Adventure Walks

Izzy just noticing we had walked on.

In the book Tracy sent home with us, she has a section on adventure walks. Adventure walks are off leash rambles in the great outdoors. They help develop proprioception, coordination and athleticism, stimulate all the senses, improve problem solving, build self-confidence and most importantly, in my opinion, teach your pup to stay with you and to take responsibility for knowing where you are. I have always been very cautious with letting my previous dogs off leash as I am a worrier but after reading about these walks, I decided to incorporate them in some way in Izzy's activities. We are fortunate to have over 5 fenced acres, part field and part forest. Not completely escape proof but I felt comfortable that with her already impressive recall, it would be safe.

We did our first adventure walk in our field this morning and I combined it with her 13 week old photo shoot. We all had fun! Izzy would run ahead but come back (and was rewarded for checking in). When she became absorbed by something, we kept walking, and it wouldn't take long for her to realize we weren't there and run to catch up with us. We added a round of what I call a recall rally where Dave and I take turns calling her to us and it was a full morning for her.

Will I let her off leash in areas that aren't fenced? Probably not. I'm just too cautious. But I think this was a good compromise.

She loves sticks.

Watching Dave walk away.

Look at this recall!

Wait up!

Could she be any cuter?

Sticking close to Dave.

Love her exuberant recalls!

Another stick.