You need a "training collar" and a 6' leash for basic obedience work. A "training" collar is what too many people call a "choke" collar. And it's only a choke collar if you put it on the dog incorrectly! I urge you to sign up for a Basic Obedience class... this is what the class is for, to teach you HOW. "Walking politely" is walking with you, often out beside you or in front of you... but NOT pulling on the leash. Your dog has a notion of just how far is acceptable, and knows that pulling is NOT OK. You begin by setting out for your walk as usual. The moment your dog begins to pull, you give a quick tug on the leash and head off in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I warn you, you won't get very far on the first few walks, lol. But the point is, you dog must learn that pulling gets him/her NOWHERE and fast! As soon as your dog turns back to you, it's PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. And then then you set off again. You have to be patient and willing to suffer the "learning curve", and you must insist the dog NOT PULL. The way we were taught basic obedience was built on "walking politely"... the understanding of the leash, its constraints, and your ability to enforce commands via the leash. "Heel" was introduced later... after the dog was already walking politely, sitting, staying, "downing" with voice and hand commands. Walking politely was taught in conjunction with "watch me", getting the dog to look you in the eyes; important because getting the dog's attentiion is key to teaching obedience. I've found "watch me" to be the toughest command we've had to master... I'm STILL working on it 2 years hence! Sign yourselves up for a class. You'll LOVE IT! it's fun, rewarding, and gives you a whole new perspective on your dog. And mazer's "walkies" are an integral part of the whole process. The more you walk your dog and practice the commands, the easier it gets and the more fun it becomes. It's downright infectious. ;)

A related item i found yesterday: If any of you recognize the name William Safire, you'll remember him as a self-educated expert in the English language, words and word usage. For many years he had a column On Language in the NY Times. One position he held (that I won't necessarily forgive him for) was as a speech writer during the Nixon administration. Among his many accomplishments, he created the memorable phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism" that Agnew used to attack critics. Not an honorable task but a great phrase all the same. Back to the moon, Safire wrote a brief statement for Nixon to read to the press IN THE EVENT he needed to announce that the lunar lander was stranded and unable to return its two astronauts to Earth. Here's an article about it from the Washington Post and a copy of the speech. For me, the first sentence is an unbelievable creation of a genius, simple and very moving. The rest is pretty special too. I hope you like it. Safire's speech for Nixon, just in case needed.

Yep, over it!! Virtual learning while working virtually wasn’t fun. We were on top of each other even with a spacious open floor plan. Someone was too loud while talking or making breakfast. If I don’t want to wash dishes, let me have that space to close the door and come out and entertain or sit on my sofa without feeling guilty that I haven’t cleaned my kitchen.

Very true Carol, cars are getting bigger and heavier. People are moving more to Trucks and SUV's and both are getting bigger. New model pickups are looking like billboards in the front and a fad similar to the fins on the cars in the 50's. Heavier too, the bigger size takes more materials, and electric cars weigh in at about 30% more than it's counterpart gas engine vehicle. You also have a good eye on those tires because they are getting bigger making those new huge cars look proportional. I got a big one, it's huge! The engine roars and tuned for performance, but when I wake up and look out the window all I see is a kia Rio.