Scooby

 Maybe E is right. I’m not strict enough with my dog. I need to somehow teach him not to take off. I want him to have the liberty of being taken off the leash, but he’s going to have to earn it back. I’m not sure exactly what I should do from here… but my expectations are going to have to change. How the hell am I going to handle a stroller and him if he’s just going to take off towards the nearest bunny rabbit? Or the next dog he sees? I’ve been letting him do it, but only because I don’t know how not to. I know, I know. Just put him on the leash… but what I want to know is, how can I train him well enough to still be completely under my control at every second off the leash? So that he can run?
I’m so angry and frustrated. I suppose my patience is shorter because I’m pregnant, but he simply can’t act that way! He deliberately defied me! I gave him plenty of opportunity leading up to the moment to make a positive decision. And I suppose I put him on the position because I saw the dog way off in the distance. He’s usually pretty good, but I guess he had extra energy today… whatever that’s no excuse. I want him to listen to me regardless of the consequences. But how?!

     The problem is too, when he takes off like that, he needs to be punished. But if I do that, he doesn’t come back to me at all the next time because he doesn’t want to get into trouble. I’m so frustrated with this! It has been an ongoing problem since I got him! He’s an amazing dog, I can get him to do absolutely anything. Except this. If he decides something is worth chasing, that’s it. His brain goes out the god damn window. You’d think he was part greyhound or something. He’s totally not. He’s just an asshole sometimes. ugh… so frustrating!

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October 6, 2012

RYN: At one time it did match my horse – he’s a retired racehorse and did quite well, from what I hear. But his wind-chasing days are pretty much over now! 🙂 Do you watch Cesar Millan/The Dog Whisperer at all? Basically, if you’re controlling the dog’s mind and are a true “pack leader” your dog won’t run unless you tell him to. Over-simplified, but that’s the key.