He's Ba-a-ack!!!

A year-1/2 ago we started training Jackson. After about two weeks, I wrote about his progress. Today, I review that progress and see how he's doing now compared to then:

2008, Feb. 14: Jackson tangled himself, me, and any vertical object within 50 feet with
his long-line.
2008, Feb. 27: Jackson no longer is tethered, except when we have him on-leash.
2009, June 16: Other than it being the law, he really doesn't need to be on a leash as far as staying nearby and obeying. At my home he follows me around and wants to please at all times. Gentleman Jack.

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2008, Feb. 14: I wouldn’t think of letting him out of the car without having a firm grip on his leash.
2008, Feb. 27: I can let him out of the car and expect him to stay near me or, if planned, watch him run to a family member or friend.
2009, June 16: Whenever, wherever I park, Jax waits patiently in the back seat for me to come around and let him out.

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2008, Feb. 14: Jackson would come to you if he felt like it. And, he felt like it largely because he (a) hadn’t seen you in a while or

(b) suspected you had a 5-lb. rib roast in your possession.
2008, Feb. 27: Unless he is totally focused on something else, like a strong scent he has just come about, he will generally run to you upon command –even if you don’t reward him every time with a treat.
2009, June 16: Jackson constantly turns to check on my whereabouts. Unless distracted by an irresistable object (e.g., a Jackrabbit), he stays very close nearby.

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2008, Feb. 14: Jackson, on-leash, would take YOU for a walk.
2008, Feb. 27: Jackson, on-leash, heels almost perfectly and seldom needs “correction.”

2009, June 16: Make no mistake about it, Jackson is still Jackson -a highly energetic, healthy, strong canine. He would prefer to run freely, but still remembers what "heel" is all about. He has to be reminded frequently to NOT strain on his leash while heeling, so I am commanding "back!" quite often at this point. We'll see how he is doing after 3+ weeks here...