To Train Or Not To Train
Dog training started in two days. Lucky was a very strong dog and pulled me around the yard on his cloth leash. I was pooped out with just walking him in our open yard on his leash. I was glad he was going to training.
These two students arrived early for class. We were ready for anything. Being pulled by Lucky was not my idea of fun dog walking. My daughter-in-law, Birgit, was bringing their new Golden Retriever puppy, Max, so the two dogs would get to know each other in a neutral area. We looked forward to better control of our dogs.
Lucky was the funniest student Rob had ever had. Lucky would do the drill in the beginning and after 3-4 times, he sat down and said, “Enough, I got it!” That was it.
Lucky loved to be with the other dogs. No size was a threat to him. He showed his kindness and friendliness even to the bigger dogs. He was a very sociable dog to begin with and wanted to be with the other dogs.
We practiced and practiced at home until “he had enough” and sat down to do no more. He really did have it. I had to learn it and get the signals right so we both were on the right page. I was the slow learner.
Kindergarten Graduation Day came for these Beginners. Lucky looked great in his newest groom. He really liked all the attention and pictures being taken.
We were going onto the next level. I needed more help with this big dog.
Some of his other dog buddies were also going on to the next level. All were big dogs and frightened owners. What a match we all were.
I was still being dragged by Lucky as we walked around. I had even taken Lucky up to Troy, OH to visit my widowed sister-in-law. I tried several different types of chains, collars, chokers on Lucky to see what would slow him down. Nothing! Not even my full body weight. He was only 50 pounds and I was 3 times that. I needed to do something about that. Not my weight, his pulling me. 
Back to class. Rob helped me with a Halti for dogs. It is very similar to the halter for a horse. Lucky got it. With his nose down, he couldn’t drag me. It was perfect. Except for those times, he cleverly pulled the Halti off with his paws. It was a duel for a while until Lucky really got the command, “Uh Uh!”.
He walked slower and closer to me, even did “heel” for me. It became a pleasure to walk Lucky from then on.
Lucky To The Rescue
Shortly after Lucky’s arrival to his new home, we had an ice storm. Lucky did not like it at all. Where were his smell spots? What was a dog to do? He had a terrible time knowing where to do his business.
One lunchtime during the freeze, I was walking Lucky in the backyard. He suddenly bolted, yanked the leash from my hand and took off toward the house. I quickly walked after him and put my foot out to step on the leash. Down I went, kersplat…. Man, that ground was hard.
I yelled for Lucky. He stopped, saw what had happened to me and came running back. I was able to grab the leash and use his strong shoulders to get myself off the ground. He was so good. He got a goodie for that rescue.
My jewel of a dog started to show other traits.
To Be Continued.
Patricia Lewis www.bloggal.wordpress.com
