It really shouldn't take many repetitions to teach a dog to 'leave' - you are being generous with the 6-9 repetitions, most get the gist within two or three.

I also fully agree that the reward, sometimes in part, sometimes the whole should be a tickle in the favourite spot - presumably, you thought I meant the dog should receive a food reward only.

Pack drive :). I call it building a relationship Denis and yes it is vitally important.

So, Davedee, obeying you becomes the reward in itself and as it becomes so obedient the dog no longer pulls towards other people?

I don't understand how increasing the level of distraction (presumably the serious point behind the troop of Mexicans) would help the dog to understand.

Also, in one of your posts, you refer to work by Dr K Shaw.  Please could you tell me the name of the article/book this information is found in and roughly the date of publication?  Thank you.