Our new dog

[Phreak]

We added a shepherd mix to our pack last Wednesday.

[crumbsnatcher]

good looking dog, good for you.

[Country Roads]

Georgeous dog! She will learn fast, dogs are good that way.

[LIhikers]

A couple of days ago we took our new dog for a walk in a local county park. There are a few lean-to type shelters in the camping area, similar to what you'd find along the AT but smaller. At first our new dog was hesitant to go in with us. My wife and I just sat on the edge of the floor and our doggie lay down on the ground right in front of us. After a while we moved back into the shelter, while extending her leash. Eventually our dog got up and carefully walked to where we were and layed down again. A good first try but we'll take her back there from time to time until she's comfortable going into the shelter.

The real test will be to set up our tent and get her comfortable going into it. When we backpack, and have a dog along, we use our tent but will sometime stop at a shelter for a break or to have a meal. That's why we want her to be comfortable with both. We actually bought 3 person tents so we have enough room for our pooch and don't have to use the shelters to sleep in.

[LIhikers]

Phreak,

From the pictures you've posted it looks like you've got some nice dogs. I hope the new one works out for you.

[Phreak]

Originally Posted by LIhikers

Phreak,

From the pictures you've posted it looks like you've got some nice dogs. I hope the new one works out for you.

Thanks LIhikers, I already know he's going to work out. I've been his trainer for the past 4 years (since he was 5 months old). His owner accepted a job in Paris, France and asked if I'd be interested in taking him. It was a no-brainer. He went out with the hiker bums last weekend and did great. He has a few dozen day hikes and overnighters under his belt but this was his first multi-day hike.

Thinking about taking him out for 2-3 days on the AL Pinhoti next week.

Hope the training goes well for you and your new companion.

[LIhikers]

Originally Posted by Phreak

.......Hope the training goes well for you and your new companion.

We're making some progress. She's improved 100% walking on a leash, but still has a ways to go. In fact she goes into her crate when she sees us pick up the leash, but then comes right out when we call her. She's a really sweat dog and I'm sure with enough work she'll become a good, well behaved, trail dog.

[LIhikers]

We took our new pup on her first overnighter this past weekend.
It worked out pretty well but she's still got a lot of learning to do.
She carried a good sized "saddle bag" type pack with no problem and didn't fuss at all when my wife put on her a quilted coat to help keep her warm. Of course we had her put those things on at home a few different times so it wasn't strange to her. We stayed at NY's Wildcat shelter and had the place to ourselves. We had Tora, our dog, bed down between our sleeping bags to help her stay warm and covered her with a blanket. Not knowing how she'd react to this new situation we left the leash, a 25 foot long Flexi-lead on her with it lock out to mid length. My wife put the leash under her sleeping bag so she'd feel the tug if Tora got up and started to walk away. All went pretty well until we were almost back to our car on the second day. Another couple was hiking toward us, with their dog off leash. That dog came running toward us and Tora, who doesn't like dogs at all, started growling and lunging toward the other dog. Once the other people took control of their dog and past us Tora settled right down and we finished our hike with no problems. My camera isn't working so I don't have any photos to share.