When In Doubt -- October 20, 2009
by Pete Smoyer

 

The Appalachian Trail near Lehigh Gap in eastern Pennsylvania can be a steep rocky treacherous climb. At times the trail is a narrow crevasse through an inclined field of rocks. It is all you can do to keep your footing and walk upright, without having to look up from time to time to make sure you’re actually on the trail itself.

 

As it turns out, this may be the proper environment for one of Bing’s issues to become one of his best skills. Here’s the problem: When Ali and I take Cyan and the Belgian’s out for a stroll, just after we pass the halfway point Bing starts pulling on the leash anxiously and uncontrollably to get back to the van first. It’s like he has to show us that he knows where the van is. He doesn’t have to get in the van first, just wants to lead us to it.

 

Even more annoyingly, when it comes to actually picking out our white van in a crowded parking lot, he’s usually wrong, seemingly walking up to cars (no, not even white vans) at random. It’s the same in a hotel where we’re staying. He pulls like crazy trying to lead us to our room, but he’s not accurate, probably because of the amount of smells everywhere.

 

But on a poorly marked trail it’s different. His instincts come into play and he’s not distracted by tight quarters or leashes. There’s a simple task, to be about fifty feet ahead of me on the trail heading in the direction I want to go.

 

And that’s what he does. He stays on the trail and doesn’t wander off. So while I’m concentrating on my footing, I don’t have to look up to search the trees for a white mark. I just look for Bing. In fact, there are times I walk along wondering why Bing is way off to my right. He’s stopped, turned around and looking at me; and not too far away from him is a white trail marker.

 

I mentioned in Blog 40 (about walking the trails around the old slate quarries) that both Bing and Acacia scout ahead of me. But in that case the trails are obvious, previously being used by heavy machinery, and now being used infrequently by motor bikes, four-wheelers, and a few hikers and hunters. The Appalachian Trail is a different story. It’s not an easy walk for Acacia, so she’s usually walking just behind me, not ahead of me. So Bing’s on his own.

 

Near the top of the mountain, not only does the trail split, but the deer paths don’t look any different than the Appalachian Trail. I’m trying to figure which trail takes us to the lookout on the top of the mountain and I see Bing wandering down hill. So I figure, when in doubt, follow Bing. Next thing I see is a white trail marker up on a tree trunk. After a short downward walk, the trail takes us up to the lookout.

 

Then after wandering around enjoying the view, I find myself in a field of jagged rocks, far away from the trail that dropped us off at the top. And again, Bing is standing 50 feet away looking at me, and as I walk toward him he trots off. Of course, he’s found the alternate trail back down the mountain.

 

This is "the other Bing," a total joy to be with.

 

And when we’re back down the mountain and within sight of the van, Bing is off like a rocket to stand next to the van door.

 

Pete

 

Note: all the pictures used in this blog were taken on a cell phone.

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Ali's comment:

i would add that is an example of just how underutilized our dogs are, how grossly we underestimate their abilities, and how we really 'could' be working our dogs' minds to a better satisfaction to keep them happier in their lives.

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Bing Blog 45