A Perfect Run

A Perfect Run
Oct 2nd 2007
wolfmoonsleddog
Southeast
Location: Northwest GA
Time - 4:39 pm
Temperature: 84 degrees F
Conditions: Clear, warm
Forecast: Clear tonight, mostly sunny tomorrow

Well this morning, Calypso and I experienced something special that doesn’t happen every day - a perfect run. Up until now, while working on stage one of command training, we’ve had at least one mis-hap per day. Usually nothing major - failing to start off right, darting off the trail, stopping - but enough for me to think darn, I’ve still got to work on that…

But today Calypso showed me that not only does she understand what she is supposed to do, she accepts and enjoys it.

It was fairly cool when we started out. I took Calypso to the beginning of a trail where she often has “distraction issues” and told her to line out. She looked back (a bit impatiently, it must be said) but stayed lined out.

Then I told her to “hike!” and she leaped into her harness and began to work. This was a canicross run so I was practically being dragged along. Calypso may be a little dog but she has major power. So there I am, trying not to be pulled over and saying “good girl, Calypso” and we run for a bit and then I tell her to “whoa.”

Okay, she didn’t obey that command (she cannot understand the concept) so I planted my feet and brought her to a stop. She looked back and wagged her tail.

On the way back, same thing. At one point she glanced towards the side of the trail where there is a big grassy patch and slowed down slightly. I gently gave a little tug on the line clipped to her collar, said “on by” and she continued forward at a lope.

Calypso did SO well today. I hope she keeps it up (although I know her well enough to expect some new trick at any point) so that we can progress to stage two before long.

By the way, just a reminder that Sun Dogs comes out on DVD today but you will probably have to order it online.


One Response to “A Perfect Run”
Christian Hollingsworth on 02 Oct 2007 at 2:21 pm # edit this

That’s exciting. Keep up the good work!