Well our walk started of well, nicely to heel, spotted 2 retrievers in the distance so kept him on the lead for a bit until we came to a familiar dog by a large pond. While I was chatting to the owner both dogs are excitedly racing around, I can tell at this point Benson is very excited, but quite close by so I wasn't too worried, but kept a eye on him. Then the woman with the retriever turns up in the distance and Benson goes haring off..I could tell that he wasn't going to come back easily so prepared to stomp off after him, then to my horror the woman starts off in the opposite direction..taking Benson with her! I was sooo frustrated I don't understand why she didn't wait, at least a couple of minutes. I am starting to get panicky knowing that she was close to a short footpath that takes you directly to the car park area and a busy roundabout. I am still recovering from my accident, so can't walk very fast, was almost in tears. Then another dog walker I intercepted and grabbed Benson... she gave me a friendly wave and shouted she had Benson and not to worry... Benson will recall to the whistle, and will do with other dogs, if not too excited and I am close by, it is obvious he is a puppy, but wish some people would cut him some slack sometimes! Grrrrr...rant over!!!!
Re: Frustrating walk! :'( not good. some people don't think I find, especially around lab pups because they are a large breed, people often think they are a lot older than they are!! A while ago I had a dog follow us and it's owner was an elderly gentleman who was shouting constantly whilst trying walk over. I stopped and managed to catch the dog and held onto him til the owner came over. He was grateful I hope someone would do the same for me one day!!
Re: Frustrating walk! Naya you made a good point, I don't think she realised how old Benson is...he looks a bit older than his 6 months
Re: Frustrating walk! I feel your pain having been there myself , Sam is almost three now and a whopping lad too, so he always looked older than his months . It is pretty normal puppy behaviour and yes, it is so frustrating when people can see the difficulties and not just stop for a moment to allow you grab the offender : I started to walk where there were always regular walkers with dogs , so that it became the norm and eventually, with the help of tasty bits of cooked sausages , Sam decided that I was ultimately more interesting than another dog
Re: Frustrating walk! Amy always seems to chase after a certain man and his dog. The man flaps his arms about saying to her " go that way" ect. Amy thinks this is a great game!!!!!! Always put her back in lead if I think I have spotted them near!
Re: Frustrating walk! i always just stand and wait for them to catch up with me or start walking back to them......oh jade you do make me laugh ;D
Re: Frustrating walk! I have a slight advantage with Lilly being slim. She often bounces around and will be called "a puppy". I don't correct folk if she has been a bit naughty Sometimes I'll 'fess up and say she is almost 4 depends on the situation. I think she is going yo be a perpetual puppy.
Re: Frustrating walk! [quote author=Beanwood link=topic=5431.msg68399#msg68399 date=1397590396] ... then to my horror the woman starts off in the opposite direction...[/quote] Were the retrievers off-lead? It could be that she was trying to recall her dogs and, when they didn't return, she followed standard practice and walked away from them hoping that this would encourage them to return. Just a thought?
Re: Frustrating walk! People who keep walling when your dog is still with them are terribly frustrating. I know they don't have to stop and there's no real reason their walk should be affected but a little empathy suggests they could help out a bit and at least wait for you to come and retrieve your dog. Much sympathy from me ;D
Re: Frustrating walk! I just used to shout "Oi! Can you hang on a minute while I get my dog?! Yes you! Thanks SO much for waiting, you are a total star, you lovely person, thanks!" By which point I've got my dog as they look bemused/confused at the none stop narrative aimed in their direction.... Gosh, I sound pushy! ;D ;D ;D
Re: Frustrating walk! [quote author=JulieT link=topic=5431.msg68469#msg68469 date=1397600231] I just used to shout "Oi! Can you hang on a minute while I get my dog?! Yes you! Thanks SO much for waiting, you are a total star, you lovely person, thanks!" By which point I've got my dog as they look bemused/confused at the none stop narrative aimed in their direction.... Gosh, I sound pushy! ;D ;D ;D [/quote] Just appropriately assertive. [quote author=lynnelogan link=topic=5431.msg68429#msg68429 date=1397595041] i always just stand and wait for them to catch up with me or start walking back to them......[/quote] I wish that everyone would follow your example, Lynne.
Re: Frustrating walk! Well we had a brilliant early morning walk, back at Wapley Common, our favourite place for off lead walks. Lots of good recall, and heel work. Met an amazing black lab, a rescue dog called Hector. It was such a pleasure to see such a fit and healthy lab. He had had a bit of a rough life, almost killed by another dog before he was re homed, but to watch Benson and Hector playing you would never had guessed. The owner (we had a good chat.. ) had spent a lot of time on him, with various trainers to iron out a few issues, and it showed, a happy content and very well behaved dog. She had spotted us both earlier, noted I was training with Benson and walked Hector off quietly to one side so not to distract us, how thoughtful and what a comparison to yesterday. I did see her earlier in the morning and went off a slightly different route, doesn't cost anything to have manners really? I do wonder if Hector from Bristol is on the forum???
Re: Frustrating walk! How lovely! So glad that you had a really nice experience today. Maybe if you see them again you could suggest to them that they check out the forum
Re: Frustrating walk! We'd all remember a Hector ,it's such a cool name ,but I guess some people just like to read and not write which is absolutely fine ;D Glad you met a nice owner....Dexter was caught for me once and I was so grateful ,the man was really kind,he's run after him and his dogs,I could see him and the other owner could see me but it gives you a fright.I always walk back in the direction the dog came from if they are too interested on Dexter and I've said this before...I can't tell you how many people have asked me to whistle Dexter so their dog comes ;D