Maxx the runaway

[M.F.]

I struggled with Snowie on the beach for years. Very difficult to recall. And then I started carrying yummy treats AND treating immediately* we got out the car and to the beach so that he knew I had them. It did have the effect of his wanting treats non-stop, but it made recall so much easier. I’ve stopped treating as often on the beach because he just wasn’t enjoying his outing, only thinking of treats. But it got us to a point where recall is usually quite good... unless he gets fixated on mounting a particular dog or two... Then no treats in the world will work and it’s on with the leash. (Sounds easier than it is!! Try catching a dog racing after another dog.)

*A friend went away with her husband. True story. On their way to the snow, stopped over in Canberra at a nice hotel. She bought beautiful underwear for the special evening. Candlelight dinner in the hotel restaurant. Then her husband said: let’s have a drink in the bar. She: I’d rather go to the room. Him: well, if you’re tired, you go up and I’ll have a drink and come up later. She: very annoyed! Goes to the room, changes into ordinary pjs and goes to bed. When she tells her sister, her sister says: Stupid! How is he to know you have these intentions? You’re meant to get dressed in front of him before dinner. Moral of the story: show your dog the treats at the beginning of the outing!!

 

[MrChew]

to that!

It's always funny to see the faces of people who only know Carbon in play situations when I say he's great at his SD training and absolutely pristine when he's actually working: "What? That? That maniac who won't even come when you call him and just mauled my pockets for treats??!"

Um, yeah. Same dog. I don't say much anymore about his working ability to strangers, as you can imagine.

On the other hand, if someone saw him in the hospital or in the airplane last year, or helping me up and down stairs, they'd probably never believe that he runs down the beach like his legs aren't connected and eats sheep poo.

It's a bit different, but I always find myself explaining to strangers that Chewie is very well behaved at home, and is the kindest and most gentle big brother you could want. Yes, the dog shouting at you for treats or to THROW BOL NOW. An angel, I swear.

I definitely know the disconnected leg run. Chewie did it at the park the other day. All the other dogs look so civilised and my dog looks like he is exploding.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

All the other dogs look so civilised and my dog looks like he is exploding.

Perfect description!

It's hilarious to see Carbon and @kateincornwall 's Reuben run together. Reuben is elegance personified. Carbon is...exploding!

 

[HAH]

Higher baseline level of joy?

I LOVE this explanation!!

 

[MrChew]

I LOVE this explanation!!

Kind of stolen from my "dog park friend" as her spoodle and Chewie are always up to shenanigans together. She says they have an excess of joie de vivre.

 

[HAH]

Kind of stolen from my "dog park friend" as her spoodle and Chewie are always up to shenanigans together. She says they have an excess of joie de vivre.

Good on her. Also “an excess of joie de vivre” sounds like a euphemism for being drunk (like most things really)

 

[Boogie]

I agree. Chewie is also a complete oaf at the beach. He zooms around like a lunatic licking everything in sight and has no recall.

Actually... Maybe it's a Lab thing? All the other dogs at the beach seemed less excited. Higher baseline level of joy?

I love that - ‘baseline level of joy’

Edited to add - cross posted with the others who love the expression!

 

[Rosie]

Just catching up on this one....and I suspect I don't have to let you know that Pongo is the same, @Lab_adore. He is Maxx'a bruvver from anuvver muvver.

at @Rosie 's he stole a whole just-baked bread loaf.

Pongo still believes that Carbon has mystical powers. He made a WHOLE LOAF OF BREAD fall from the sky. He is Pongo's HERO.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Pongo still believes that Carbon has mystical powers. He made a WHOLE LOAF OF BREAD fall from the sky. He is Pongo's HERO.

And Carbon thinks that Pongo is the luckiest dog in the world because he lives in a house where bread falls from the sky (if you give it a nudge off the counter top). So...