Sampson loves lying outside when the Hubby is out there working. He is such a good boy that he just lies there watching the world go by After his ACL injury he didn’t really get to be outside a lot, mostly because I was worried that something would excite him and he would injure himself.
Yesterday was such a gorgeous day. Rain on Saturday evening drove the humidity away and we were left with a perfect fall day. Sampson, Delilah and I went to the woods for a nice morning walk. I worked Delilah off-leash a bit and she did phenominally well. Once we got home, I did a little bit of canning while Hubby went outside to work on his jeep.
When I went outside to help Hubby, Sampson went too, and he stayed outside. After I’d done a bit of putzing in the house I decided to outside and take some pictures of Sampson.
Notice anything in the doorway?
After I’d taken a couple of pictures I noticed Delilah just sitting in the doorway watching. I felt very bad. I would love for her to be able to be outside in the yard without her leash, but she has a tendency to roam.
It was a really nice day, and I figured how the heck will she ever learn if I never let her try?
I put her collar on, grabbed her leash and put a tasty treat in my pocket. Then I boldly stepped out the front door with her.
I held her collar until we were both out the door and then I asked her for a sit.
I’ll sit, but I expect a cookie.
Of course, she got a cookie.
Then I asked her for a down. Delilah does not like downs. I’m not really sure what the deal is with that, she’ll do it, but she takes her time.
I’m getting a cookie for this, yes?
Once I took a few photos, I sat on the step and pet her. When she sat on her own without me asking her, I said, “Yes” and gave her a treat.
Of course I kept snapping pictures.
After about 10 minutes, I ran out of cookies.
You’re out of cookies? You’re useless.
Yes it’s true, we were only outside for about 10 minutes, but what a glorious 10 minutes it was. After all, it was a perfect fall day.
Sounds like you’ve been working Delilah to earn her treats – good for you, and her!!
OUT OF COOKIES!!?? No. This will not do at all. Absolutely no good behavior will be exhibited if you’re out of cookies.
Love and licks and I need cookies,
Cupcake
Our entire weekend was perfect and today should be as well, but tomorrow ugly cold and rain moves in. Today Mom and I will be thinking of you at our NW1 trial. Your blog was the first place we ever heard about nose work, so we always think of you along with nose work. Mom thought it might be fun for me, then Bailie showed up and in puppy class she found out where to take nose work classes and today I’m in my first competition. One really can learn great things from bloggers! Happy Monday!
It’s the small moments that matter so much. Well done you on facing that fear, it’s very important to continue to push ourselves and our dogs.
Little things like this are the sort of days that make life the wonder that it is
retro rover
LOL…I love the look in that last photo.
It’s the little victories that really count! How dare you ever run out of cookies 😉 I get the same, ‘you’re useless’ look when I run out too.
Glad you had a perfect fall day on Sunday, and a perfect opportunity to work on some life skills. Delilah will get there, it just will take some time. And more cookies 🙂
Two special pups. I had a knee and back injury. Once in a while I run like a maniac and give mom a heart attack she says
Lily (& Edward)
Out of COOKIES!! MOM!!
🙂
Ten great minutes sounds perfect to me.
And 😛 to you and your fall. We’re very excited that the cold front this weekend might drop temperatures below 90. Of course, I’ll get my gloat on in February.
Our Golden was like Sampson. Never needed a leash and would sit outside in the front yard while we did yard work and never budge. The Chessies are like Delilah. I would not trust them out there for five minutes, let alone 10…lol.
We had a beautiful day too.
What a great day, even if it was only for 10 minutes, baby steps, baby steps. I bet she loved being a free girl. Great pictures
Hey, every ten minutes counts…next time it will be 20…
Aw thats great!!!! I just love that last picture too!!!!!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I love that close-up of Delilah’s disappointed-in-you look. 😀
Since WE tell time by FOREVER…. those ten mins. must have been HEAVENLY.
You do know about Forever, don’t you… It is taking you FOREVER to fix our supper.. You have not played with us in FOREVER… you are going to work AGAIN…and won’t be back FOREVER.
Good girl, Delilah! Lucas is the opposite: He dislikes sit. Most of the time I ask for a sit, he goes into a down. I think it’s a hip thing?