with Chapman. He's so loving and wants to play with everybody! I don't think he has a mean bone in his body. He just wants to say "hi" and play with every animal he meets. We want to get him in obedience training because he is a smart and very powerful dog. I was taking him for a walk the other day and he saw a cat he wanted to play with while were were on a walk. I tried to get between him and the cat and tug his leash when I saw he was getting excited. I tried to stay calm myself. No matter what I did he still tried to get the cat. I let myself get off balance and he pulled me over into the grass and pulled me a couple of feet before I could get up. How embarrassing. haha. Nothing hurt but my pride.

He really lunges and whines when we're walking and he sees other animals on the street. When we went to see him for the first time at an adoption event, he was jumping on everyone and on all of the other dogs. We knew he would be work but really fell in love with his personality. We're too afraid to take him to obedience classes before he becomes a better citizen. We know he will be too distracted and might get hurt from being too "friendly".

I've tried everything I have heard/read. I stay calm, I get between him and the other animals, I try to redirect his attention and don't give any affection until he is calm (which can take a half hour after an encounter). It has been a real set back. I know it will take time and I cannot wait for the day I can take him on walks without having my arm yanked off. He's been better at walking at my side and not sniffing, but introduce another animal and its all over.

Wish us luck.