Happiness is a slovak in the countryside. We had an hour's walk around the woods yesterday. It was a bright warm morning. Almost autumnal. Filthy with mud as was Grey within 5 minutes. Nothing that a hosepipe on the doorstep can't sort out. He really loves it here. We were exploring new pathways and trying to build a mental map of the area. We came across a man walking with hat and a walking stick. Grey decided it would be a great idea to sniff his bum as he walked! Glad he was a good sport. We were charged head on by two portly staffies, tails stiff and errect. Grey just waited until they reached him in a friendly way. The tension was diffused and we all went our own ways. One potential difference to dogs meeting in this area is that there are lots of long straight narrow pathways, so dogs tend to approach from head on. If this was his only walking area, I can see this might be an issue. Grey is also more cautious of anyone or anything he comes across in the woods as opposed to open ground. So we'll definitely be still varying our walks across different locations.
He has started to notice a bit more of the wildlife scents around. A section of the woods where on the previous visit his brother was put back on the lead was now very interesting. He started hunting up and down the edge of the fence. I called him back to change direction with me and did some energetic 'this way' cues with fast but clearly thrown down food to stop him in his tracks. This isn't done as a bribe. I mark the successful behaviour with a clickerword and then deliver the food. So he has to come back first. He's not shown the food until it's delivered. The throwing is because it's exciting and encourages a fast halt and stop in his forward motion to pass me and run on. Then I switch to to cue him to walk with me, alongside me (not heeling but connected) off lead for the final 100m to the car. Was really pleased we managed this.
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