Since I really want to keep this blog specifically about dogs; I will not be sharing my Boston trip here, if you would like to read about my trip to Boston, you can find it on my personal blog.
Because I was planning on going to Boston late afternoon, I took a half day and came home at noon to be sure I had time to get everything done before we left.
Naturally one of the items on my “to do” list included walking the dogs. I had mentioned back a way about a game you can play with your dog that would also help with off leash walking. I finally had the opportunity yesterday to implement my plan….Bwa hah hah! (That was an evil laugh for those not “in the know” or ITK for text speak.)
I had planned a good 45 minute walk because I wanted the dogs to be really good for Chet while I was gone. The dogs ran far enough ahead so they could not see me and I saw my opportunity. I hid behind a tree. I heard them running back towards me, but I remained very still and then carefully peeked out from behind the tree.
Sampson saw me first, but Delilah did not. She stood in the fork of the path and I saw her looking right and left, trying to figure out where I had gone to. I could tell she was concerned but she wasn’t panicking and before she went into full-blown panic mode, I stepped out from behind the tree and alerted her to my presence.
We continued on with our walk, but it must be noted that Delilah didn’t go further than about 20 feet away for the remainder of the walk.
Mission accomplished!
this sounds like a great idea… i’m going to have to try it on my next walk… although I might wait until the woods have dried out a bit – we’re basically in swamp-land right now because of all the rain!
I tried it again yesterday but she was on to me! I will keep trying though because she has a tendency to wander off.
I think you will find it a fun little game that is also teaching Gwynn to keep “the eye on the prize.”
He could use that reminder! I kind of miss his timid self, when we first started letting him off leash, and he wouldn’t even go off the path. Then again, he has alot more fun now that he’s willing to explore a bit 🙂
I love playing hide and go seek with Shiva! It is hilarious and sometimes it is so hard not to giggle while watching her look for me. She’s gotten very good at it, however and it can be really hard to find a good spot to sneak to without her noticing. My husband and I now tag-team her. I will distract her while he hides and vice versa. Never ending fun!
We also used to play this in the house but now she knows to look behind all the open doors.
I haven’t tried it in the house!
I think Bailey would leave me and never return if I played hide-and-seek with him lol.
You might be surprised, they are actually more attached to us than we realize. 🙂
Well, he might leave and never return if he found a squirrel or deer, anyway. 🙂
Bwa hah hah!!!!!!! lol
Maybe we’ll try this with Molly, great idea and great fun!