I need an outlet to share this story because Cleo nearly just gave me a heart attack. Since she's in heat our walks have been very curtailed for fears of any off leash dogs coming up to her as she is now on her 10th day of bleeding and should be ovulating any day now. Well we were walking along in my normally quiet neighborhood and we came across some neighbors that we met the other day. Since Cleo is only with me 2 weeks and in heat, we have been having some barking issues when she comes across people on our walks. Ironically enough if there is a dog with them, she won't make a sound, only people she barks and tries to go the other way. Once she smells the person, the barking stops and another 30 seconds later she's letting them pet her. All bark no bite, thank goodness. I can appreciate that kind of behavior though with all the hormones going through the poor girl plus being in a new environment. Well she's barking away at these people and manages to slip out of her collar!!! I thought it was tight enough but apparently not! She was still standing right near me so I call her over to get her collar back on, but of course right around the corner from where we were there was a guy that didn't see us setting off a firework that scared the crap out of Cleo and she took off! OMG I was so afraid she'd keep running since she's in heat and was so startled!!!! Thankfully one of the kids ran along side us to try to head her off and she finally stopped, but I was calling her name the whole time. The poor baby was so spooked though. She didn't even want to walk past where it happened. Obviously we need to work on recall! Her tail was down the whole rest of our walk the poor thing. Thankfully the minute we walked in my house the tail was back to wagging horizontally! But holy crap!!!! I was so scared and shaken. We came back in and I just cuddled her for like 15 minutes until she went into her crate to nap after her little scare and run. Anyways...just needed an outlet for that!
What a fright! Glad all is ok now. One option would be a harness - it's pretty much impossible (or at least very very very difficult) for a dog to slip out of a properly fitted harness. That might give you peace of mind on future walks.
What a fright! Not surprised you need an outlet for all that stress! I find wine helps.... Good tip about the harness! Must remember that when Bramble comes into season.
What a fright for you both, I am sorry. However, look on the bright side, she now sees you as her security and will probably now always keep her eye on you and realises that she is now in a very good home.
Aw, bless her. I have a nervous girl and when she's scared, she's unable to listen to any cue, or even respond to the tastiest of bribes, so don't be alarmed about a failed recall under these circumstances. Luckily, Willow and I have a strong relationship which means she seeks me out when she's hurt or scared. I'm sure in time you'll develop the same with Cleo.
Thanks all! I'm definitely glad it ended ok! I'm going to have to even more vigilant on July 4th on our evening walk next year.
round here bitches on heat are let out to get pregnant its a serious problem. One guy told me that it didn't matter if she got pregnant as he could sell the pups so he didn't mind and that my dog was nice i could have pick of the littler if i wanted. I just walked away from him and his sweet young lab. I wanted to scream and shout but what would be the point you can't argue with stupid and cruel. dogs are not slaves
Both you and Cleo must have had a big fright. Once she's well over being on heat it might be an idea to slowly and quietly play fire cracker noises to desensitise her ready for New Year and other firework festivals.
he's the same man who I had to explain how male dogs are castrated why they are and no my boy has not has a vasectomy his spacehoppers work fine. He also told me that his girl wasn't like that and she wouldn't run off with any boy dogs he really is strange. If I see him coming i find another direction to walk in.
