Family Photo!

Sitting on my couch with Lucy snoozing next to me, I hear the roar of the B67 bus outside my window in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Through my window, I can see that the street is covered in two-week old snow from the hard-hitting blizzard of December 2010 – still uncleared and now black. Garbage bags from several weeks ago sit along sidewalks. The winter chill pierces through thick layers of clothes hitting me at the bones. Welcome home. It’s good to be back, but I’m reminded that we’re no longer in Golden Valley, North Carolina.

Yes, North Carolina. Two weeks ago, Peter, Lucy, and I packed our bags and headed south the day after two feet of snow fell and nearly buried New York City. We managed to get out, albeit a day later than anticipated, and drove twelve hours towards a two-week adventure in the woods. We’d rented a cozy little cabin with a fire pit out back and 28 acres of land at our fingertips. Lucy was in heaven… and without cell phone or internet service, oddly so were we. This was a back to nature experience with our dog we won’t soon forget.

Taking a break while hiking up the mountain by our cabin

With Lucy having just recovered from surgery for her torn cranial cruciate ligament, I wasn’t sure if she was up for or ready for the task of hiking. We’d slowly increased her exercise while still in New York City after getting the green light from her orthopedic surgeon, but hiking through the concrete jungle that is Brooklyn is quite different from hiking in the woods. It turned out, she wasn’t only up for the challenge, she defeated the mountain that sat beside our cabin. Everyday was a blast for her – no leash, deer poop to sniff and pee on, and so many things to smell her nose didn’t know where to start.

During our stay, we visited Grandfather Mountain (Hey, Forrest Gump ran through there!) and got to walk across the swinging bridge. It was so cold, especially at that altitude, that I couldn’t feel my nose. Actually, correction. It was so cold, my nose ached. For Lucy, well… I’ll let you be the judge. Does she look happy in this photo?

On top of the world at Grandfather Mountain

If you’ve never taken an extended road trip with your dog and your dog travels well with you, I definitely think it’s worth it. We had a blast!

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Jenny Chun, CPDT-KA is a dog trainer in Brooklyn and Manhattan, NYC specializing in helping newly adopted dogs integrate into their new homes.

Contact: jenny@givepaw.com || 347-393-9162

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GivePawDogTraining

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GivePaw

Communication is key and is probably the most important aspect to consider.  First and foremost is your friend reliable and trustworthy?  When they say they are going to do something do they follow through?  Are they good at listening and following instructions from you?  Is it easy for them to communicate with you if something goes wrong?  These questions are key so that you know that your friend will not subject your dog to dangerous situation by not following your directions.  Also if it is easy for them to tell you that your dog got injured then emergency care will be easier to create for your dog in the moment of an injury.

Is your friend a dog person?  If the answer is yes then they might know the basics of dog care.  If they are not then be clear about the following: exercise, feeding time and proportions, keeping food off the counter, covering trash cans, how to give medication,  leash walking, etc.  They may not be a good candidate to walk your dog off leash.  Common sense to us is not common sense to a non-dog person.  Also communicate foods that are toxic for dogs: raisins, onions, avocado, garlic in large quantities, chocolate, etc.

If your friend is not familiar with dog care a trial time might be needed.  You can have them watch the dog for one day.  Having you friend come with you on frequent dog walks can be highly beneficial as well.

A few more tips:

Of course make sure that your friend understands that your dog is to be kept inside.

Also, if your dog has any medical conditions, give very specific instructions about medication dosage, how to give your dog medication and activity restrictions, etc.

Making sure your friend has emergency contact info of another dog friend and of course vet information.

With the holidays being here having friends watch our dogs can be beneficial.  Make sure you are creating a good choice. If you can’t find someone responsible leave your dog at a boarding facility such as Animal Medical Clinic, the Titanic’s Toy Hilton, or Coddled Critters.

Happy Holidays!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

So the trip begins as every trip begins with choices.  Choices based on fears and restrictions or choices based on oneness that invites freedom and expression.  My friend and I hiked for an entire day and I mean an entire day.  We climbed over rocks, saw horses, saw cliffs, played in the water, and of course had our dogs off leash. I don’t know about you but when my dog is off leash I can sometimes choose, worry.  What if my dog walks off the cliff?  What if my dog trips over the rocks on the side of this mountain (and I mean we climbed over rocks for at least an hour up and down)?  What if my dog chases the horses and gets kicked?  What if my dog runs off and never comes back?  Can you relate to these fears?  At times these fears are valid.  Other times it is time to be in a place of allowing.  Let me share a few stories with you.

My friend and I are sitting on the edge of a cliff and we are looking at the beautiful stream below.  So peaceful!  Seiki walks to the edge of the cliff and looks down.  I am scared.  What if he falls off the cliff?  I remember that I create my reality.  I choose to voice my fear and say “I am scared and I am committing to love and safety with my dog.”  I ask the universe to give us safety.  Then we can have safety and love at the same time.  Seiki is fine and through this he builds confidence and learns about his foot placements.

My friend and I are resting on the rocks basking in the sun with our dogs.  Around the corner horses pass.  Seiki takes off.  He runs up to the horses and barks.  There is no way I can go and grab him in time.  We are too far up and climbing rocks isn’t fast for me.  I breath.  I feel my fear and breath.  I also believe.  I believe he is safe.  The horses pass off and Seiki follows.  I call him, hold my breath and wonder….will he really come back?  I remember to believe he is safe and that he has learned an excellent recall.  He comes back quickly.  He takes off again after them and immediately comes back when called.  Really??  Can this be true?  My border collie who use to lunge and bark at horses on leash and in the car is coming to me off leash around horses?  I breath and allow my body to take in the truth.  It is true  Celebrating, I feel more confident.  My dog is growing up and this trip is a HUGE learning experience for the both of us

One of my fondest memories is at the beginning of the trip when my friend is scared to take her dog off leash in the mountains.  She has had a rough time with his recall.  Her roommate has not.  Cidney, her dog is great off leash with her roommate.  Why?  Her roommate has a trust bond with this dog.  He believes they are connected and that Cidney will return and will “come.”  My friend knows this. She is extremely conscious.  This trip is a time for her to practice believing in her dog.  It really was the same for me too with Seiki!!  She was hesistent to take Cidney off leash.  I tell her to wait until her body feels ready.  She does and man did Cidney do great.  She trusted WOW!!!  I remember how much her dog would take off in the past and this time Cidney stayed so close to her during the whole hike

So that is a small scoop of our day full of hiking.  Much more than that happened and I don’t want to write a book…however, there are two more things for me to share.  The next day, my friend and got in a kayak with our dogs!  Yes, I am serious.  My friend’s dog is calm and she had no worries that Cidney would do good in the kyak.  I felt the same about Cidney.  My dog was a bit different to me.  Seiki runs and barks in the car when he is not crated.  He also has a swimming phobia and loves to catch water in the air.  However, I chose to move through my fear and trust.  I love my dog and I want him to learn and grow in confidence.  I want to share this journey with him together  So surprisingly we all fit in the kyak.  Seiki is excited.  He wants to bite the water as it is flying up in the air from the ore.  I am holding his collar so that he won’t run all over the boat (at least that is my story).  He doesn’t seem to want to sit still.  Inside I am terrified.  What if Seiki falls in?  What if the boat tips?  I don’t really enjoy swimming much myself.  I breath.  I breath so deep from my belly.  I presence my fear and trust.  I tell Seiki that I trust he is safe and is choosing safety.  He loves that I believe in him  I have no clue how long we were in the kyak for but I am sure it was at least a half hour  It was an amazing.  I loved this experience so much and the boat never tipped over

The last experience I am sharing today is that Seiki swam on this trip!  My dog that hates to swim…yes he swam.  I was on the shore of Moon Lake with him.  I went into the water and stood.  I know that Seiki loves it when I splash the water into the air.  He wants to bark, jump up, and catch it.  So he does.  I gradually move the splashes deeper and deeper into the lake until he has to swim for a bit to the get water.  He does.  He takes a break and goes back to shore.  He is processing his fears.  He comes out again and we do the process again.  Again he breaks to move to shore to process his fear.  It was fascinating to watch.  I don’t pressure him.  I just allow.  We do this routine over and over again.  It is wonderful and beautiful

So the moral of these stories is the following: fear can be highly beneficial and can be a signal to avoid to do something.  It can be a sign that there is danger is around.  It can also be at times something to move through.  Know the difference.  We can be over protective with our dogs as some parents can be with our children.  It is our choice.  Our dogs won’t tell us like children will do. They will love us either way.  However, our connection is so much deeper if we BABY step through fears safely.  That was one of the most spiritual journeys I have ever had in my life.  My dog is my oneness connection.  To move through fears with him and to build this type of trust was amazing!!  I hope you choose to dive deep and experience the same!

Loves!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Here are some great tips for you:

It is more distracting so be prepared to bring extra and possibly more powerful treats.  Bringing a cooler to keep the treats fresh is great if possible.  Know that what your dog knows in his home environment will change in this new and fun environment.  If you like to hike you may see a drastic difference in leash walking.  Remember to re-train.

Take your dog on hikes and in nature when you are not camping to prep him and get him acclimated to new environments.

If your dog likes to bark often.   I would recommend primitive camping or at least camp during a time at a campground when no one is around or when the volume is low.  ”Look at That!” is a great command to teach your dog before you are camping and use it while you are camping (When your dog barks call him to you. Then have him look at the stimulus that he wants to bark at. As soon as he alerts and is quiet say “Look At That” and C/T (click and treat). Do not C/T if your dog is barking this will reward the barking.  Eventually he will start to look at you rather than barking at the stimulus.)

If your dog barks in the car putting him in a crate and cover it with a blanket.  Click and treat when your dog is quiet.  Listening to relaxing music in the car if you wish.  Also giving your dog a kong full of almond butter and kibble can work for part of the driving trip!

Remember the unknown can happen so be ready for that!

Keep your dog on leash unless you are confident that your dog has an excellent recall in new and distracting territory. Remember to use extra special treats (cheese, turkey hot dogs, freeze dried salmon ) for “come” when calling your dog.

Sleeping with your dog in the tent of course can be wonderful and fun. Be ready to wake up early!

Best Camping Wishes this Spring and Summer!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Get out your dog’s tug toy and your dog’s ball.  Through your dog’s ball and have him return to you and drop the ball to play tug.  Before you throw the ball again ask your dog to drop the tug and perform some obedience commands to decrease arousal.  This is great because it is intense exercise and you can even do it while talking on the phone if need be

If you are a runner, go to City Creek Canyon and run with your dog off leash.  This place works great.  Tanner Park is crowded with dogs and isn’t as good of a place to run with your dog.  Of course you can also run with your dog on leash.

In the winter cross-country skiing is great.  Have your dog pull you or be off leash. Be safe  Use  a dog trainer if need be

Many of you have heard this before, do trick training with your dog.  Any training is mental stimulation that exercises your dog.

If your friends have dogs set up play dates.  This is awesome.  You get to socialize with your friends as your dogs play!  Fun!

Of course if you like to hike take your dog.  Millcreek Canyon is great for this and take a friend with you to make it more fun!

Enjoy your summer.  Come up with more creative and fun ways to exercise your dog.  An exercised dog is a happy dog!

Happy Training!
Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

I love to chase sticks

I have many toys – frisbees (the soft kind), lots of tennis balls and a chuck-it, squeekers and plush toys.  But I got to say, there’s nothing more fun than chasing sticks in the forest.  On Saturday we did the big loop up on West Tiger Mountain.  We start on Tradition Plateau and go through all sorts of back trails.  It takes about 3 and a half hours.  One of my favourite trails, the TMT, is where many sticks grow.  These are the nice, crackly, brittle kind that I love to crunch.

So many sticks, so many decisions, so little time!! Ruff!!

It was such a beautiful sunny day.  I got very thirsty.  Fortunately, there are lots of streams to drink from and even lie down in on really hot days!!

Time for a nice cool sip

There are lots of sites to see along the path!

A funny twisted tree stump!

This used to be one big tree! Whoa!

I love flowers, especially small purple ones! Don't step on them!!!

Don’t you just love the forest?  There’s so much to discover, sniff and play!

Happy tails!

Cooper

I love to run up Tiger Paw!

You might wonder….have I been to the Zoo??  No no no!!  Tiger Paw is the name I give to the short leg up the west side of  Tiger Mountain.  This is where all the brave paragliders sail, just off the Issaquah-Hobart SE road.

Look at the view the paragliders get!! I want to try sailing in the air one day. yay!!

It’s a short, kinda steep, run up to the top of the mountain.  It takes less than an hour if your Mom and Dad hoof it.  I love it because it’s about a 40 minute drive from the city. And when you reach the top, there’s a great view of Mt. Rainer and best of all, a nice steep hill where I can play chase and sniff.  That’s my favourite game -  where the stick is thrown into the bushes and I get to sniff it out.  It’s so fun!!!

Now where is that stick?? I can smell it!!

I was happy to see my first spring flower on the mountain.  Isn’t it pretty?  Lots of birds were singing and flirting in the trees.

Spring is here!

happy tails!!

Cooper

What are Community Dog Walks?

• Casual Walks (some walks on leash and some are off leash)
• Meet Other Dog Lovers and Have Fun
• Optional: Celebrate the Weekly Themes (each week there will be a theme)

What to Bring on the Walks:

• You
• Your Dog
• Friends
• Other Dog Lovers
• Soft dog treats (pea to a dime in size; bring a small Ziploc bag full)
• Flat collar. No choker or prong collars please.
• 4-6 cloth/leather leash. No flexi-leashes please.
• Treat bags (attach to your pants) and clickers are recommended. *
• Children 12 years and older are invited if they are patient and listen well.
• Poop bags
• Water for you and your dog
• Dress warmly

* * Note: Friendly Dogs Only Please. If your dog has aggression or fear issues please contact Four Legged Scholars for training.

* * Dogs must be at least 6 months of age.  If you want to socialize your puppy sign up for my Puppy Kindergarten Class (link this to the Dog University Page)

Registration (RSVP)

Registration: Free (Donations are optional and welcome)
RSVP 801-463-1668 or info@fourleggedscholars.com

Dates and Locations

1.) Sat. Feb 6th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

City Creek Canyon, 300 Canyon Road, Salt Lake City

Meet on the sidewalk at the first gate that leads in Memory Grove (near the parked cars on the street) If you get lost call Johanna 801-463-1668

Theme “Doggie Gratitude Walk”

*Off Leash Walk

2.) Sat. Feb 13th 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Place: Millcreek Canyon, Take I-215 use Exit 4 (3900 South).  Then take Wasatch Boulevard to 3800 South turn East and follow the road up the canyon.

Drive up the canyon 4.5 miles and park near the Maple Grove Picnic area.  Meet at the road gate.  The road is blocked off in the winter and we will walking on this road.  Cell phone reception is none here. Be prepared Yaktrax are recommended and dress super warm. Cost is $3 per car.  Carpool if you wish.

Theme: “Meditative Dog Walk”

*On and Off Leash Walk (Large Dogs Only Please)

3.) Mon Feb 22nd from 6:30-8:00 PM

Place: Fairmont Park 2361 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City

Meet in the parking lot near the skateboarding area.

Theme: “Just to Have Fun!”Place: Fairmont Park

Call Johanna if you get lost 801-463-1668.

*On Leash Walk

What to Bring on the Walks:

• You
• Your Dog
• Friends
• Other Dog Lovers
• Soft dog treats (pea to a dime in size; bring a small Ziploc bag full)
• Flat collar. No choker or prong collars please.
• 4-6 cloth/leather leash. No flexi-leashes please.
• Treat bags (attach to your pants) and clickers are recommended. *
• Children 12 years and older are invited if they are patient and listen well.
• Poop bags
• Water for you and your dog
• Dress warmly

* *Note: Friendly Dogs Only Please. If your dog has aggression or fear issues please contact Four Legged Scholars for training.

Registration (RSVP)

Dates and Locations

1.) Sat. Jan 2nd 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Place: City Creek Canyon, 300 Canyon Road, Salt Lake City

Meet on the sidewalk at the first gate that leads in Memory Grove (near the parked cars on the street) If you get lost call Johanna 801-463-1668

Theme: “New Year’s Resolution Walk for Your Dog”

*Off Leash Walk

2.) Sat. Jan 9th 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Place: Tanner Park, 2760 South 2700 East, Salt Lake City, 84109

Meet on the grass in front of the parking lot (park in parking lot with the Tanner Park Sign).  If you get lost call Johanna 801-463-1668

Theme: “Doggie Meet and Greet Walk”

*Off Leash Walk

3.) Mon Jan 18th from 4:00-6:00 PM

Place: Liberty Park, 900 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, 84105

Meet on the grass at the entrance to Liberty Park from 900 South.  Call Johanna if you get lost 801-463-1668.

Theme: “Breed Equality Honoring Martin Luther King Day”

*On Only Leash Walk

4.) Mon. Jan 25th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Place: Sugarhouse Park, 1300 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City 84108

Meet at the south side of the pond. Call Johanna if you get lost 801-463-1668.

Theme: “Bring a Friend Walk”

*On Only Leash Walk

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Owner and Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Through our adventures I have picked up a few helpful hints to taking your dog on an overnight backpacking trip.  Below are some tips I put together…

1) Don’t only bring your pet’s ordinary food; bring them something you know they will want to eat.  Diego was so excited to be outside he forgot about eating.  I had to pour some of my dehydrated food into his collapsible food dish in order to get him to eat.

2) Consider bringing a separate tent.  Diego loves to address every sound or movement he hears, making it tough to get a full nights rest.

3) Allocate nap times for your dog.  Diego sometimes has a hard time conserving energy.  Your pet doesn’t know you are about to conquer a lot of ground so avoid the lag and give them a break!

4) Get them their own back pack!  I know this sounds cruel but they will only be carrying their own supplies.  It’s only right that they carry their own weight and the pack acts like Ritalin.  He is an entirely different dog with the pack on (in a good way); he slows down and stays on the trail.  Make sure your dog is mature enough to carry the weight.  From what I am told, extra weight on thier back could affect their growth plates.
*Anything from Ruff Wear or Granite Gear works well.

5) Attach (via duck tape) a small light to your pets collar.  This will help you keep track of them during the night. 
*A bike light works great especially one that flashes.

6) If in bear country you may want to consider bear bells.  Annoying but potentially lifesaving.

7) An orange bandana is very fashionable but also necessary during hunting season.  Diego looks very much like a Whitetail deer!

8) A closed cell sleeping pad is light and conserves heat.  They are cheap and can be customized to fit your pet.  Thickness depends on the circumstances; cold ground 1/4″ should be adequate, ice or snow at least 1/2″ of foam padding is necessary.  Yea they’re dogs, I know, I said the same thing but on a trip into the Bitterroots our only choice for a camp site was very wet ground or snow.  I woke that night to Diego shaking, that night we spooned!  
*I prefer getting a 1/4 closed cell sleeping pad for a human and cutting it in half.  This allows you to take one half in the spring or fall or double it up in the winter!

Most importantly, let them be a dog and have a great time!

Thanks,
Diego & Corey

For More Information Go To:  http://www.meetup.com/trainingdogs/calendar/

Here are Your Choices for Community Events:

Classes:

Classes last about an hour and go over different training topics such as leash walking, come, settle, stay, teaching your dog to pay attention, quiet, etc.

These classes are held in low distracting areas (generally indoors) so the dogs can learn easily.

Who is best to attend the classes?:

Newcomers

Training brush ups

Maintaining behaviors that your dog is already good at. More practice.

Walks:

Walks generally last about 1.5 hours. There are optional training tips / demos at the beginning of the walks. No one is required to attend the training part. After the training demo there will be walking instructions. Everyone is required to arrive at the scheduled time for the walking instructions. We will then walk in a dog park on leash, off leash or both. You will receive a mini private session covering the topic in the demo during the walk if you wish.

Who is best to attend walks?:

Dogs who pull on the leash.

Dogs who are great on the leash.

Well trained dogs.

Dogs who need training.

These meetups are great for generalizing the commands to real life.

Mountain Hikes:

Hikes generally last 2-3 hours. There are optional training tips / demos at the begining of the walks. No one is required to attend the training part. After the training demo there will be hiking instructions. Everyone is required to arrive at the scheduled time for the hiking instructions. We will then walk on a hike on leash, off leash or both. You will receive a mini private session covering the topc in the demo during the hike if you wish.

Who is best to attend hikes?:

Dogs who are semi-good on the leash or off leash.

Dogs who are great on leash and off leash.

If your dog is a strong puller you will be asked to use a head collar or front hook harness so that your dog does not trip you over rocks.

This event is not best for dogs who are tough to control as the walk is long and usually up a mountain.

All the events are designed for socialization and / or training.

If you have not particpated in the survey please do so. If do not like surveys then drop me an e-mail with feedback.

I am also looking for ideas for (please submit feedback):

Class Training Topics

Parks for Walks

Places for Hikes

Thank you so very much and I am excited to see all of you at upcoming events!

Remember Saturday is Strut Your Mutt!

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi Professional Owner and Dog Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC  ”Convenient Dog Education”

I created a Community Event at Tanner Park (For those of who don’t know I now hold weekly community events where you train your dog, socialize, and have fun!).  No one showed for the event.  I checked into my body and realized I felt sad. I allowed that feeling to be there and loved it.  As a result, an amazing shift happened.  My dog, Seiki, and I created an amazing “recall” experience at the park today.

Seiki and I walked the trail on our own.  I was in open space, happiness and joy.  Some of you might know that Seiki loves to run and and run.  Boy can he run far!  The recall we created today was astonishing!!!!!!!  He came when called immediately 95% of the time and the other 5% he still came but was a bit slower.

Here are some amazing tips I learned:

I bought a special treat at the Dog’s Meow, Plato Salmon Strips (great salmon smell and easy to break up).  I have also been using cheese, turkey lunch meat, and hotdogs.  The variety helps and I only use these treats for his recall.

Reward your dog with at least 20 seconds worth of crumb sized treats for a great recall!

Practice practice, practice.  Seiki didn’t just improve on his recall over night.  I have practiced his recall on a long line at parks free of dogs, on wide trails, and during walks around the neighborhood.

We have also found fenced areas that are not very populated so the distractions are low. On Tuesday he came 100% immediately!

I gave him a jackpot (numerous treats one at a time) every time he checked in with me.  Checking in means that he came to me voluntarily.  To increase the number of his check ins I would run away from him when he was looking in my generally direction.  

For a border collie that loves to herd, his recall is amazing!  He even left other dogs, smells, and birds to come to me!

I enjoy recall training immensely and it is a must for most dog owners.  Create a great recall and come to the next community event at Tanner Park!  Also repetition and practice are a key.  The more community events you come to the better behaved your dog becomes!

For further reading on creating a great recall click on the Catalyst Article link and read the two articles “Huh Come?” and “Come … Again.”

Happy Recall Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Owner and Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC

     I ask everyone when they are training their dogs to ask this simple question “What is in your control and what is outside of your control?”  Focus on what you can control.

      In  Conscious Living by Gay Hendricks, Gay states ” The secret of happiness is knowing that there are some things you can control and some things you cannot.”  He also speaks from personal experience “…Rather than wishing I felt some other way, rather than wanting my whole life to be different. I could let go of my control and accept it as it was.  As I dropped my resistance. I felt a rush of energy course through me.  What probably happened was that all the misery turned to light and energy, just with my turning my mental nozzle from ‘Resist’ to ‘Accept.’  My inner feeling turned to pure ecstasy-wave after wave of it-and it lasted for three days!”

      As I read this last night, I began to realize the universe is entirely connected.  Every concept applies to dog training.  I let go of the uncontrollable…” Seik, my dog, runs off in the mountains and doesn’t stay by me anymore.”  I then focused on what I can control.  I can train him more on his recall and I can choose what I use as a reward.

     So I took off and made my way to Herman Franks dog park (a fenced dog park across from Liberty Park).  I went there late at night around 7PM so that the park would be practically empty.  At first he just ran off and ignored me.  I ignored this (something outside of my control).  When he finally decided to voluntarily come to me (check-in) I treated him heavily with peanut butter and then I released him.  Over a matter of few minutes he barely wanted to leave me.  He would ran off and then come back.  I was even able to switch his treats back to his kibble (his dinner).  He even came 100% of the time when I called him!

    This morning we enjoyed a beautiful hike in the mountains.  Since I cannot control if he runs off, of course I hiked with him on leash.  Hiking on leash is in my control.  I even brought a long line and we began and ended the hike with Seiki walking on his long line.

     On the long line, I rewarded his check-ins heavily and eventually he was having so much fun being around me that he barely left.  We worked on his recall as well and he came 100% of the time.  He needed some prompts of encouragement a few times (a smell distraction).  Practice is the key here

      As I focus on what I can control with Seiki eventually he will be off leash in the mountains with excellent check-ins and a great recall!

Happy Training!

Four Legged Scholars, Johanna Teresi