First Free Run

Gypsy had her first free run today, we went to the park with our Puppy Walking Supervisor.

She  LOVED every minute!  I have never seen her look so overjoyed.

She had lots of recall excercises to do including one from out of sight.  When recalled she had to make physical contact, then sit in front of me, then wait for me to hold her collar, then treat and praise.

She did it all, lots of times - hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!!  Our supervisor said she was perfect and got top marks. 

Now I have to practice with lots of different distactions in lots of different locations.  She can't go with Tatze for at least 4 weeks, all training has to be done on her own until then.  Then she can come with Tatze on some of our walks, but not all.

I can't tell you how rewarding it was!  Gypsy is 19 weeks tomorrow, so that's a long time before our first off lead walk!  I can't wait for the 'proper' off lead training to begin!  Of course, her owner won't be able to see her so she needs to learn perfect recall and to always stay close by.  I have to try blindfolded recalls too.  A lot of our training in class is now blindfolded or with glasses which cause us to be visually impaired, so that the dogs get used to us feeling for their collars.

Here's hoping I can get her to that level.