I did not work with Lucy last night due to the realization that Lucy and I were getting off to a rough start. Lucy seems to be timid and she is very easily distracted by the unnatural world around her (Example: Cars and trains). It also seems as though she has not made that bond to me yet that drives her to please me. This is very understandable since she has only known me for a few days.

All of this being said I took the night off to do some thinking and to come up with a plan to get to know each other.

Today the 2nd of December I took Lucy to a secluded field and we spent our time just walking around in the fields. I started off in the short grass just walking around and letting her go where ever she wanted. After she got to stretch her legs and goof off she started to range closer to me and every now and then she would check back with me.

After a little while I moved into the tall grass where I could not see her and she could not see me. She was having a blast running full speed through the tall grass. I allowed her the same freedom in the tall grass that she had in the open field except every once in awhile I would hide from her. She would get a little panicked and come looking for me. After a couple of times of me hiding from her she began to range even closer and check back more frequent. I also noticed she seemed happier to see me when she found me. I think this has helped us move a little closer to that bond I am looking for.

I decided that I would try an obedience session prior to leaving the field. If you are reading this for the first time I must tell you that I have had no luck with obedience training in the field. The session went much better than expected. We worked on her sit, stay and come commands. She was allot more focused and when being corrected was more receptive to the corrections. (as opposed to running the complete other direction like she did in the past field sessions).

I did get my e-collar and only had to nick her twice. Once was when we first got to the field she headed toward the road. I called for her and she ignored my command. I felt for her safety when it comes to roads I would not let her go uncorrected. The second time was at the very end of the session (of all times). I called her to get in the truck she refused. I could tell that she knew what I wanted and she was just rebelling. I have read that in these circumstances I can not let her go uncorrected. I nicked her once, restated the command and  she complied with my command. Of course I praised her for her behavior and we called it a day. (a good day).

 This evening I went over Lucys obedience items in the back yard. She responded well to the "come" and "sit" commands.

I wanted to see if this would be the same in the field without a leash. I walked lucy to the local park using the leash and she did ok with the leash. When we reached the park I released her from the leash. This was a big mistake. Lucy was as defiant as a dog could be. She ignored all my commands and ran off twice. Once was toward the main road that passes by.

I know this is supposed to be me training her but it seems like once again I am the only one that learned anything. I will not be taking her off the leash again until I have a shock collar around her neck.

I scalded her real good and she seemed to get the idea that I was mad but that did not stop her from trying to drag me home on the leash.

It worked out ok in the end and she healed nicely for the last couple of blocks returning home so I was able to give her praise and end the session on a good note.