In addition to his field work during Summer 2008, I trained Bruno 2-3 times/week to heel while I rode my Specialized StumpJumper mountain bike 4-6 miles along the TART (Traverse Area Rails-to-Trails). Amazingly he adapted very quickly to heeling alongside while I rode at a 5-7 mph clip. We had only one serious crash all summer and that occured when he suddenly stopped to pee while I continued pedaling; I simply failed to read his body language that indicated he had to go poddy. Ever since that first and only difficulty, Bruno has been a stellar student; he absolutely loves to jog alongside while I pedal my mountain bike along the scenic, rural TART in Leelanau County. Once he even chose not to chase a young cottontail bunny that dashed across the TART just yards immediately in front of us. I was very grateful he showed restraint during that occasion. Happily, Bruno just seems to understand that we're working and enjoying happy trails together. Sehr gutter Hund, Bruno!
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