Dog Community

Heartbeat returning to normal

Posted : 1/18/2007 10:44:32 AM

I couldn't even bring myself to post about this last night.

We have worked, long and hard, on Ben's "wait" command. He doesn't get the door opened for him unless he sits, he doesn't get to go through the door until released. For the past several months this has probably been the most well performed, reliable behaviour that Ben has.

Last night Ben had a case of the puppy stupids.

My SO was just leaving the house to go to the store. Usually he can leave and Ben doesn't even look up from whatever he's doing. I wish, REALLY wish, I hadn't JUST taken his collar off - he doesn't wear it in the house. My SO opened the door to leave and Ben leapt up from where he was lying down and BOLTED out the front door. Like a lot of British houses, mine doesn't even have a front yard - it's about 6 feet from my front door into the road. And he was collarless, so catching him was not as easy as it could have been. He ran clear across the road and I couldn't call him back because a car was coming. My SO managed to catch him and brought him back inside.

I'm not proud of this, but I was so panicked and anguished that I physically picked Ben up and dumped him in his crate. I know I shouldn't use it as punishment or put him in there when I am angry, but I think *I* needed a time-out to regroup and assess clearly why he'd done that. I *was* angry, although more at myself than at him. Obviously door training is something that needs a refresher course at our house.

I'm ashamed. I'm ashamed that he behaved that way, and of my response. It's the first time he's ever done something like that and I didn't know how to react.

I just needed to get that off my chest.

Kate

MissMandy

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:06:26 AM

Kate, I completey understand the feeling. So sorry you had to worry like that. Loki actually made an escape last week while we were having some work done to the house. Someone left the gate unlatched (I should have checked it, so it was partially my fault), and he made a run for it. I cannot begin to describe the worry and fear I felt chasing him down the road. Despite all of our attempts, when he gets loose, all of his prior training seems to disappear. He thinks it's a big game, and he absolutely will not listen when he's on the run. Luckily, we caught him.
I know that your reaction was impulsive. Sometimes it's difficult to cope with emotions when they're running so high after a situation like that. At least you're aware that your reaction was maybe not the most positive. We all have our moments. And luckily, our furry kids are so forgiving! Maybe next time (hopefully, there won't be a next time!!), you could just shut yourself in your bedroom for a few minutes to cool off before interacting with Ben. Just a thought! [

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Susan Chandler

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:20:18 AM

OH BEN, why did you do that to your momma? If it is of any consolation, we have probably all been there at least once. As they say, live and learn and be thankful you got him back. It is the best you can do. Many of us have reacted the same way at the same time. No one can point a finger here. [

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cakana

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:30:40 AM

I can totally imagine the panic you must've felt and no doubt the adrenaline was still pumping when you put him in his crate. I'm guilty of having a moment or two like that, so don't beat yourself up for it. Fortunately for us humans, our dogs are the forgiving types [

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jones

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:40:24 AM

Oh man, scary. I think your reaction was fine, normal, HUMAN! I've been there too, when Russell was around your Ben's age he ran out of the dog park and across the street. It is really frightening.

bragg1120

Posted : 1/18/2007 11:48:41 AM

Been there, done that.... and I got hysterical both times! Our gate was left wide open by some kids in the neighborhood and once Gracie saw it... she took off. Luckily, DH was outside and got her back quickly. Both of our gates have locks now preventing the boogers from waltzing in and out. Trixie made her way out thru the garage & ran for daylight over Christmas while we were taking presents to the vehicle. We were lucky again because another small dog caught her attention and she ended up in the neighbor's yard. I was a mess, screaming and running like a woman who just escaped from the insane asylum.

It's like once they're out of reach, they go deaf AND puppy stupid! Glad Ben didn't get hurt!!

Michelle

Posted : 1/18/2007 12:07:03 PM

I was going to post this earlier but I saw the cheetah on the africam and I bolted, just like a dog out the front door! Gracie once made it past 3 barriers that failed and out into the yard. We have a dog gate separating the foyer from the family room, but she jumped on the couch, and over the half wall (didn't know she could do that then!) out the front door between my legs, and off the porch where neighbor kids (who had come to the door) had left the gate on the front porch open. This happened so fast I couldn't get her at any of the checkpoints! Don't beat yourself up about it, accidents happen, thankfully she wasn't hurt!