Not my proudest moment

[Rosie]

shouldn't laugh but I did a little bit

And that's the point, isn't it? I've decided that if I am going to fret every time the Pongster does something like this, then I'll be in an early grave.

Don't misunderstand me, I really DO understand the problem that can be caused for others when my dog runs up uncontrolled; I understand that some people have reactive dogs who do not want uninvited attention; I understand that this isn't a joke, and that it is my responsibility to control my dog. I really do understand this, and I try. I now avoid taking the Pongster places where there are likely to be a lot of other people and dogs who may not appreciate his special brand of over-enthusiastic love. That cuts our walkies options down a little, but only a little.

But....we live in the middle of nowhere, I know nearly all of the dog walkers round here (and they know Pongo, omygod they know Pongo) and generally he is a popular boy. The occasional stranger (possibly that poor, poor walker today) is perhaps going to get a shock when Pongo-ed out of the blue, but 9 times out of 10 they are dog lovers who are pleased to see him...if a little bemused....

So, on occasions like today, once I've collected my errant boy and made all the apologies it's possible to make....yes, I laugh. I love my puppy in all his exuberant, over-the-top, 0-60 silliness and I would rather have him like this than perfectly behaved. Just love your lovely Molly, @FayRose - you are a Labrador hooman!

 

[Rosie]

Try not to beat yourself up, we’ve all been there!


I’m sure the girls weren’t bothered!

I never walk Stanley in clothes I’m particularly bothered about getting dirty.

I’m one of those really annoying people that when your dog jumps up at me I squeal in delight and fuss fuss fuss. The bigger the dog the better.. extra bonus for a Labrador

Sorry.. I just love dogs

Visit us any time, Jen!

 

[Natalie]

To think I actually used to get ready for work in office clothes and then walk monty. What a fool I was

 

[Lab_adore]

@Rosie I'm with you 100%. Maxx is so friendly and he just wants everyone to be his friend and while he doesn't jump up all the time he still does. He mostly only does it to other dogs owners which I guess is a bit of a blessing

I know I've said this before but when we take him to the off lead beach where he is free to run off and jump up at people he doesn't. He is a totally different dog....but if we let him off lead at the rugby field or dog park he will charge off as soon as he spots another dog. I just don't understand. I just wish we had time to take him to the beach every day

 

[Naya]

I think we’ve all been there at some stage (like Harley yesterday when she seen a friend of hers and his humans!). I’m sure the girls will have a giggle about it and something to talk about in school tomorrow

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

I'm with everybody else - don't worry about it, and we've all been there. Yep, you were probably expecting too much of Molly - sometimes they'll ignore the thing, other times they'll not ignore the thing and you'll have no idea why this time was different. The girls were nice about it which always makes it easier, and it doesn't sound as though the puppy was scared, so just don't give Molly the benefit of the doubt next time

 

[Oberon]

My dog is perfect and never runs over to other people or dogs. He has never embarrassed me in public.

NOT...!

 

[Granca]

I'm not asking for help, I know what should happen, just a bit down and disappointed - and having a moan

That’s such a familiar story! Whereas Tuppence is always too busy sniffing, I always try to be one step ahead with Wispa, as I can never be sure that she won’t suddenly go and ‘bounce’ somebody. A couple of days ago, though, we were walking down across the field when suddenly two horses (with riders) appeared round the hedge at the bottom of the hill and galloped up towards us. I called Wispa back, but she was far too intent on giving chase, so my heart was in my mouth. The riders totally ignored her and sped on, with Wispa in pursuit but then, to my relief, her brain suddenly seemed to click and she came running back and got her treat. Then I noticed that having reached the top of the field, the riders had turned round and were coming back down to do it all over again! I put Wispa on her lead and all was well. She’s fine when she’s on her lead and we meet horses out in the road, but seeing them galloping was too much for her. Tuppence, meanwhile, was happily sniffing her way down the field, completely oblivious.

 

[FayRose]

Ah, thanks again everyone and for sharing your stories. That's a lovely post @Rosie, you're absolutely right of course and all of you are, and no @Xena Dog Princess the pup wasn't the least worried, just desperate to get off the lead to play!

I must not let silly 'pride' (my dog walks beside me obediently when she wants to roar off to play) guide what I do. I more be more realistic and as you all say, enjoy Molly, daftness and all.

Having said that, I will try my utmost to avoid this happening again. Once again, you've bought me down to earth in the kindest possible way x

 

[Loraseal]

Been then too and there are so more to come with my chocco idiot!
The thing is you do do everything to control your own dog, but on some occasion's our best plans and training just do not work.
There are so many people out there,who just do not care how their dogs react to other people but you are not that one.
I was at the beach yesterday, Hunter came back when I called him, did not hump the very frisky lady ridge-back and was actually very well behaved.
Yes I thought finally a breakthrough!
Then he saw a man with a doughnut.....well goodbye Mr Recall and hello Mr Lovely Looking Dougnut Man!
I felt like an idiot chasing after Hunter who was chasing the guy with the doughnut! I was so apologetic and it took me ages to get the leash on him.
Never a dull moment with our four legged friends!

 

[FayRose]

Then he saw a man with a doughnut.....well goodbye Mr Recall and hello Mr Lovely Looking Dougnut Man!

Oh Hunter ..

 

[Cath]

.....well goodbye Mr Recall and hello Mr Lovely Looking Dougnut Man!

 

[Selina27]

well goodbye Mr Recall and hello Mr Lovely Looking Dougnut Man!

 

[Selina27]

I must not let silly 'pride' (my dog walks beside me obediently when she wants to roar off to play) guide what I do.

You know, this strikes a cord with what I've learnt in the last few weeks. Since I've not only allowed her to hunt but actively encouraged, and also started stop whistle training, more and more I've found that Cassie chooses to be with me, rather than me asking her to be close to me. Looking back I can see that the idea of keeping her close because I'm more exciting actually made things worse, because, frankly Im never going to be more exciting than hunting pheasants or rabbits.

This is really me just airing my thoughts @Fay ROse , and I'm certainly not suggesting that Cass is no longer interested in running after other dogs because that would be a massive fib!

 

[Beanwood]

Then he saw a man with a doughnut.....well goodbye Mr Recall and hello Mr Lovely Looking Dougnut Man!

This would be my worst nightmare with Benson!

I will never forget the lovely recommendation by @Hollysdad of a place to visit when we were holidaying in the Lake District. Oh yes it was wonderful.....IF you had a super, well-behaved labrador such as Holly! Benson went on a riot, through a family having a picnic on the grass...grabbing food as he went...

 

[kateincornwall]

This would be my worst nightmare with Benson!

I will never forget the lovely recommendation by @Hollysdad of a place to visit when we were holidaying in the Lake District. Oh yes it was wonderful.....IF you had a super, well-behaved labrador such as Holly! Benson went on a riot, through a family having a picnic on the grass...grabbing food as he went...

Sorry for laughing at Benson ! But can you remember the bench by the river at Golitha ? Sam did a fly past , helping himself to picnic food as a family sat there , I pretended he wasn't mine ! x

 

[Jen]

We went to the beach and there was a family sat in a tent having a picnic.

Stanley just joined in and sat doing his good boy face. The kids thought it was hilarious.. mum & dad not so much

 

[Loraseal]

Oh yes it was wonderful.....IF you had a super, well-behaved labrador such as Holly! Benson went on a riot, through a family having a picnic on the grass...grabbing food as he went...

Never a dull moment! . I would love to meet Benson and Stanley!

 

[Rosie]

did not hump the very frisky lady ridge-back

what more could you ask for?

I think we need some forum awards for realistic triumphs. "Did not hump frisky lady dog" is definitely in the gold star category. "Let postie deliver parcel without trying to unwrap it before it hits the table" would be a silver star for Pongo. "Ignored visitor wearing smart black clothes" would be gold standard.

 

[Rosie]

I must not let silly 'pride'

When people ask what I have learned from having a dog, my very first answer is "I've learned not to take myself so seriously".

From the early puppy days when I realised that I was nothing more nor less than a toilet attendant for a small canine, right up to today when I can confidently expect Pongo to do something every time we are in public that makes me look idiotic (or at best incompetent). I genuinely believe it has helped me put life in perspective - for which I thank his happy little soul!