Lakota LOVES to go hiking. We first discovered this on a trip to the Adirondacks for a friend's wedding at the end of June. As we hiked to the top of Crane Mountain to go climbing on the rocks on the summit, Lakota eagerly trotted along on the trail in front of us.

Since I know how much she loves it, I have been intending to take her out more regularly. Finally, 3 months later, I took her out. We went for a hike on the Millbrook Ridge Trail in the Mohonk Preserve the other morning.

She is so happy to have the wind in her ears and a good scent in her nose. She always leads the way. If she stops to have a sniff and I hike pass her, she has to run ahead and re-establish her place in front. Its almost as if she considers herself my Moses, "I will lead you through the wilderness Mom!"

Our foray into clicker training

About two months ago, a vet friend of mine suggested clicker training for Lakota. I had heard of it, but had no idea what it was or why it might be worthwhile to use over any other method of training. For some reason, last week I found myself googling more about clicker training. After finding Karen Pryor's website, I ordered a start-up kit with a book, clicker, and some sample dog treats.
It came on Saturday and I started working with her that evening after I had read the book cover to cover. (And, I might add, after making Lakota some yummy organic Liver & Oat cookies from the excellent Organic Dog Cookie Book by the Bubba Rose Dog Cookie Company). Lakota does have some obedience skills. She sits pretty well, she has learned that she has to sit and wait for permission before woofing down her breakfast or dinner. I have also recently taught her that she must sit and wait at the door before going out to play. Other than that, its hit or miss. Some days recall might be good, other days, it might be non-existent. She constantly pulls at her leash, although this has gotten somewhat better on its own, until we cross the path of a squirrel or a deer. However, from all I read from the clicker people, I could fix or "shape" these behaviors to what I have in mind in 1, 2 maybe 3 sessions. But alas, you know what they say about things that are too good to be true...
My biggest frustration so far is that it isn't an instant fix, though nothing ever is. It takes alot of patience to work with Lakota. Its easier since I do not make training sessions longer then a few minutes. I makes it easier both for me to commit to and Lakota to pay attention to, but still it takes time and patience.
I suppose I just have to keep the faith. I know in my heart that Lakota is a smart dog and as such is very capable of learning many things and being a very well-trained the dog. The question at this point is if I am smart and capable enough to teach her these things; if I can find the patience to teach her these things. I love her so much though and want her to be happy. When she races through the field so fast that her lips are pushed back, revealing her still-sharp as a puppy teeth, she looks like she has the biggest expression of shear delight on her face. I treasure those moments with her.