Remember the dog we found? We posted flyers, we posted ads, we told everyone we knew and no one claimed the poor dog. We finally decided no one was ever going to claim her and she was now our responsibility. The kids were ecstatic. We had her spayed and shots updated and a collar tag made with her name (that the kids lovingly chose) and our phone number. She is a very sweet, loving dog - most of the time. She loves walks in the park. She loves to snuggle up with someone on the couch. She has a little routine in the mornings of rushing out to do her little business then she comes in to find her toy and she has to play with one of us for a little while.
Now for her bad qualities -- She loves to take off. As soon as the door is open a tiny amount - she makes a run for it! This hasn't been a huge issue because of weather (well there was the one weekend she got out 4 times and then probably 3 times a week we have to chase after her!), but as soon as summer rolls around she is going to BOLT daily! I do not know what to do. I don't want to spend all summer chasing my dog through the park.
We had a family meeting and the kids suggested we just lock her up all summer. OBVIOUSLY, that is not going to work. Part of her getting out is their irresponsibility of not closing the door and gates behind them carefully, but the other part is that she is such a little dog that she can squeeze out of the tiniest opening!
Someone suggested that I need to prove that I am the "alpha" and not her. I am going to give this a shot when we walk her, but does anyone of my whopping 6 readers have any other suggestions? I looked into training and it is so expensive I would like to try something on our own first. I don't want to get rid of her just because we can't get our act together but chasing her is not my idea of fun! If it means anything to anyone she is a Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua Mix
HELP!!!
7 comments:
my dog runs the ship at our house, so I have zero ideas for proving Alpha-ship.
When you find out-please tell me! My Lucy runs away alot too. UGH!!!
We had a Jack Russell who was the same way. Unfortunately, that was how he met his demise, so be careful.
Is an electric fence an option?
I wish you the best of luck!
Love your doggie...we have a male J.R. and he is a handful! But oh so cute. You definitely have to show that breed who is boss. If you are firm and consistent they can be very loyal dogs. And fairly good listeners.
We struggle with walking, but I think (sadly) this is because I usually do not have time to walk him separately from our other doggie, a Bichon Shitzu mix. They distract each other greatly!
When I do get a chance to take him out I do try to remember to keep him very close to me, I walk out of the house first and he follows...he is reprimanded and made to sit if he fusses over other dogs we see while out. Have you ever seen that Dog Whisperer guy on the Discovery Channel? He is awesome and his tips have helped up a lot with this dog. All of our previous pups were docile lil lap dogs so this was a stretch for us.
Hang in there!
:)
I don't have a dog but maybe look at the library for a book on training if courses are too expensive. This is one of the reasons I am not crazy about getting a dog (much as I and my kids would like one). And having to clean up after them. Yeah, not a fan of that either.
Good luck!
thanks for your comment on my blog
i love the look of your blog, darling.
i went to denver for the first time a few months ago on a job hunt and we fell in love with it. what a wonderful place to live!!!
i have no dog advice, sorry.
I think proving that you are the alpha is a big part. If I raise my voice to our pugt, not scream but real firm, he will back away from the door. It will take a few times but she will get the message if you are consistent.
Also, we have found that a baby gate works. Put her somewhere she can see everyone, like in your sunroom, with a baby gate.
That's my 2 cents! LOL
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