You make me smile, the sweet, funny, loving things my dogs do on a daily basis, that brings a smile to my face, and a laugh to my lips.
Most of you know, our walks are usually adventurous. If it’s not loose dogs confronting us, it’s been Delilah running off on me.
After the time she ran off and got her leash stuck under someone’s central air conditioning unit, I stopped letting her off-leash at our park.
We went back to basics. She was always on leash, she was rewarded for every little thing on our walks.
We stuck with it for years. I can’t tell you how many, because I can’t locate that post from the last time, but I’m certain it’s been at least four to five years.
Finally, I feel like she gets it. I’ve been testing her lately. Ever so carefully and in areas where I feel pretty confident that she won’t run off.
Specifically, I’ve experimented with this in the woods, and I’ve been very pleased with the results.
Just checking in….
She checks back in with me very frequently, and often times, she walks beside me all the way.
THAT makes me smile.
Age increases the probability of good behavior according to Mom. I’m not off leash, but she now trusts me to go about 20 ft off leash to our fenced yard after a walk. She knows I won’t take off on her and if I do, my speed is still good, but for a short spurt. Some of the benefits of aging are slowing down, behaving better, sticking closer to Mom.
Cuz you win!!! That makes me smile too! 👍🏻
I still giggle when I remember the central AC story. I’m not sure you can.
I can smile at it now, I’m not sure it has progressed to giggles yet though. 🙂
Good Girl, Delilah!!!
I remember – vaguely – the story of Miss D running off on you, so I can well imagine the smiles now when she stays close by. Your girl has come a long way. I’m proud of both of you!
Glad you are having some success with the off leash work!
What a good girl! Barley will never be off-leash since it wouldn’t be safe for other dogs or kids if we saw them, and I’m pretty sure that Rye’s little hound nose and squirrel chasing tendencies will keep her from ever being off leash, too! I always envy people who can stroll through the woods without a leash in hand!
Good girl, D. That would make me smile like a crazy mama. We practice recall in the little private dog park at our complex. Cupcake is about 50/50 on returning to me. #notreadyforprimetime
Fantastic! She’s come a long, long way!
Good for Delilah! As Emma said, it can be a benefit to our pets getting older. I’ll occasionally let go of Cricket’s leash when walking (mostly because she insists on going under some fallen trees instead of over, and it’s easier!).
What a good girl! (I never let Rita walk off leash. We walk mainly in the ‘hood, where it’s just not safe. And on the rare occasions when we walk in the woods, I’d worry about her seeing a critter and taking off after it!)
Woo hoo well done!
There’s no greater feeling for a fur-mom than being rewarded by their dog checking in and not running away. Its so much more smile-inducing than that ‘hither may come look” cast over their shoulder right at you as they make a running beeline in the opposite direction from you up a steep hill. Huff puff…#%&*@ dog (can you tell I’ve had that experience?). Seriously though…way to go, Delilah. Good girl for making your mommy smile.
I love this series. So many people are occupied by the negative. Delilah looks so proud of herself too!