The oldest dog in the family usually teaches the new one right? That’s the way it is in my family. The old dog learned from the one before which learned from the one before which taught me from the first. For me dog hikes or everything. I like my dogs to be able to enjoy it at their own pace, let their noses lead them and really have a good time. Plus if they’re tired everybody sleeps at night. So when you get a newbie in the family what do you do? For me it’s leash time till they get the idea of how we do things.
Once I feel like our new dog is getting into a rhythm with the other dogs especially, my old dog, then it’s time for some off leash work to see how that goes. Now granted every breed is different I enjoy hunting breeds because of their personality and to take them on hikes and cross-country skiing. But as I have learned, an English pointer would like to go cross country. My black German shorthaired and Labrador pointer mix likes to stick around. So our newbie, a white and brown German shorthaired two-year-old girl is learning quickly how we do things.
She is already shoulder to shoulder with my old girl learning trail etiquette distance from me as we hike and most important which our first dog taught us, check in. What I mean by that is the dogs will go out in a certain way, a certain distance on the trail then they will just turn around automatically and come back to see where I am. And that may just be eye contact or they may come right up to me. What I have noticed is that the reward plays a role in training but not always on a hike. Let me explain.
There are so many things for a dog to sniff, roll around in, or eat so a treat just isn’t enticing enough. Luckily for me praise is the highest treat my dogs like on a hike. Perhaps we have just developed an understanding that they can enjoy whatever they want while we’re out here as long as they always come back and find me. It’s a pretty cool deal. I do have an emergency backup plan if both dogs prefer to ignore me. Teriyaki beef jerky. Works every time.
As the bond continues to strengthen between my old girl and the newbie I find, as with past dogs, they share time on the trail as friends, companions, best friends and seek out grass and water together.
It’s rewarding to watch and be a part of these two companions of man become companions for themselves and me at the same time. I feel very fortunate to experience it and continue to nurture it as we both explore our back country world together.
I realize there are numerous strategies and proven methods to teach a dog various commands and activities. I also realize that like people, dogs are individuals and not everything works for every one.
Luckily I have developed a strong bond and form of communication with my dogs. We get along great. We go virtually everywhere together. Most of all, we spend time together understanding how each one works. I also keep a whistle on my backpack for those times when the prey drive wants to take over and my little girl feels like following a squirrel to the end of the forest. A quick toot brings her right back. Unbelievable. She picked up the whistle command all on her own.
If there is any trick or communication tool I use with all of my dogs over time its been a bear bell. People will attach bells to their dogs collars and listen for them. I have hearing issues so that bell does me no good. So, I switched around the tactic.
I wear a bear bell on my backpack. My girls hear that and they know where I am all of the time. It works too. Many times will call out for them because I don’t see them. Literally moments later they saunter out of cover with an expression of we knew where you were all along.
I hope you have as much time to play and learn with your companions too. Positive reward. Positive results.
Good luck on your next hike.
Dog Hikes 