This is a super heavy photo post today because Bandit had such a good time on our walk this morning - I took the plunge and let him off-leash for the first time.
It is always so nerve wracking the first time you let a new dog go off-leash - especially a big dog who you know you can't outrun. But Bandit was perfect. 100% recall, and he was continually looking around to see where I was, and everytime I said "Bandit, let's go this way" - he immediately changed direction and followed me.
I'm pretty sure it was because he is so terrified of being left behind - which is probably a good thing as far as walks in the woods go.
He had SUCH a good time and ran around like a crazy dog, and even he and Daisy were playing and having good chases.
The whole time we're up in the woods behind my house Charlie is always looking for feral cats to chase - so now Charlie has someone to chase cats with - Bandit was right with him looking for the cats, it was pretty interesting to watch them together! haha!
Yes, I find that new dogs are often pretty reliable. (Most of the ones I work with don't know any commands. They're just too full of diffidence to venture too far away from the only human they know who leads, protects, and provides for them.)
ReplyDeleteJust know that once he's more comfortable with you and the places you go, he'll likely see how far he can get in doing his own thing. You'll have to stay vigilant.
I caution first-time puppy owners the same way. That 12-18 month old puppy has a very reliable recall...for now. But it could all change during "the terrible twos". That's when many dogs develop more of a sence of independence, and try to strike out on their own a bit.
Owner's often feel like their dogs have lost all their training, or they're seeing impending doom in their ability to control them for the rest of their lives.
Not to worry. Vigilence, and continued obedience training (and socialization) through those times will eventually result in a dog that is just as reliable as it used to be, if not more so, once the dog matures and has that much more practice under its belt.