Hi guys!
Just got in from morning feeding. Yes it is almost nine.
I changed Lady's feeding times to 8&8 for the cooler months and man was it nice outside this morning!
So, I gave Lady her food and usually Bear ( My German Shepard) is everywhere jumping and begging for Lady's attention and it makes Lady nervous/annoyed and really who wouldn't be?

Anyway!

I saw Bear doing what she always did and suddenly I had an idea!
Time for a little Dogmanship.
I picked out a spot in the shade beside her kennel when I wanted her to be. A threshold, if you will and suddenly I told her " No ma'am. Go back." and I pointed to that spot.

She retreated to the edge of the fence and I repeated it and she retreated some more back near the spot I wanted her so I let it rest. Then she'd try to come back forward and I repeated.

Within a few minutes I had her retreating to the exact spot I wanted and then had her lay down and watch me do whatever I was doing ( I went in the barn, I gave Lady some attention, rattled the gate, walked the fence line and played with some buckets.) and wait there until I bent forward and called her.

So then I gave the command from a few places which were closer to the "go-back spot". And that's when it became a game for her.
She got really excited and hyper and so when I called her she'd FLY forward and collapse on my feet, in pounce position and her tail was flying. Then I'd say " Go back!" And she'd tear off back to her spot, turn and wait. She was practically wiggling by the time I finally ended it and gave her tons of lovin's and cuddles. Then I let her in her kennel for breakfast.

I think everything went great and with some repetition she'll have it down pat. This particular trick is going to be very useful when I'm working with Lady. Teaching Bear to be quiet and lay still no matter what until I give the right command is tricky but def. worth it.

S'all for now,

Katie