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| Bob has been off the lead (gulp) | |
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| Topic Started: Apr 30 2009, 04:00 PM (98 Views) | |
| Bobski | Apr 30 2009, 04:00 PM Post #1 |
Rachel
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Now I may be speaking far too soon, but since last weekend we have been letting Bob off the lead in a fairly secure field so he can have a bit of a run. So far so good and has only gone on walkabout once (down to the stream we suspect, as he came back soaking wet :D ), but with the help of treats and his squeaky ball it seems to be going OK. He's only let off the lead for a max of about ten minutes and then we put him back on the lead when we get to bushes and wooded areas, but he loves it! We've been throwing his squeaky ball and he bounces across the grass like a spring lamb and brings it back squeaking all the way! :yay: He also seems to be better on the lead when we put him back on, as if he's happy having had his bit of freedom and the fact that there has to be a lot of trust. I must admit the first time we let him off my heart was in my mouth, but then I saw how ecstatic it made him and it made it all worth it! I've also perfected a whistle which he acknowledges. So far so good! Anyone have any tips on other things to have handy in case he decided to go walkabout or gets the scent of something? Rachel xx |
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| zandd | Apr 30 2009, 04:11 PM Post #2 |
Moderator
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:yippee: oh this is wonderful indeed :D You're doing everything just right,making sure there's something for him to come back for - his squeaky,making sure he - and you - have fun when he's off lead,giving him lots and lots of praise and fuss :ok: Just keep this up in areas where you know he's safe should he go walkabout.I found Daisy was totally unreliable in wooded areas (still is to be honest) so took her to the beach or fields where it was an open space and less likely to be interesting things to hunt :rolleyes: There may be situations where it's simply not safe to let him offlead - where there may be livestock for example so try to keep to areas that you feel confident - they are so damn quick to pick up when we feel anxious and I'm sure being :devil: make the most of it as well.He'll have fun because you are enjoying seeing him having a great time.Really pleased for you,know just what a huge step this is - and the gutwrenching first time you unclip that lead ;) Edited to add also make sure that you call him to you,put him on-lead for a few seconds then let him off-lead again for a short period,if he associates being put onlead with having his fun curtailed then he may be reluctant to come back. Edited by zandd, Apr 30 2009, 04:14 PM.
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| PARSNIP | Apr 30 2009, 04:30 PM Post #3 |
Chatterbox
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Congratulations! I am a sucker for any woofer called Bob :) Shift+R improves the quality of this image. Shift+A improves the quality of all images on this page. |
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| Linda & Fred | Apr 30 2009, 04:36 PM Post #4 |
Chatterbox
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I agree with all the above, especially breaking offlead time up a bit so he doesn't learn to stop coming back, plus I'd recommend TWO squeakies. So you always have one in your possesion, in case he does run off when he's got one of them. What I've also found works is sticking to the same route - that way if he does rush off he's got a good idea where to find you again. When Beauty does her vanishing act I tend to carry on walking to the next 'corner' and hang around there waiting for her. |
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| Bobski | Apr 30 2009, 04:40 PM Post #5 |
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Rachel
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Thanks! Not sure what you mean about images! |
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| cruisingkerry | May 1 2009, 08:08 AM Post #6 |
Squeaker
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Aw well done Rachel and Bob! Sounds like you're doing great, keep at it! :ok: |
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| Bobski | May 8 2009, 10:19 AM Post #7 |
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Rachel
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I knew I would speak too soon! :doh: Bob did a bit of a houdini when off the lead on Weds night and ran into a field he wasn't supposed to be in and got chased by a herd of cows! :hyper: Unfortunately I wasn't there (OH was walking him), but apparently it was a right 'Benny Hill' moment :lol: - running backwards and forwards. When I got home from work he was covered in cow pats and he's still got a brown tide mark on his nose - ewwww! Little blighter is back on the lead for now - was a case of giving him an inch and him taking a mile! The joys of terrierhood! (Brilliant fun though :smug: ) xx |
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12:51 PM Nov 8
