Finally Free - Wookie Escape - Should have listened to the trainer!

[Gena, Wookie and baby boy coming]

Should have listened to the Trainer!! 

Last week we had a little Escape 'incident'....  our trainer told us that this would happen one day... and I must admit I didnt believe her....  because "he's been so good"!   We have been able to play football and chase the tennis ball and sticks in our yard since he was a pup.   Last week Wookie decided that he was a big boy (9 months) and took off into the woods for about 30 minutes... deep into the forest, where I could not see or hear him.  I walked for the whole time calling and yelling - trying to keep my voice "happy" so he would want to come back - when I really wanted to string him up by his big fuzzy bear toes!   Finally, once he decided he'd had enough of romping solo, he came back up behind me, big grin on his face - Covered in MUD!  He found a swamp and had a blast!  Had he not been so cute and proud of himself, I would have killed him!   3 hours later, he was super clean, all the floors had been vacuumed and washed -- and I was still a smelly mess from cleaning up after his little jaunt!    I mentioned this to our trainer a few days later and she said - Yup, somewhere between 7 months and year - they all do it!   Needless to say we are back on a leash -- and we are trying the long leash -(20 ft) so we can step on it to train him on boundaries!  Wish me luck!!!!!

[Gena, Wookie and baby boy coming]

Kimmy -- I  love Chewie (that was our other name option)  He is so gorgeous  - Totally looks like a wookie! he has a beautiful coat!   Watch him closely....  this is the time when they begin to feel 'free'!     I have been using the long leash when we play ball over the past week and he has not even looked at the woods (maybe he scared himself :-0 )  I haven't had to step on it once, even with the neighbors'  workmen in their yard...     Can I ask you what Chewie weighs?   Wookie is just about 60 lbs and his shoulder is about 22 inches.    He has slowed down a bit on the growing since he had his surgery... but Chewie looks like he could be taller and bigger!  Just curious.  Thanks for writing.  Wookies have to stick together! 

 

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Glad to found your blog as Chewie (also a fellow Wookie) is 7 months and I'm sure he'll be testing his boundaries soon.

 

[Gena, Wookie and baby boy coming]

My Goodness,  well, I know I am not alone!  Thanks for all your support -  I am happy to hear that the long leash worked for Daisy!   I am really hoping we have the same success!   I am also hoping the 'Stupid' stage goes quickly!!  Best to all!  Gena

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Good Luck!!!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

The long leash (we used a 30ft) was a great training method. Took about 1 month, she now knows her boundaries and is a very good girl.

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

We live on 5 acres and are surrounded by houses on acreage, no fences in any direction. We have an area fenced around the back of the house for the dogs. We have visitors who just walked out the front door to their cars, then came back in and said " your dogs ran out" calmly.  I have a broken foot and jumped up and hobbled outside with the leashes.  No help or concern from visitors, just stood there and watched me hobble around.  Took 5 minutes for the first and 5 more to get the second dog in the house.  I was really fuming as the visitors had no clue and were no help.  Close the door people!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So glad he came back on his own! That must have made you laugh when you saw him!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Gena!  Wookie's great adventure must have left you exhausted!   I'm so glad he returned home - you must have been frantic!    Great idea using the long leash. 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Our trainer told us that around 7 months they get 'stupid' - all those months of training and being 'perfect' are totally gone! Not forever but it seemed that way. Even Ms Perfect Samantha got stupid for a few months. We continued to work everyday and just when I thought I would loose my mind she found her brain again! At least she prepared me for when Charli hit that stage.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Too bad you didn't have your camera with you! That would have been a shot to remember...ha ha.  FYI  Even at 4 years old every now and they they "flip you off" as they go in the opposite direction and don't come back!