The lack of substantial blogging has been caused by several wiki projects I’m doing for work. With the new server comes a new version of MySQL which makes running Mediawiki possible. Now the documentation projects that have been sitting on the back burner are getting wiki-fied, and the people wanting them are pretty excited about it. Naturally all the people who want to wikify their documents all want to do it at the same time. This should go a long way towards getting things like procedure manuals and instructions more widely available and more easily updated though.
Today was Nala’s first day in the new off-leash obedience class with Purely Positive at Susan’s new space in the West Ashley Dolittles. Nala did pretty well listening to me while being off leash. It’s not her first training session off leash, so I expected her to do pretty well. A bag full of treats helped a lot too. The first day was mostly sit/down stays from a distance, heeling and recalls, so nothing too hard yet. It’s a small class with only 4 dogs which made things much less chaotic.
This weekend is the Charleston Dog Show at Marion Square. It’s always a good time with an abundance of dogs (and people too). The main event is the dog show that’s open to all comers. There’s even a Heinz 57 class for the mixed breed dogs. I’ve entered Nala in the Sporting class in previous years. This time I think I’ll try Simba out with the judges. I think I’ll also see if Simba can pass the CGC test. He should be fine with all the tests except for the one where I leave for a few minutes. Not sure how he’ll do with that one, but I’ve been working on it.
Come on out and bring your pet(s). It’ll be a fun time! Just remember to bring some bags so you can pick up after your dog.
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Having the ability to walk with your dog unleashed at your side is probably one of the more fulfilling aspects for me personally. Passing other dog walkers on the trail and knowing that they are looking jealously at my dog and I as we freely stroll along gives me a sense of pride as well as pure glee. I know these people are thinking to themselves, “wow his dog is well behaved,†and “man I wish my dog was half as well behaved as that guys’ dog!†I get equal satisfaction out of watching them as they fight with their little riled up, frenzied bundles of energy, trying to drag them away, franticly trying to escape the embarrassing situation that they have caused. They will yell at their dog, utter crazy English that they believe the dog understands when we all know they don’t, generally making the situation worse than it has to be.
What are the factors that allow me to be so free with my dog? Well the answer to that is many but predominantly just two. These being:
A. My ability to use a leash correctly
B. My dog’s level of obedience
I am going to assume that you do know correct leash technique, if not, I have written an article on it that you should take a look at. (Leash training, http://www.dogsbydunk.com)
Being on the same page with your dog is crucial before you even think about allowing him the freedom to roam leash free. Your dog’s obedience level that is necessary to attain before considering off leash activity is one of a very high standard, as the safety of the dog, other dogs/people, and even yourself can be jeopardized by irresponsible activity.