Failure to follow the owner's manual

[Teri & Clover]

Well, not my greatest moment, but not my worst. I have the flu and was letting Clover out to go potty without my jacket on at my apartment building. My first mistake was letting Clover past me to go out of the door first. Her BFF (my neighbor) was outside smokin' a cig. She LOVES him and jumped all over him hog-tying her back legs with her leash in the process. Thinking she would stay near Dan, while I undid her I dropped the retractable leash. I assume, because I haven't played with her very much this weekend, she took off! Trying to remain calm I let her run into the field behind my apartment. I did my happiest, calmest "Clover, COME!" that I could muster. She came running full speed-- right past me! That was a first.Had a moment of panic...Took a deep breath called her again. She did another flyby. Tried running in the opposite direction. No Clover. Went into the apartment. Grabbed my treat bag. Gave it a good shake and she came running.  She promptly sat and waited for me to put on her leash.Food is definitely the way to my girl's stomach! I guess I have some more work to do. Thanks for letting me vent. (Clover thanks you, too.) As far as she is concerned, I am just so happy to see her. :) OMD!

[Melissa]

So glad everything turned out ok!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

You can hug yourself and say "I did a super job":) You didn't panic or chase....and that's what they tell you to do in the "trainers manual"!! But....please get rid of the retractable leash....they're dangerous.

[Teri & Clover]

No kidding! I usually use it when I am just letting her out in the yard next to my door, since it is not fenced. 7 more months until my lease is up and I can move. She'll be nine months on the 19th and I still learn something new every day.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Well... I heard they were dangerous to dogs but I just did a search to really see what they say and they're dangerous to humans also....!! Here's one link from USToday and Consumer Reports has one too.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/pettalk/2009-04-14-retractab...

Just a "heads up":)

 

[Gail McHugh]

that is are go to word "TREAT" she will always come running, I always make sure I give her one when she comes after I use the word.

[Kimberly Daisy Kalli]

So glad Clover safely returned!  We had a similar scare last spring.  We have a fenced backyard, but live on a busy road.  My 4 year old came out in the front to visit me while I planted flowers.   Unfortunately, he left the door between the garage and the house open and Daisy escaped.  She was in the middle of the road and luckily a car honked, I spotted her and used the calm and happy command, "Daisy, come!".  She came running right to me and knocked me over, but I was never so glad to be plowed over and attacked with doodle kisses.  Hope you feel better!