Livin' Free and Easy

Most people I meet call because they are concerned about their pets leaving the yard. But in essence they are looking for freedom. Freedom from fear of their pet leaving the yard, freedom from supervising their pet each time it needs to relieve itself, wants to get some fresh air, check out something in the yard, go outside and play, and the list goes on. The irritation of 'high maintenance' can make people wonder if they made a mistake when they chose to add a dog to their family.

When I think of what we do for people, that Staples "Easy Button" comes to mind. Our customers pay us, then they press the Easy Button. (BTW, you can buy a talking Easy Button for only $4.75!).

The freedom to find the right potty spot and take as long as one wishes or to sniff something out as long as one likes, without being told to "hurry up!" is one of life's greatest simple pleasures...and holds true for man and dog alike.

I couldn't resist showing off these St. Bernard photos. These two are now free to run and play within the confines of their own yard (a slice of doggie-heaven). They graduated from our training program with highest honors. A lab friend came to play while I was there. Everyone was tuckered out by the time he went home with his human companion. I'm thinking that few things in life are better than free and easy.

 

Helping dogs learn from their own choices

Andee is such a ham. That's why he's so good at helping other dogs learn their boundaries. Here he's barking and whining, but he's being very polite about it. He's not challenging the trainee, Bailey, merely inviting her to make her own choice about approaching him (notice how he's looking away).
You can see by the slack in Bailey's leash She's being very cautious. She wants him...but those darn flags are foiling her plan. Little Charlie has already taken his turn at Andee, and he's choosing to hang back (also notice slack leash).
Shortly after this, both trainees were completely off leash chasing each other around the entire property at top speed. Something they hadn't been able to do in weeks. In fact, they ran so fast, we hid behind trees to stay out of their way until they released most of their pent-up energies. I am proud to say they graduated with honors on this day...only one week after we began our freedom quest together.