At the end of last week it was clear that he is an energetic little thing, and needs to blow off steam before he calms down and walks nicely. That's fine, we have ways and means around that, and today was one of the exercises I had in mind to achieve that.
Once he is drained of energy, training can begin. No point before hand right now.
Last week we realised that Kallik has a dislike for things being placed around his neck. He has got used to the lead now, but the gencon is another matter. But we are getting there. Once it is on him, he walks much better without a shadow of a doubt. Hunters are my preference, easy on, easy off, and greater flexibility and control. The downside, an excited and determine dog coughs and splutters if it pulls too hard. Never nice.
To deal with the energy, and to allow him to play more in the park, but still under control, I bought a 10 metre rope tracking line to let him have some freedom on. When he approaches other dogs, it is gathered in so no tangling occurs. When alone, he can run free (within 10 metres!)
See vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyXhvGFjtn4
Today was the first time using it, and I have to say I didn't think it all out too well. Entering the park the gencon was removed and put in my pocket. As we got to the green I attached the line to his fixed collar, checked it was nice and secure, then lifted the hunter lead loop over his neck. First mistake, the 10m line was running through the middle of it, which meant each time I let more line out, I had to slide the hunter up the line. Doh!
He had great fun, running around, meeting other dogs and people, and slowly the energy level dropped. Time to do some closer lead work. Bringing him back to me, I slid the hunter all the way back down the line, and put it around his neck, then carefully detached the line from his collar. Gathering the line back up, I looked down and saw the handle of the hunter dragging along the floor behind him!!! S***!
I NEVER take the looped handle of a hunter off my wrist, but because of the earlier tangle, I had! Walking calmly after him, I closed in as he sniffed around a bench, reaching down with relief..... he took off!!
Now you see him.....
If you look past the two closest trees, there is a orange / yellow looking frame towards the right, he is just beyond that, with 3 other dogs, and 2 ladies.
He sped off across the park, me more mortified that he might scare someone more than anything, keeping calm I walked in the direction he was heading in. Thankfully, he had been playing with two black labs earlier while I spoke to their owner, so seeing Kallik arriving at their feet, will his lead dragging, even before I called over to them, the wonderful lady calmly reached down, took his lead up and walked back towards me. I am SO thankful, and I don't even know her name. But she is most definitely my favourite person in Mayow Park right now.
Other than that, all is going well, he walked beautifully on the lead all the way home, no gencon needed.
They are absolutely amazing together at home when left alone, and I cannot think of a better match for Tuvaaq and Aana. May the amazing times together last for many years.
In the meantime, I am slightly sore at myself for him getting away. It will NOT happen again!
