This morning I took
Bogie for his walk. Just him. Not with Angel. We
walked/jogged about a mile and a half. No I didn't jog the whole distance. Maybe a
third.
We got back to the front door. I opened the security door and took the lead
off, as I have for the past 3 or 4 months.
As I opened the inside door to enter, Bogie got distracted and took
off.
Now, we’re
working on Come Here. But Stop works. Stay works. I thought. Apparently, they only work when he is on the leash.
Arghh!
I've learned my lesson and don't try to catch him on foot. I rushed to the car and
drove after him. After our long walk, he wasn't as ambitious as in previous escapes. Bogie had only gone 4 houses away and was sniffing at
their gate. I stopped in the middle of the street, opened the car door, and called to him. He jumped right in.
Shunning is my punishment of choice. Back at the
house, I left the Gentle Leader on him because I know he doesn't like it. I took Angel and we went for her walk. This is more of a meander that covers only about a quarter mile. When I got back, I ignored
Bogie except to tell him to Sit and take the Gentle Leader off.
I fed them,
washed their bowls, took my vitamins and ate my breakfast. All the while ignoring Bogie. I wasn't sure he even noticed he was being shunned. When I finished reading the newspaper, I went
outside to feed the birds.
As I topped off the water bucket, Bogie stood right in front of me, leaning up against my legs. I still had barely spoken to him.
I went to step forward and he didn't move. I pushed him lightly with my knee,
but he didn't budge. "Move", I said
quietly. He looked at me. I took a step back, intending to go around
him. He followed.
I was now
pinned with the water bucket to my right, the metal hose container behind me,
and Bogie blocking me. I looked
at him. He looked at me. I petted him.
And he let me move.
Apparently
he *had* noticed he was being shunned.
And didn't like it.
Bravo! Wonderful story!
ReplyDelete