[PyrNet-L] Walking off leash

[Jeanne M Bravin <gypsyunltd@juno.com>]

Just got back from a wonderful walk with Gypsy.  She's been in a funk all
week because I just returned to work after taking the week off between
Christmas and New Year's, so I've been trying to spend a little more time
with her when I get home.  At any rate, as a special treat I took her
down to a nearby beach (even though it's January and a tad nippy on the
north shore of Long Island!)  Since no one was around, and the narrow
beach is lined by tall cliffs and dead ends at a river, I decided to let
her go to see what she would do.  At first I just ignored her, and walked
along the beach.  After a few minutes she realized that I wasn't paying
attention to her, and came running up to me.  I gave her a hug and told
her to go play, and continued my walk.  She'd run off a bit, then come
flying back to check on me.  Each time, I praised her and released her
right away.  Then I started calling her, but praising and releasing her
each time.  It should be noted that I didn't even TRY to call her when
she was chasing the seagull!  In the end, when it was time to go, she
didn't seem to mind when instead of telling her to go play I told her to
heel.  Not that I would even try this if there were any distractions, but
we had such a wonderful time that I can't wait to do it again.

Jeanne Bravin
GypsyunLTD@juno.com

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