March 7th, 2025

Training

I was raised with the expectation that all dogs are perfect and well-behaved. Having been born in Germany, I had this "understanding" that I was not allowed to touch other people's dogs unless they were friends.

I learnt that everyone went about their business with their own dogs, and no one really cared about you or your dog - unless your dog was a visible mess.

Growing up, we had a Jack Russell Terrier cross named Elly, and she and I were inseparable. One of the coolest things to show off was placing our dogs at the entrance to the field walk, then walking to the first bend - about 500 yards away. Just telling them once to stay and wait for us to call them.

Then we would yell their names, and they would come sprinting down the walk - it was the most amazing feeling.

Bella pushing ewes out into the field on January 10th, 2025

I still do those types of things with my dogs on walks, almost daily. I think it helps them pay attention to me, making walks fun and an activity we do together rather than them just going for a walk while I lag behind, or being dragged everywhere.

I sometimes have my dogs walk behind me, especially around corners where I cannot see ahead.

This way, I ensure my dogs' safety and make oncoming traffic feel safe as well. No one wants two Border Collies coming around the corner running into you.

I never really stop training...

Happy Training!

Addi and her Dogs