Chance Keeps Moving On Up!

Chance is getting so good at loose leash training that I'm able to let my mind wander on our walks without being pulled.  It is becoming more a natural experience for the two of us, walking together.  It feels great.  While we still have a ways to go on many things, I love having a foundation to fall back on.

I am working on solidifying his turn commands, Gee (right) and Haw (left).  This will help when he starts pulling the bike again before sled season starts.  I have been giving him the commands and then making the turns.  Now I am letting him make the decision.  I give the command and wait for him to turn his nose in the right direction, reward while turning in the direction.  He did fantastic our last walk.  He hesitates for a moment but has been spot on every time.      

My next challenge with Chance is to have Daddy walk with us.  In order to do that I've started working with  Chance on our pace speeds.  I am a quick walker and have learned to minimize pulling by speed walking with a dog, while Daddy is a more relaxed walker.  So I've started training him on following the different paces I set.  So far, so good.  Once I have to a point I am comfortable with Chance, I will have Daddy walk with us. This will probably test Chance on many different levels because our walk will be in a completely different context with Daddy there.  Daddy lets Chance walk and pull anyway he wants, so it ought to be interesting to say the least.  :)

For our last update you can read Chance's Walking Update