Turkey Tracks: November 24, 2020
AC Slater’s Favorite Pastime
AC Slater is a little over 2 1/2 years old now.
He is a young dog with a lot of energy—which means he gets me outside doing something active at least once every day that allows being outside. It’s good for both of us.
His most favorite things to do are taking a hike with me through woods, especially if there are water features present, and chasing his ball on a big field. I believe he thinks both of these acts are his “work.” He craves these interactions with me, and I enjoy them so much as well.
I’ve spent a lot of time training him so that he is safe with me under voice control. I wouldn’t test his behavior on a city street, but I bet he’d stick close as he’d be scared. We don’t walk much in town as that just doesn’t run out his energy the way a hike or a ball activity does.
Here he is, ready for me to throw his ball with a chuck-it.
He brings me the ball as part of this activity. Sometimes the “drop” command is hard for him as he loves to chew this ball. And, he likes to hold it some times while he gets his breath back. Remember that it takes about 8 seconds some times for a dog to process a command.
What amazes me is that he can track the ball and jump way up to catch it in the air. I’ve seen him jump way over his own body length to get it—which is hard to catch on a camera when you’ve also thrown the ball. But here’s a kind of idea of what he can do.
He also runs way out in anticipation, and then he watches for the direction I’ll throw the ball. He uses my body placement as to whether I’ll throw to the right or left or straight out.
I’m really enjoying the size of this dog. He’s not as small as the rat terriers, but he’s not a big dog either. He’s just right…
Louisa Enright's Blog 