It was going to be a hot day so we decided to meet early. Since it was Labor Day and there was no school, we met at a local Community College.

The 2nd meeting is again just with Jamey, Tiger, Joe and I.  We focused mainly on Tiger and Jamey walking together. Tiger was calmer this time and recognized Jamey as soon as he saw him. We taught Jamey the proper way to walk Tiger, hold the leash, give corrections, how to get Tiger to focus back to him (by walking in different directions). Tiger was a little confused, looking from Jamey to Joe and I, not sure who was his ‘master’. Tiger needed to start trusting Jamey- it was immediately evident.  We had Jamey take Tiger for a walk away from us. Joe and I sat in the shade, watching them walk away together, like two proud parents! And proud not only in Tiger, but with Jamey too. Jamey listened really well, and did everything we suggested. Tiger still looked back for us from time to time. It wasn’t until they were farther away that they made their connection. You could see the exact moment- both of their body language changed, Jamey relaxed and Tiger was in pace, step-to-step with him. Tigers was leaning his head/nose on Jamey’s leg, checking up to look at him from time to time. Joe and I let out a deep breath and a big smile. It was working. When Jamey returned, he reclaimed the same moment to me, with smile and pride written on Jamey’s face. That was the best moment!

We ended our day with some  play time. This time Tiger was a show off, running and jumping and (trying) to catch the Frisbee, mostly successfully. We sat for some down time, Tiger by Jamey, panting and happy!!

Another good day. Another step towards the human-canine bond. It is remarkable watching it slowly develop. Both Tiger and Jamey are lucky!