Routine is the best way to train a dog. Consistency pays off!
We do a lot of manual turnarounds early in the season, and I always say and do the same thing. I stop the rig, walk up behind the leaders, say their names and then "C'mon, we're done." (don't know why I decided on that...it's just what I say).
Today we did a 3-mile loop but they missed the last turn back to the truck and had us headed down the whole thing again. I had a little female in back who would not have been able to handle the six full miles (Eve), but I couldn't actually stop them and do anything because there was just enough snow to make things interesting. Figured it was worth a shot so I used our normal "whoaaa" command anyway. They stopped. Then, even though we were stopped, I KNEW they'd never hold still long enough for me to safely turn us and make it back aboard the rig, so out of exasperation, I yelled "Knock it off - we're DONE!"
Joppy and Petunia turned the team ON A DIME. Full 6dog team, leaders with a neckline and all, and not ONE dog even so much as ended up on the wrong side of the line. I'm not saying we could do it again in a million years, and I'm not saying it wouldn't have been easier if they hadn't missed the turn in the first place, but ummm AWESOME? I think yes.
It's days like this, you know?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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