Boggie and Penny 2/17/11

Bark! Bark! was the welcome I received when I biked to Boggie's today. When I walked inside, Boggie stretched and frolicked over to the door. Penny was a little hesitant like always. When we came inside, I thought I'd do a little pack leader exercise in the School for Dogs. I told them to lay down, then I rolled them on their sides and pet their stomachs. Wolves in the wild dominate other wolves by rolling them on their sides to expose their stomachs. Boggie let me willingly, but Penny still wanted to be leader, so I gently but firmly put her on her side and pet her stomach, pushing her head down a little. After I did that, she jumped up and wiggled her behind as if to play. Sure enough, I batted at her paws and she bowed playfully. We started walking and I dropped their leashes. I had to remind Penny what to do then, but she was not slow. She was slow last time because she was hesitant of following me. This time, when I ran down the hill, she ran too, although she was still a little hesitant. We walked over to the little clearing with many interesting smells. I think I will name it... Smelly Place. I led them over, and Boggie kept smelling and getting distracted. I called them and ran over to the other side, expecting them to follow. Penny did, but Boggie was smelling, so I walked over and "bit him" with my fingers on the rump. They were very good at following on the street, it was just the smells that distracted Boggie. On the way, I made Penny submit again, which made her playful. Then we ran home and I played with them until I had to leave. I love walking them. They are so sweet and obedient.