Awful day.

[Lola's mum]

I took Zeb out yesterday, let him off on the field, no one in sight then a girl goes past on her bike, she commented on how cold it was (knew her as she'd been through the school I work at) Zeb looked at her then carried on wanting his ball, great I thought. Then he turned around and ran after her, circling her on the bike. I called him back but he didn't even look at me, i ran the other way sounding excited but nope. I then shouted at her to stop cycling but she ignored me (or didn't hear me) and carried on. She was laughing and he was getting all excited but all the time getting further away. I was running as fast as I could but they were just getting further & further away. i was crying and shouting so hard for her to just stop that I almost p*ssed myself with the force I was shouting.
A friend of mine was with her dog so I thought great he'll see them and be more interested in her dog - nope. I got to my friend and crouched down and shouted 'Look Zeb' He turned and noticed her dog and came back.
I got hold of him and put him back on lead. I was crying and felt really faint (haven't run like that in over 30 years)

All the way home I was actually crying out loud, god knows what people thought. Didn't feel up to anything at all when I got back so slept on the sofa for most of it.
I'm so disappointed with him & me. He was totally out of control and I did not have control over him. What if it was someone that was scared of dogs, what if she'd had turned onto the main housing estate near the roads? What if. God I'm crying now.
I couldn't bring myself to even look at him until quite late last night :(

He's been so good lately ignoring passing people etc.
I feel thoroughly deflated. What happened?

 

[dbetz]

I am so sorry to hear about your awful day. I can tell in your writing how terrified you were. Thank God nothing serious happened. Hang in there.

 

[lucasmum]

You poor thing, I know exactly how you feel. Luca is my 3rd boxer and I've had many bad days. Just when you think it's all going well, it all goes wrong! I think you did the right thing taking him straight home, thats what I do when Luca misbehaves or won't come back. I haven't really got any advice for you apart from the obvious, keep up training etc, but you know all that. I just wanted to say I feel your pain as I'm sure most boxer owners do, they're not the easiest breed in the world are they! I also notice that he's at that awkward "adolescent" stage too, not the easiest of times, Luca is 11months and very difficult at times. Good luck and let us know how he's getting on.

 

[simmons]

I'm sorry about your bad day :( I had a similar experience with one of my boys and know exactly how your feeling. You did everything you could have so try not to beat yourself up...(hard I know)

 

[Widges]

I am sorry that you had a bad day. No advice but I am sending you a hug. ((()))

 

[kayboxer]

What a horrible feeling, you feel totally helpless. I know the feeling well when your dog runs away from you. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. :(

 

[taryndanae]

Sorry for having such a bad day, I think we all have had this experience. Sending you a hug.

 

[ELubas]

I think we can all relate to this :( It is so upsetting. My girl now has been the worst by far and she is dog aggressive so I have to really watch her. The bike was probably really exciting to him. Jut keep working on those recalls every chance you get. I am at the point where I call my girl back all the time just to get it ingrained in her. And even though it is hard you gotta be happy when they come even if you wanna strangle them Try not to let it get you down-I know it is hard but tomorrow will be better. At least you do not have to worry about your pup causing a scene like my girl-I have stories that would make your blood run cold. I tell her everyday she is lucky her Mama takes her out at all

 

[TwoDogs]

Wow, what a scary feeling that is. I too have a dog with a not-so-reliable recall so I can feel your anguish. I never let my girl off leash. When I take her to the state park where open fields abound, I put her on a 50 foot cotton web long line. She just drags it behind her and since we're in a field, there's nothing for the line to get tangled on. Sometimes I hold it, sometimes I let it drag, she never really knows when I've got a hold of it or not. The feel of it dragging gives her the feeling of having a leash on. And since I'm no Olympic sprinter, it's good to know that I only have to get within 50 feet of her to get her back. Actually, I have a bunch of long lines all different lengths. I use a 15 footer when we are walking along paths. She will generally stay on the path with me but if she sees a squirrel or bunny, she's off. The 15 foot length gives me time enough to react and grab or step on the line. It's also short enough that it doesn't tangle terribly. Keep working on that recall, and in the meantime, get yourself a long line for her runs in the field.

 

[AdamsBunch]

I am so sorry you had to go through that, that is my worst fear. Don't beat yourself up over it, you did a good job and did everything you could. Be thankful that everyone is home safe and credit that fact to you. Sending you a big hug.