Yesterday I posted about Hubby and Sampson’s close encounter with the tree branch after our Friday night walk. BTTB (Before the tree branch) I had intended on posting about a really good recall Delilah had.
I knew Hubby was heading our way so I was trying to keep the dogs busy on the trail to give him the time to reach us. We had just reached the top of one of the trails and I was planning on doubling back through, when I heard Tia (the GSD) and her moms approaching.
I tried to hustle the dogs along before they reached us, but Tia had spotted Sampson and came running at him to greet him. Delilah and I had stopped and turned and when Tia saw Delilah she came running at her. She wasn’t being aggressive in the least, but given Delilah’s past experience of being a bit leash reactive, I didn’t want her to feel she was trapped. So I dropped the leash.
After a few seconds of greeting, Tia ran back to one of her moms. Without panicking I sang out, “Delilah come on, here!” She came running back to me and I rewarded her with treats, praise and pets. I was so very proud of her!
The very next night we were cresting the top of the trail where the other entrance to the park is, and Brady and one of his moms were just getting ready to head in with their friend Kodak. I dropped the leash so Delilah could run over and greet them and she ran right past them and out into Tia’s yard.
Luckily for me, one of Tia’s moms stepped on the leash which stopped her progress. Tia was in the yard having a rousing game of fetch with her other mom and I’m glad Delilah didn’t approach her in her own yard. You never know what the outcome will be.
So right now, her recall is at 50%. When her recall gets to be about 95%, I will consider taking her off leash. In the meantime I’ve just finished reading “Bonding With Your Dog” by Victoria Schade and am practicing some of her methods.
I also started a new command with her, which I intend on blogging about one day this week.
Sunday isn’t over yet, but I’m calling it a good one! I hope you had a great weekend and I hope you rock your week. 🙂
How awesome that she turned right around the first night! Glad you guys are still working at it, and nice that you are trying some things from Schade’s book. I enjoyed that one a lot. 🙂
I will have to read that book!
That’s just great! You are making progress every time I visit–showing that there’s hope for all dogs and their determined trainers/handlers!
Congratulations! 50% is halfway to 100%. With all your recent progress, I know you’ll get there. Delilah better be ready! 😉
I haven’t heard of Schade’s book before but after a quick glance on Amazon, it sounds interesting. I love any book that puts priority on the human-dog relationship, rather than just good behaviour. Hopefully her advice keeps working for you!
Baby steps. Little by little, she is getting it. Congratulations.
Yay! 50% is way better than 30%! She is halfway there!!!
Your love and patience is paying off!
It was a good one Jodi!