FORCED FUN

[Cathy C. Bennett]

I was busting from the seams with excitement earlier this week when the tunnel arrived. It was like Christmas morning all over again – but in January!

I ordered this thing with the hopes of some cold weather fun while we were cooped up in the house. I just knew once I set it up – it would transform my basement into a theme park replica.

I envisioned Harley and Leo chasing balls through it, DH and I bruising our knees as we shimmied through it with them. I had dreamt about hours of “indoor” winter fun…

I think Airborne Ranger DH was having Infantry flashbacks of those good ole training days!

Instead I think I created a haunted house simulation with this huge demonic blue tube taking up most of the space. Forced fun…

He doesn’t look too happy about this thing does he?

Harley didn’t seem to mind looking “at it” from a distance…

Trust me when I tell you he stared at it for a long time and never budged.

He just wasn’t getting “in it.” Not even for treats…

I had to use the KING of treats (Greenies) I was desperate

and certainly not for a human holding blueberry cookie treats…

Neither one knows where the other one is…

I tried to coax him from the other end. I was as animated as those characters at Disneyland, beckoning him to come through the tunnel. Instead he made himself comfy, and watched me perform for him like I was out of my mind…

I believe he could / would have done this all day

This wasn’t going “at all” like I’d planned. Harley wasn’t supposed to be afraid. He was my pioneer doodle. He did it before when we were breaking a sweat for a homeless pet at the charity walk. Harley was my secret weapon. He was going to show Leo the way. At this rate, Leo may NEVER low crawl through…

That’s all he’s done for two day straight

HELP! I think I need some advice. I know it takes time, and I really am patient. Does anyone out there have a clue on how to get them to enjoy MY idea of “fun?”

Thanks for reading, feel free to share your thoughts… (Emma, my furrend, where are you?)

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Karen - I'm trying that now but the problem is because the tunnel is made out of nylon, it makes the hole so tiny as you try to shorten it. We're taking this one slow and perhaps by spring - HA!  we will have mastered it. Everyday we try it for a few minutes, I don't want it to really become "forced fun" so we're taking our time and trying to take baby steps. The whole experience is hilarious to me. Take care and thanks so much for reading.

[Karen and Bridget]

Any way you can temporarily make the tunnel shorter to get Harley to try it? If he will go through is when it is shorter, you can gradually move it out to full length.

[Cathy C. Bennett]

I'm in agreement with you Ms. Ellie. It's only been two days, so I'm not giving up hope yet. As far as DH goes, I'm not so sure he's enjoying it, as much as he wants to help me get them through so I'll stop talking about it - HA! Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hey Judi - I'll try that, I will use some of their favorite fruits cut up, I use them for "special" training moments. Gotta get to the store first. I'll keep you posted. Thanks

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Thanks Karen, I'm enjoying the journey though. I don't intend to give up. I'd love to use this in the backyard once the spring comes, and then run the hose through there (lightly) and create a slip and slide tunnel effect. I have great plans for my $30.00 - HA! Now just to get them to cooperate. Thanks for reading!

[Traz, Karen & Dale]

I don't have any suggestions, but you sure have some cute pictures here.  Good luck with your precious pup and the tunnel :-)

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

Pieces off their favourite treat dropped every few inches in the tunnel????????? Paws crossed it works.

[Miss Ellie]

What a great idea Cathy...if only it had worked...maybe it will just take a bit more time for them to become familiar with it...once they do...I'm sure they will have hours of fun...looks like your husband is enjoying it though in the meantime:)