Subscribed. In 2013, Duke and I traveled from Phoenix, AZ to Yaviza, Panama, Central America the end of the continuous PanAm Highway. Duke was a white 80lbs Boxer with one brown and one blue eye and was congenitally deaf. There was no better dog to take on the trip as Duke was an intimidating-looking animal. While eighty pounds of muscle was intimidating enough, in a part of the world where superstition is common, his two-colored eyes added to his intimidating presence. Some folks commented that Duke appeared to be evil. Adding to his physical appearance, being deaf was a huge plus as I added to his mystic that he was a retired military attack K9 who only responded to my voice and would attack if he felt either of us was in danger. The latter could not be further from the truth. While not a scary cat Duke was a huge teddy bear who would go with anyone who gave him treats. However, to those who did not know it was Duke's deafness that allow my made-up story about him. Because he was deaf, Duke was a shadow and always attentive to me, which to the unaware appeared that Duke was protective when instead he did not want to be left behind. To exploit our advantage, I walked Duke around the vicinity we would stay for the night to make sure Duke was seen. It was common for folks to comment about Duke's intimidating presence. Almost 10 years later, I have an Australian Cattle Dog as a co-pilot too. Her name is India with a similar story to Roan's. India was reactive towards everything and did not like humans, kids especially. She would coward, hackle, growl, and snarl every time I took her to Home Depot for socialization. A single visit to a dog park made things worse. When India was 7 months old an opportunity to travel to Guatemala, Central America came up, so I took India with me, as an immersion experience. After 14 days of loud noises, cars on the roads everywhere we walked, and lots of people, including kids, everywhere we went she came back a new dog. While I am still cautious at Home Depot, India has much more confidence, even with kids. India will be 10 months old in a few days. Thanks for sharing and have a safe trip.
Interesting to hear your story about Duke. I always thought having a dog with us adds a bit of security. India sounds like a good dog! Those ACDs just need a bit more work and training than other breeds. Cheers!
Just subscribed to your channel. I was introduced to you by Nextmeridian. Really Glad to be following you. I was introduced to this area of the Smokies as a college student on spring break in 1975. Thanks for the views.
Great dog . Looking forward to seeing more of your videos . ( was introduced to your canal by nextmeridian . ) Love that area your at all ways a fun area ( - the rain 😅). Great video thanks for sharing your wonderful travel journey with us . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :):)🐕🦺:) . 👍🏼..P.S….MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL .
Love the Heeler!! I totally get the love of adventure pup or pups. We also have a reactive dog we foster failed with and totally understand the ups and downs it can hold. A trainer once told me that every moment with your animal is a teachable moment, so be intentional and prepared to set your animal up for success. We always have to make calculated decisions on where we can go and who he can be around safely. Muzzle training made a huge difference with him, he’s able to explore the world with his nose first rather his teeth. Your pup looks like he’s living his BEST life with you guys!! ❤🐾❤
Even with all of Roan’s training, if we are out in public, one of us devotes all of our attention to handling him. He rarely needs corrections, but like you said, every moment is an opportunity for teaching. It’s also been pretty special watching him transition from fearing strangers to crying for their attention haha
Thank you for sharing this about Roan! It gives me a lot of hope that you were both able to meet him where he was at, help him adjust to his triggers, and eventually find a happy route for all of you
Thank you for rescuing, training, and putting him in a create when you drive! 😍
❤️❤️ the crate was non negotiable. It was quite a hassle to build our entire vehicle around it, but absolutely with it. So much peach of mind!
he is so cute, congratulations to you for everything you have done for him. It is happiness.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing Roan's history with us.
Subscribed. In 2013, Duke and I traveled from Phoenix, AZ to Yaviza, Panama, Central America the end of the continuous PanAm Highway. Duke was a white 80lbs Boxer with one brown and one blue eye and was congenitally deaf. There was no better dog to take on the trip as Duke was an intimidating-looking animal. While eighty pounds of muscle was intimidating enough, in a part of the world where superstition is common, his two-colored eyes added to his intimidating presence. Some folks commented that Duke appeared to be evil. Adding to his physical appearance, being deaf was a huge plus as I added to his mystic that he was a retired military attack K9 who only responded to my voice and would attack if he felt either of us was in danger. The latter could not be further from the truth. While not a scary cat Duke was a huge teddy bear who would go with anyone who gave him treats. However, to those who did not know it was Duke's deafness that allow my made-up story about him. Because he was deaf, Duke was a shadow and always attentive to me, which to the unaware appeared that Duke was protective when instead he did not want to be left behind. To exploit our advantage, I walked Duke around the vicinity we would stay for the night to make sure Duke was seen. It was common for folks to comment about Duke's intimidating presence. Almost 10 years later, I have an Australian Cattle Dog as a co-pilot too. Her name is India with a similar story to Roan's. India was reactive towards everything and did not like humans, kids especially. She would coward, hackle, growl, and snarl every time I took her to Home Depot for socialization. A single visit to a dog park made things worse. When India was 7 months old an opportunity to travel to Guatemala, Central America came up, so I took India with me, as an immersion experience. After 14 days of loud noises, cars on the roads everywhere we walked, and lots of people, including kids, everywhere we went she came back a new dog. While I am still cautious at Home Depot, India has much more confidence, even with kids. India will be 10 months old in a few days. Thanks for sharing and have a safe trip.
Interesting to hear your story about Duke. I always thought having a dog with us adds a bit of security.
India sounds like a good dog! Those ACDs just need a bit more work and training than other breeds. Cheers!
Great that u found a good trainer. There r so many bad ones out there. We also had a reactive dog and found a good trainer. It’s worth the money.
We got very lucky. Our trainer moved from Colorado to Oregon just two hours north of where we lived. Life changing experience
Roan turned out to be the most amazing dog we love travelling with him. ADVENTURE DOG
Awe, thank you!! He will never forget all the sticks you threw for him 😂
Just subscribed to your channel. I was introduced to you by Nextmeridian. Really Glad to be following you. I was introduced to this area of the Smokies as a college student on spring break in 1975.
Thanks for the views.
Welcome aboard!
Great dog . Looking forward to seeing more of your videos . ( was introduced to your canal by nextmeridian . ) Love that area your at all ways a fun area ( - the rain 😅). Great video thanks for sharing your wonderful travel journey with us . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :):)🐕🦺:) . 👍🏼..P.S….MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL .
Thanks for the support! Merry Christmas to you as well 🎉 We are definitely missing the snowy weather back in Oregon this you
That is some beautiful country, makes me jealous..
The Roan highlands are so incredibly beautiful - one of my favorite sections of the AT to backpack! Thanks for sharing about Roan!
Love the Heeler!! I totally get the love of adventure pup or pups. We also have a reactive dog we foster failed with and totally understand the ups and downs it can hold. A trainer once told me that every moment with your animal is a teachable moment, so be intentional and prepared to set your animal up for success. We always have to make calculated decisions on where we can go and who he can be around safely. Muzzle training made a huge difference with him, he’s able to explore the world with his nose first rather his teeth. Your pup looks like he’s living his BEST life with you guys!! ❤🐾❤
Even with all of Roan’s training, if we are out in public, one of us devotes all of our attention to handling him. He rarely needs corrections, but like you said, every moment is an opportunity for teaching. It’s also been pretty special watching him transition from fearing strangers to crying for their attention haha
What sunglasses do you have?
Thank you for sharing this about Roan! It gives me a lot of hope that you were both able to meet him where he was at, help him adjust to his triggers, and eventually find a happy route for all of you
It was quite the learning experience for everyone, but it was so worth it!!
Great to see a happy adventure dog :-) What GPS Tracker do you use?
Who was the professional that helped you with your dog?
Kerry Hall at Flash Dog training in Bend, Oregon