Today Jade and I took another trip to Smithville Lake. It's my favorite off leash training location tons of distractions from varmets, people, boats, jet skis and the always present dead stuff. Other than that for a 2-hour walk she stayed within her 30-40 zone and recalled, stopped, sat and stayed when I asked. We did run into something that scared her today. It was a beautiful day so the lake had numerous jet skis and fishing boats around. Jade and I came upon a pontoon boat and family along the shore. We were in 3-4 foot tall weeds and neither her or I were thrilled with this. Jade popped out on shore and was interested in this thing called a pontoon boat. In the water were several people, including a bobbing child in a life jacket. He floated over and stood up out of the water and Jade gave a gruff, and took off about 30 feet into the weeds. I called her back and she was visibly nervous. The little boy gave her some treats and we repeated the exercise 3-4 more times. Jade then gave her normal kid wiggle butt greeting. Sometimes good old classical conditioning works wonders.
This interaction shows the importance of having your dog experience as many new environments as a possible. The walk back was uneventful. I let Jade chase a mouse for about 40 feet, but she stopped and recalled when I asked. I was very proud of my young Akita girl today at the park. I need to get there several more times to get her to the point I want her for off leash control. I plan to do my night test with her in the fall. This involves a lighted collar and going to Smithville Lake at night with Jade. Her and I will do our normal lake walk, but at night. I have a lot of work to do between now and then. If you follow my blog, you'll experience with me!
Two paws up!
KCDogGuy
http://www.gilbertsdogtraining.com/
Think an Akita is for you?
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