One of the horse trainers that I worked with years ago explained to us that running your horse in circles would never calm it down, it would just increase their fitness. You've gotta make them think. The same is true with dogs. I can't tire George out at this point because he's getting so fit. But, when he's overexcited, I can work his brain and he'll settle down.

This evening we ran around some singletrack mountain bike trails. They're super fun with lots of twists and turns and switchbacks, and it gets really confusing. Because he's in front of me, George has to make the decisions. It's fantastic training of voice commands when I guide him, but I also let him try to figure some of it out on his own. And he did. It's so cool to watch him thinking each turn through! It didn't take long before he was panting though, and ready for a break. Mind you, we weren't moving fast because on top of all that, it's tricky footing with leaves covering over roots and rocks and branches, so I know that's not what was tiring him out.

We took the next turn out onto the straight access path so that he could relax and just run easy. He's such a good boy! Needless to say, I didn't get any pictures of the single track trail because all my focus was on staying upright and avoiding a fall. We all know how graceful I am!