Two very exciting things happened on Tuesday and I just had to share them with you.
First I took Sampson and Delilah up to the field/woods for our afternoon walk. Once we were far enough away from the houses, I unclipped Delilah and let her walk without a leash.
Initially she stuck right by my side, but after a couple of minutes she’d dart ahead and turn around and run right back. I only left her off-leash for about five minutes, because I wanted her off-leash time to be successful and for it to end with her winning. It did give me confidence to handle the next hurdle.
We left the park and headed back home. Just after we left I noticed a little black dog on the side of the street barking. You may remember Delilah and I encountered this dog once before. If you missed it, you can read about it HERE.
Do you think she sees that dog? Do you think she’ll freak out?
I’ve been working really diligently with both Sampson and Delilah with the “leave it” command when we approach people or dogs. Delilah could care less about people and she’s gotten really good about other dogs as well. The minute she spots another dog, she immediately looks to me for a treat.
Sampson will look to me, but he still wants to snag the treat and then head back to his prize, but he’s getting much better, the more I work him.
So as soon as I saw this other dog I called pulled out the treats and started doling them out. The little dog ran back inside his/her yard barking. It would run forward, barking. Run backward, barking. You get the idea.
I stood in the street for about a minute wondering if the owners were going to come out to see WHAT the dog was barking about.
They didn’t.
I had three choices. 1) I could take a left onto a side street avoiding the dog and adding about 15 minutes to our walk. 2) I could strap my courage on and walk past the dog. 3) I could wait until the owners came out and brought the dog inside.
I’m sure you know which option I chose.
Yes, I strapped by courage on and grabbed a handful of treats. In my happiest voice I sang out, “Let’s go” and I led the dogs up onto the grass on the opposite side of the street from the little black dog and we sashayed right past it.
And boy did I let those dogs know just how excited and proud of them I was. Of course, I’m not really sure they knew what I was dancing about, but they were sure happy with those extra cookies.
Do you celebrate the small successes with your pups? What types of successes have you seen?
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That was a brilliant success, well done to Sampson and Delilah – and mom of course! The training is paying off!
Yes I do! We have been trying to teach Flattery to sit on command for over a year and it has just finally started to click. She gets the jackpot every time she does it now!
That’s awesome!! Great job!
GREAT JOB, ALL OF YOU!!!!!! I’m very proud of you, Jodi, for strapping your courage on!! And proud of Sam-man and D-Dog, too!! You have obviously been working hard and it’s paying off! Maybe that little black dog got the message?
Good job! I never care much when Mom fusses about me. Just like your fur kids, that part is all, “Wha-wha-wha. Blah-blah-blah.” It’s all about the treats when I’m a good girl. Just cut the chit-chat and gimme the goodies!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Mom is a glutton for punishment and we always have to face things head on. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes, not the best, but every small step is a step in the right direction and if you never face things they won’t disappear. Glad it was such a successful walk.
Good for you and Sampson and Delilah, too!
Wow that was an incredible success story! Congratulations! We’ve had successes with Daisy, but nothing near that. Daisy could never be allowed off-leash, she’s a silly girl first and an obedient girl second. I doubt we could ever train the silly part out of her!
I’d have been doing backflips!! Well done to the 3 of you, I hope you had an extra ‘cookie’ when you got in that evening?!
Congratulations on your success! Seems like your husband should have been there at the end to treat YOU for strapping on your courage. 😉
I always get excited when Blueberry finally gets a new trick. Just when I am about to give up, it all clicks for her.
Good for you guys. And yes, the small things are what give you the big victory.
Yay, doing the happy dance for you all! Big congrats.
GOOD FUR YOU TWO….. TREATS and SUCCESS and a Happy Momma… What could be better than THAT combo??????????????????????
Great job!! I know that getting up your nerve to do the more difficult thing isn’t easy and I’m so glad it worked out for you.
Just yesterday Luke stole a towel off the kitchen counter, and I went after him and told him to “leave it”. He dropped it and I was just silly with excitement and praising him. I’m sure he was thinking, “geez, Mom, it was only a dish towel!”
Nicely done! Sometimes I forget to celebrate the little things that actually make a huge difference after all.
Congratulations Jodi! And good job, Sampson and Delilah! It is wonderful to recognize and celebrate the little joys in life. It sounds like you are making great progress in your training program.
Two successes in one trip – what a great day! I celebrate with some extra loving and rubbing…and treats of course.
I’m having problems getting comments to go through, but nice job and thanks for sharing your achievement.
I’m having problems getting comments to go through, but nice job and thanks for sharing your achievement. We call it “having a party” when we celebrate.
Hi Y’all!
Do you know that my Human still gives me lots of treats just for loose leash walkin’ at her side? Boy do I have her trained well!
Y’all hurry on back!
Hawk aka BrownDog
Great job! I bet you were excited.
Great job! Now come up to my place and get my beast to STOP BARKING!
Small success? You are too modest woman. That’s huge! And the result of much excellent team work. Yay!
Happy dance, what a successful walk!