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| Not Scooby! |
It's been a few years since we had a dog, and probably wouldn't have one now except for
the fact that one of our daughter's four dogs is jealous of her baby. Scooby, a little yorkie poo, doesn't like the little one to sit on Mom's lap. He also gets into it with the other three dogs, especially Rocket, a male miniature dachshund. So Scooby has moved in with the two old folks whose quiet life seems to be good for him -- except for one thing -- he doesn't get enough exercise. Five or six calm walks a day don't make the grade and Scooby is an escape artist.
If you open the door even a little, he's out and gone down the road. It's amazing how fast those little legs can go. We were doing fairly well avoiding the escapes until the past few days when he darted by me twice rejoicing in freedom. I certainly was not rejoicing as I took off after him thinking, "Old age and road races don't go together." On the other hand, I had a chance to visit with several neighbors who participated in the rescue.
We tried a GPS invisible fence, but while we were training it seemed to be spotty and undependable, so back it went and we are simply trying to increase our awareness and coop him up with gates when we have visitors. Scooby seems to be more obedient when we tell him "back" and "stay" as we open the door although I think that may just be a plot hatched in his little brain to put us off guard. However, for the past few days things are working well, so we hope it continues.
Meanwhile, we are enjoying the company. These little creatures of God offer unconditional love. We would do well to imitate them.
Scooby likes to sit with Larry while he's saying his morning prayers and he often comes into the living room, my little chapel, when I'm praying, hops up on the sofa seat then climbs up on the back and lies down looking like a tiny sphinx surveying his kingdom. He is, indeed, a royal beast. Now if I could just find something he likes to eat. He is a very picky eater.
We have a runner, too - two King Charles Spaniels, one of which wouldn't think of leaving the safetymof the front porch, the other who sees a crack in the door like a running back sees a hole on the field and he hits the hole like an all-star ... and doesn't stop until he finds something interesting to smell somewhere along the way. Fortunately, we have kids who love to go running after "Charlie". It must be entertaining for the neighbors to see dog + 4 or more kids running at top speed yelling and screaming to "stop, halt, come here, etc etc". When he's in the house, he's the calmest dog in the world. When the door cracks open, I guess it's a near occasion of sin and he just can't help himself.
ReplyDeleteOur daughter has two King Charles spaniels. Too many dogs in my opinion. She had four before we took Scooby. LOL!
DeleteOur doggos have responded well to the "wait" command. When about to open a door, turn, face the dog, put up your hand like a police officer at the intersection, palm facing doggo, and say "wait".
ReplyDeleteIf, (when) they lunge for the door, quickly close it and say "no". Lather, rinse and repeat. Smiles and gentle baby talk when they get it right. As the door is closing and you are outside, tell them "good dog". Repetition is the key to success here. Luckily, spending five minutes at a time standing at the door is gentle, easy work.
Most dogs I ever met really like raw chicken.
All the best,
Milton
Thanks for the advice. I will try the training and try him on the trimmings when I fix chicken for dinner.
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