Leadership Training for Dogs

I get the feeling that Ben bullies Lucy a bit. He always gets fed first, and is quite pushy with her on our walks.

In an effort to build Lucy's confidence, I have recently been encouraging her to take the lead on our walks. I do this by holding Ben back a little with his leash. And then I'll let Ben scurry to catch up, only to hold him back a little again so that Lucy can get the experience of running past the larger (and normally faster) Ben.

The first time I did this, a discombobulated Ben completely forgot to go potty in the woods! I was overjoyed to have taken the dogs for a walk without having to pick up after anyone. I tried this again, and you'll never guess what happened. Ben now no longer poos on our walks, but LUCY is now pooing in the woods!

I think pooing in the woods must be some show of dominance or something.

I wonder if the dogs respect me less because I don't poo in the woods.