We picked the handsome Stetson up from his breeder yesterday morning at 7 am. We spent the day getting used to each other and exposing him to household stuff; refrigerator doors opening, grocery bags rattling while we put groceries away, sliding glass doors that are apparently very creepy and a Siberian who has a big mouth and the worst possible timing to bark and play bow. Although he gets surprised easily, he rebounds very quickly when something new and/or noisey is happening and comes back to inquire further about whatever is happening. I don't mind caution, if it is followed by curiosity and he is displaying a healthy dose of caution but learns quickly that things are really okay. So far we aren't having to repeat many lessons.
Today began his training to be my running partner. I put together all the gear from our other dogs; Mira's crates, Nakeeta's harness, Magic's collar and Kody's leather leash (which is being changed to Mira's pink gripper lead after David described his squirrel chasing abilities).
We went to East Cobb Park in order to expose him to an ash trail as well as a wooded trail that's not too long. He has a couple of pads that are sore right now, so we have to take it slower than I had expected.
We didn't cross any squirrels or other wildlife so I still don't know how he'll be in that situation. He only occasionally pulled on the harness. All I had to do was apply a little pressure and he willingly backed off the tug. He would actually be a great option for Dave when we have the dogs together; Maddie may be on the edge of 13 years and she doesn't have much endurance left, but she'll take you out if you're not careful.
We'll probably do a short walk tonight in the neighborhood and continue to monitor his pads. Now he is laying on the office floor behind me while I write. His willingness to trust us and try is very rewarding.
Today began his training to be my running partner. I put together all the gear from our other dogs; Mira's crates, Nakeeta's harness, Magic's collar and Kody's leather leash (which is being changed to Mira's pink gripper lead after David described his squirrel chasing abilities).
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| Hand me down equipment |
We went to East Cobb Park in order to expose him to an ash trail as well as a wooded trail that's not too long. He has a couple of pads that are sore right now, so we have to take it slower than I had expected.
We didn't cross any squirrels or other wildlife so I still don't know how he'll be in that situation. He only occasionally pulled on the harness. All I had to do was apply a little pressure and he willingly backed off the tug. He would actually be a great option for Dave when we have the dogs together; Maddie may be on the edge of 13 years and she doesn't have much endurance left, but she'll take you out if you're not careful.
The trail was short, but it was a good start to what I believe will be a long and fulfilling relationship of trails and roads together.
We'll probably do a short walk tonight in the neighborhood and continue to monitor his pads. Now he is laying on the office floor behind me while I write. His willingness to trust us and try is very rewarding.
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