Freedom! – The Dog Barker

That is what I imagine that Canine Family Member is saying when they bolt out the door on you. As they leap just out of range of your reach they look back to see if you are going to follow and when you do, “It is on like Donkey Kong!,” they are saying as they run, laugh and play. Ok, let’s back up for a second and see what you could’ve done to prevent this from happening.

There is the “Sneaky Pete,” as I like to refer to the sneaky one, who waits just out of sight for the door to open. He watches you the whole time you are looking around, watching from a place you don’t see him and you strain to listen for his steps. Then just like that he is past you without even a whisper. Different breeds conduct this rebellious trick differently. Some will look back at you and others will be like that movie with Chevy Chase, Funny Farm, where the dog takes off running and throughout the movie you see the dog still going by, lol. There are a few things you can do. I would advise putting a bell on the dog’s collar so you have a warning before they get past you. Get the family involved in training the Canine Family Member by using a spray bottle, on stream, with 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water, and yes, spray for their head. You can have your teammate stand outside the door at the ready or inside catching the dog with the spray before they can get to the door and say “NO!” Then there is my least favorite way, the shock collar. You can use a remote kind or get the proximity sensor and use it at the door to trigger the collar. Shock collars are recommended by me only when there is nothing else that seems to work and the life of your “Baby” is at risk. So, if you go this route please keep the remote to the collar away from the hands of those who would laugh at the expense of your beloved.

Then there is “No, no, Dino! Down! NO!” and wham! You just got knocked out of the way and the chase is on. When this happens you either have to chase them or, if you know they are a curious sort, trick them by you looking like you found something more interesting and running back in the house. They will most likely follow to see what you are doing. Now, this only works if the dog sees you go. Another way to get them to come back to you, if they like to ride, get your car and call to them. Sometimes squeakers and noise makers work to your advantage too. So, keep a squeaker or the like on hand. Lastly, if your dog runs away and does not return, check with the local dog pound just to ensure they have not been jailed and are on a five day stray hold.

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”
By: Joel Allen