Finally!

After the last week of snow and three days of a fever, Ellie and I got to do some serious training today. We reviewed all the basics, and then went outside without the leash. We have a wrap around driveway and only the street side of the yard is unfenced. I brought a handful bacon and cheese wraps, cut into 1" pieces. I used 'heel' when we started walking. Every three or four feet, if Ellie was still healing, she got a treat and a 'good Ellie'. If she wasn't, I told her to wait, ans when I caught up, I stopped and had her sit, then gave her a treat. Again, I used 'heel' as we started walking. By the second time around the house, I was just giving her a treat every three feet, along with a reminder to 'heel'. Then we played with her kong ball as a reward. I would throw it across the yard and Ellie would fetch it and bring it back. She needs a 'leave it' reminder and then she drops it at my feet and we did it all over again. I watched for her attention wavering, having saved one last treat. When she seemed to be losing interest, I said, "Ellie in" she ran up the steps and sat and waited for me. After I opened the door and went in,I said OK and Ellie came in. She sat right in front of me and waited for me to give her the last treat. I can't wait for spring. Ellie loves to be outside is it is not cold, icy, or wet.