Millie, do you trust me enough to follow me?

posted: January 20, 2012

Today Millie and I started to Cypress Falls Park in West Vancouver. I wanted to continue to reward her with off leash privileges  as she was so well behaved on Tuesday. I chose Cypress Falls because it gets fairly busy with other hikers and dogs around 10:00. This means lots of opportunity for socialization after we’ve had a chance to get some exercise on the trails.

Without Cider to join us today, Millie was a little more reserved. She stuck by pretty close, until I took us bush-wacking.

I took her into the bush because the trail we were travelling on was getting pretty busy. I like the calm of the forest.

Well, I hadn’t been on this trail before and we ended up going over some rough terrain.

At one point, Millie looked at me like “You are a crazy lady if you think I’m going up there”

So I had to make a decision. Do I go back down the trail, even though I know Millie is a really rad dog, who can make it up this section (she is a Formosan Mountain Dog). Or do I wait it out until she gets enough confidence to trust me enough and give it a go?

Lucky for me, after a short wait she gave it a go. It was one of those moments I love my job.

Millie met lots of dogs today. Her socialization skills are getting better and better with each walk.

Until next time.