These mama's boys just don't know when to quit

[lizblackdog]

*sigh*

Squish had one of his Little Moments tonight when I took the dogs to the park. I don't know what it was he saw - likely a cat - but he took off in mid-fetch.

It only took me somewhere between five and ten minutes to get him back. He went out of the park and into a little cul-de-sac, exploring people's gardens and trashing through hedges. I had meatballs but even that didn't fetch him till he'd run himself into near-heat-exhaustion.

it's a setback, but still better than he has been. At one point he would have been actively avoiding me and he wasn't doing that - he was just so into the running that he didn't register me and meatball.

he was limping on the way home - looks like his shoulder - but by the time we got back to the flat he was limping less so it looks like he just pulled it or something. see how he is in the morning.

I don't know what to do. There are no secure fenced areas except the small childrens' playgrounds where dogs aren't allowed. I can't get a cord that'll hold him when he turns the speed on either - at least, none of the progressively-heavier cords I've used can hold him. I really don't want to restrict him to my walking pace. He can't learn anything or get enough exercise that way.

Comments

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

no tennis courts? what a drag. :(

i think you should probably practice more with him in a state of high excitement (even when on-leash).

[mencc1701.livejournal.com]

Is there a school nearby, maybe? We let our dog run on the football field at my old high school since it's mostly fenced in... not entirely, but enough to keep him contained as there's only a few exits, and they're easy to watch.

[ifpetalsfall.livejournal.com]

My brothers dog is similar, a german pointer, he sees a bird and he's out of there. I don't think there is much you can do, except hope for the best. At least he is getting better!

[miss-teacher.livejournal.com]

I can't get a cord that'll hold him when he turns the speed on either - at least, none of the progressively-heavier cords I've used can hold him.

I remember when he snapped the cord hte last time :/

Have you tried holding the end and when he sees something and takes off you run the same way to soften the blow on the cord? He might be too quicka nd strong and just end up making you face plant, though, so be careful. But if it's not tied to something in the ground you might be able to prevent it from snapping.

I second the tennis court of basketball court idea. Check the schools in your area and see if there's anything that will work. near my hosue there's a baseball diamond. It's normally lcoked but one of the back gates swings open so we can sneak in :)

Or I wonder if you tie him to the football post again if you put a bunjee thing on one end so if he does bolt that will have some leeway and not snap the cord (and kill his neck).

Good luck! I know this is frustrating, but at least you are making some progress. Set backs happen but it sounds like he's making baby steps towards the right direction.

[beebarf.livejournal.com]

Well, even though it's a setback probably six months ago you'd have been pleased you got him back so quickly :O)

Perhaps he just needed to let off steam, and he'll revert to "good Squish" again for a bit!