Great trail dogs
What an amazing hike today!! I wished we could stay longer and explore more ... Virginia, we will be back!!! π
I'm so proud of Leela. She is becoming such a great trail dog and hiking buddy β€οΈ She might not know much 'obedience' because that's not my focus... But she knows the skills that are important to be safe on trails! That's our priority!!
The only reason you don't see me giving her food rewards is because she has different priorities when we are hiking off leash. Marvin gets plenty of food rewards because he enjoys them!
(Leela is wearing a tractive GPS device)
Hiking
Hiking is what we do ... No matter where we are. :-)
We are out of town for a few days and exploring Virginia a little bit.
Marvin is in his backpack because he has an injury and isn't able/allowed to walk far.
Fun!!!
Only because I know all these dogs very well, I know I can interrupt them at any point and I'm well educated in behavior and body language to constantly watch and evaluate each and everyone's behavior, is it safe to let a bunch of very different sized predators run together in an open field safely. Enjoy the happiness!!!
Wild Wednesday fun
I'm sure THIS is what Leela's vet meant when he said 'she can go back to her usual activity', right!? ;-)
fun at the creek
Another hot day. Fortunately Leela is allowed to run again, so we can play by/in the water.
Careful though, harmful algae blooms are being reported several places at the lake!!!
Happiness is getting cleared from your vet to run and play again!!!
So thankful to Dr Ross and his team at Colonial that Leela can do this only four weeks after her terrible accident! She is my little miracle π
(And it needs to be celebrated by destroying a water bowl π )
In this heatwave, the only way to exercise is in the water!
How did you have fun with your dog today?
Keeping the dogs cool is important on a hot day....ice cream is just what the trainer recommends ;-)
(Some are better about 'licking' than others lol )
Expecting dogs to be 'friends' immediately is unrealistic!!!!
It can happen.... But it's by far not a given. They have different personalities, different genetic backgrounds, different desires and different experiences.
If you make sure everyone involved is feeling safe at all times though, trust can form and a friendship can develop.
These two were not on the same page with their play style at first. But getting to know and trust each other and Leela (the bigger, pointy eared one) learning how to control herself better, helped to make this beautiful play happened today. π
(These dogs do not live together but see each other regularly)
Meet your dog's needs!
Leela has a bit of a hard time not going into cattle dog mode around the littles. But knowing what she needs and what her instincts are telling her, I'm giving her something else to herd...look how well they can coexist in the yard!
(Of course Marvin wants to go hunt mice in the shed and of course I opened the door for him)
Marvin is having fun in Germany!
If you sent an email, please be patient as I'm having issues with my email program and it might take a few days to sort it out. Thanks!
In case you haven't set a foot outside (don't!)...this is why there is no hike today.
Make good decisions for your dog and yourself, be safe and hopefully we will soon be able to breath clean air again!
Gem, the black Lab, is getting very comfortable around the boys and was happy to join in some wild play including body slams :-)
The lake is perfect to cool off!
Round and round and round they go....
I didn't call them btw - they decided by themselves to check in! What good hikers I have β€οΈ
I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such happy dogs!!