Hi everyone, just wanted to share what happened today with you all... Took Bob out for his off lead morning walk today. We did some great training. Sit/Stay; Down/Stay; leave it; wait; recall; spin; touch etc etc. I was rewarding him handsomely every time he looked back. It was just one of those lovely walks....! UNTIL..... Bob caught sight of 3 dogs in the distance. I called him back twice when he was initially checking them out, and rewarded him well. What I should have done is hold onto him the second time he came back (actually probably the first time he came back..) Anyway he then decided he was gone and ran away down the hill. If we'd been in open space I'd at least have been able to watch where he went. But we were in the woods.. and the dogs turned and went down a track so I lost sight of him completely. I ran down the hill to the track and went along it but they were nowhere to be seen at all. I carried on down the track - no Bob or any dogs. I couldn't hear anything either. Now this is the GOOD bit... for the first time I actually had my whistle with me - I don't know why I had it really as we aren't really ready to be using it out and about.. still proofing it at home. But because I couldn't see OR hear him, I figured the chances were that he wouldn't be able to hear me calling (it was very windy as well and I don't have a very loud voice) So I thought s*d it I'll try my 5 pip recall. I must have blown it about 20 times. I was so upset by this point because he was no-where to be seen. Eventually, after about 15 minutes, Bob appeared from the bushes after I pipped again - so he must have heard it and come to find me. But oh boy oh boy... I was SO happy to see him I literally emptied out the treat bag and let him help himself. So at least he got an amazing reward for coming back. I was so close to tears by this time, I thought he was gone for good First time this has ever happened. Must carry on proofing the 5 pips and take out some jackpot treats as well to build it up. Anyway, I just wanted to share.. I keep looking at him snoozing on the rug - he has no idea what he put me through today. The one thing was that he was SO happy to see me when we finally met up.. he must have been wondering where I was too, which is a nice sign. And breathe.....
OMG Louise......I know how you feel. We lost Lilly today too. In the woods. Had went off after some deer I assume. She often does it for 5 or maybe 10 mins. This time it was almost 50 mins. We were getting fraught to say the least. Wish I had my whistle with me. I suspect she had gone back to the car whilst we numptues were scouring the woods shouting ourselves hoarse. Think its back to Total Recall for us. Big relief all round. Bob and Lilly both safe and possibly oblivious to it all. x
OMG how frightening for you! 50 minutes????!!!! You poor thing. I think Bob was gone about 15 minutes. But it seemed much longer! Thank goodness we got them both back OK... Honestly these pups! The stress they put us through! xxx
Think it may justify a midweek bottle of wine. The whole hunting and self rewarding thing is not something that I feel able to tackle with Lilly.....but I really think some *look at me* and getting some whistle recall reinstated is in order for us. x
I feel for you both, I really do. Tarka used to leg it off after deer but even in her heyday didn't manage 50 minutes. I would have been beside myself. I think I may have to have a glass of wine as well - transferred shock and all that.....
It has probably taught Bob a salutary lesson as well! He will probably make sure he keeps his eye on you now! I see it was 15 minutes not 50 minutes, but even five minutes is terrifying.
Naughty Bob and Lilly, scaring your Mums to death like that . I know how you feel , Sam did the same about a year ago, heart in mouth for sure, glad they are both safe and sound x
Phew! This happened to me years ago with my dear Boogie. We lost him on Cannock Chase (a huge area) looked for two hours and went back to the car as it was going dark. Where was he? Sitting by the car! I have never felt so relieved!
Just the thought of it makes my heart speed up! I would have been crying as soon as he was out of sight and no where to be seen! Thank goodness they are all safe
I really hope it has actually.... he seemed SO pleased to see me. The 5 pip recall whistle is also associated with some wonderful jackpot treats at home.. So pleased I had it with me.. I genuinely believe I'd still be at the woods looking for him now if I'd not had it with me! Be interesting to see how he is on our next walk... IF I'm brave enough to let him off the lead lol! x
So glad Bob and Lilly are both home safely . They certainly do like putting us through the ringer don't they!
I feel your pain. There's a reason Simba is still on a long line....I just don't feel brave enough to stop using it. And I need to do more training too, particularly on stop whistle. I just can't handle that feeling of wandering around, calling and calling....
What a fright! Well done on the massive reward when he came back. Wine is a well known cure for Transferred Shock Glad all doggies are safe and well.