Another weekend, another new adventure. Saturday morning found us at a new venue for Will and Emma, with lots of new dogs and people to meet. We drove the short distance to Penwood State Forest, where there are numerous trails that either climb up Talcott Mountain or go around it somewhat. We arrived about 10 am and the parking lot was almost full already. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, and we weren’t the only ones who thought to get out to enjoy it. (http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325248&depNav_GID=1650)Will takes the lead, his preferred spot
We took the high trail, the one that went along the mountain to see if we could get a good view of the Farmington valley before the trees are all leafed out. There were some decent views, but we never did come to the overlook area that was on the map. Either we didn’t go far enough, or perhaps we just didn’t see it. Needless to say, we all quite enjoyed the walk along the paved trail. Emma got to chase her leaves, and Will got to lead the way.
I haven’t mentioned their newfound obsessions yet. In the last week or so, we have noticed that they each have developed a different fixation on moving things, neither of which we are happy about and are trying to train away. Will has decided that the fast moving vehicles are a new toy to chase, and Emma has discovered that when there is wind there are moving leaves and they are a good plaything. Both of these behaviours are quite dangerous, since either one could lead them into traffic or somewhere equally hazardous.
We are working mostly with Will on the car chasing. When we go for walks around the neighborhood, he must move to the grassy side of the road and sit down when he hears a car coming. I have always been getting them to move off the road and sit, but this has become an automatic response. He not only sits, but will lie down the minute he hears a car coming. This works on our quiet street but the real test will come when we go to a busier trail like the Collinsville bike trail where he first exhibited this behaviour. We have a real challenge on our hands.
With Emma, the leaves are everywhere. We are not so successful with her obsession, and need to be more diligent with having her pay attention to us, not the leaves. It is a challenge to both of us and one we need to work on. More later when we get a better handle on it.
Our little pups had a good day of meeting new dogs
and people on our Penwood adventure. They met up with two big Tibetan mastiffs that they met a couple of months ago at McLean Game Preserve. They are the biggest dogs they’ve met to date. A big red male, and a big blackish female named Maggie. They were so cute, and not afraid of them at all. Will even gave a few little yaps to try to get them to play, but no dice. Emma took her time meeting and greeting the bigger one, who was off-leash and very curious about the little pups.
I haven’t mentioned their newfound obsessions yet. In the last week or so, we have noticed that they each have developed a different fixation on moving things, neither of which we are happy about and are trying to train away. Will has decided that the fast moving vehicles are a new toy to chase, and Emma has discovered that when there is wind there are moving leaves and they are a good plaything. Both of these behaviours are quite dangerous, since either one could lead them into traffic or somewhere equally hazardous.
We are working mostly with Will on the car chasing. When we go for walks around the neighborhood, he must move to the grassy side of the road and sit down when he hears a car coming. I have always been getting them to move off the road and sit, but this has become an automatic response. He not only sits, but will lie down the minute he hears a car coming. This works on our quiet street but the real test will come when we go to a busier trail like the Collinsville bike trail where he first exhibited this behaviour. We have a real challenge on our hands.
With Emma, the leaves are everywhere. We are not so successful with her obsession, and need to be more diligent with having her pay attention to us, not the leaves. It is a challenge to both of us and one we need to work on. More later when we get a better handle on it.
Our little pups had a good day of meeting new dogs
and people on our Penwood adventure. They met up with two big Tibetan mastiffs that they met a couple of months ago at McLean Game Preserve. They are the biggest dogs they’ve met to date. A big red male, and a big blackish female named Maggie. They were so cute, and not afraid of them at all. Will even gave a few little yaps to try to get them to play, but no dice. Emma took her time meeting and greeting the bigger one, who was off-leash and very curious about the little pups.
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