Earlier this week, I had the chance to take both halves of our Labraduo for a mountain bike ride. It was fun!
Most mornings, R is out on the trails with the Runner, so I rarely get the opportunity to have R join me and Shyla. It was really interesting to experience R as the wiser and more experienced dog. He's still fast and handsome, but he's definitely changed his role in the pack since Shyla joined us.
When I ride with Shyla, I have to concentrate closely on a combination of not crashing my bike and keeping Shyla reined in. I've learned which sections of trail tempt her into following animal scents, and I require her to "heel" next to my bike in those sections. While she's heeling, my little brain is at its limit...
So, thank goodness that R is now an incredibly reliable dog because, otherwise, I could never ride with both dogs. He stayed close during his ride with us this week, shepherding me and Shyla without me needing to guide him. I remember, so vividly, the opposite situation when I took older sister K and R riding with me. K was reliable, and R was the wild one who needed lots of supervision.
I wonder if it's age or the change in pack dynamics that have changed R's role so much. I'd guess at a combination.
One way or another, he's a great example for Shyla and a joy to have join us on our rides!
I think Shyla is dreaming of the next time R can go on a ride with us!
what an awesome escort you have. :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful duo!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy and Stanley
I bet they enjoyed each others company too.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is perfect!
ReplyDeleteCindy
I think R is helping take care of the both you and Shyla.
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
We agree-awesome escort! And we've said this before, but no harm in repeating: you give your dogs an amazing life! They get to do exactly what all dogs should do -get loads of outdoor exercise plus mental stimulation via your training. Rompin and rolling in the Rockies!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing and wonderful that you can ride and control the dogs...probably would not work with Airedales. One sniff of a critter and they would be gone. It's a challenge to even leash walk two Airedales in critterville!
ReplyDeleteWyatt's mom
I'm so glad things within your pack have worked out so that you can go for rides with R and Shyla. Now you just have to get the runner to run quick enough to keep up with the three of you!
ReplyDeleteLabraduo.....what a great word!! Hope it catches on :)
ReplyDeleteLove the tongue out, ears up, photo.
ReplyDeleteStunning together at the top of a rocky place. confidence in each other, and totally at ease, while standing on the very edge. Great that you can all go together, I guess R is taking a different approach to life with Shyla. Greetings from Jean.
ReplyDeleteWe just love seeing pictures of the two of you together! You are both such handsome pups!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
You are so lucky that you get to take them both outside with you like that. Muffin and I would be long gone chasing after all the wildlife. We're great hunters!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lily Belle
What a special treat. So glad they both enjoy it and are both so well behaved you can take them both!
ReplyDeleteR is a most handsome chap and his example will be an inspiration for Shyla.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the weekend.
Hi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Shyla and R seem to LOVE to race together!
Y'all come back now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Howdy Mates. This is fabulous. Loved all the photos. R and Shyla look wonderful. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that they enjoy such a great relationship - and you, too! Here's a funny thing: the last picture of R made me do a doubletake...my mind insisted on "reading" R's shadow as a black, furry animal :)
ReplyDeleteThere is clearly so much joy in these duo outings!
ReplyDeleteI bet she is dreaming of when R can go with you again! Whenever I see them together, they just seem like such a sweet pair! I love seeing the young dogs become the leaders at some point!
ReplyDeleteLoads of fun to see Shyla and R having a good run together. I love that Shyla takes R's collar off too. I bet R will try and get Shyla's off soon. Even cracker dogs don't like someone younger getting a promotion!
ReplyDeleteCheers and hugs,
Jo