Drew was hilarious at parkour
last week. We were at one of the nature centers and had lots of big rocks and
stumps and logs to work with. One of the moves is to jump on objects; another
is to do gap jumps between objects. He loved it! Got so excited that he
spontaneously jumped on everything -- including the bench he was supposed to go
under. Any time we stood around with a loose leash, he jumped on something,
then told me he deserved a treat.
Then we went over to the
children's play area, where there is an enormous turtle statue, the back higher
than my head. He tried to leap onto that! Only thing is, there are ceramic
shapes all over it, mimicking the patterns on a turtle's back. He couldn't get
a foothold and slid down -- fast! -- and I caught him. Whew! It didn't worry
him, though; he did a two-paws-up on it a minute later.
I think he looks a bit
embarrassed in this photo, eh? He's a jumping fool!
Border Collies have so much
energy! I can't keep up with Drew physically! Luckily, he's fairly calm for a
Border Collie, so that's not too much of a problem; I can generally settle him
with ten or fifteen minutes chasing the tennis ball. I had to teach him what
balls were for, and it was a good thing I did! He'd probably have difficulty if
I was still working and he was alone all day, but he really enjoys having a
human at his disposal at all times. Poor boy wanted a human of his very own for
his birthday, and he got stuck with me!
He does always need something
to think about, but I don't mind that. It's fun to think of new games and
variations for him. His main job is taking care of me. Also, we go to dog club two or three times a
week, which gives him lots to think about. I do love having a training club
nearby. It's fun for both of us, and I don't have to purchase and maintain all
that equipment!
