Gut Feeling

Yesterday I wrote, what appears to be a popular dog blog post, on how we introduce and integrate new dogs onto our Adventures.

In the dog blog I touched briefly on Gut Feeling and when we feel dogs can go loose.

For some it is a matter of minutes, for others it can take a little while longer.

We want to ensure that the dogs feel as secure and comfortable both in their walking environment but also with their adventure buddies.

Some dogs are naturally more extrovert, whilst others can be a little nervous at their new surroundings.

Gut feeling is quite difficult to describe in words but I’m sure everyone knows what it feels like.

Today I had the immense joy of letting one of my good friends run loose for the first time.

Actually it is not the first time, and probably one of the reasons why it has taken so long for me to be absolutely sure that I could let him go loose was, he ran away on his first walk after his lead became detached from me due to a faulty Carabiner.

Since that slightly stressful day I have been working extremely hard for Walter to be as comfortable and happy adventuring with us, with the aim of giving him his freedom.

If you follow the blog you will know his happy, smiling Irish Setter face from each Wednesday.

After a fantastic 6 months, and now also having access to his GPS collar, I felt the time was right.

I have been gradually increasing his lead length since the Summer Holidays and practicing recall.

Checking with his owners that there were no super important meetings for them this afternoon, in case of the worst scenario, we decided that if he seemed in the right mood we would try him loose.

I double checked his GPS battery and that everything was working correctly…. and then it was time to let him fly.

It is indescribable the joy you get from having worked towards more freedom together with a dog.

I am immensely proud of Walter and his impeccable behaviour today, as he could finally fully chase and play with his friends and it allowed us to explore some truly rugged terrain.

Doggies: Poppy, Tiara and Tesla