220204 Rocky II

Feb. 4

There are baked beans in the fridge (we tested them last night - definite pass!) and curry lentil soup, the kitchen is clean, laundry done, so I am declaring a holiday for myself. I am off-duty. I will play: mosaics, Rocky, and snow. Lots of music.

Yesterday was Rocky's second day with us. Already off-leash! So obedient, came to me every time I called, heeled until released. He has obviously spent years off-leash with his former owner and understands the concepts of heeling at owner's side, and running about independently while on walks. I am thrilled with his behavior. The training I will do is only icing on the cake, fine details like learning the boundary of the yard. Actually that's about it, for now! He already seems to know by this morning the concept, "in-our-yard", by which I am teaching him the border he must stay inside, unless released. I said those words and he turned back, from the first time, knowing by the tone of my voice, perhaps, that he should. I want to be able to let him out and instruct him to stay "in our yard" - a space defined by the driveway, the house, and the cattle fence around the front lawn.

Went for our walk and met Blackie at the foot of the camp road, which runs up the hill between Blackie's house and ours. Blackie play-bowed a greeting.

I removed Rocky's leash and released him.

Some mutual sniffing.

"What's there?" An excellent sign, that Rocky turns his back on Blackie to go adventuring.

Some more play/challenge. Some of this "play" is testing, to develop their relationship. It is probably a lot more intricate and subtle than we can see.