The great escape, proof that dog training is important

 The Great Escape and the necessity of dog training. Even though I try not to go down memory lane too often, every once in a while something happens that triggers my memory, and I am carried backwards in time. Today I took my three dogs for a long walk. I had my Nikki, Benny and Dukie. Nikkie is my 2 year old golden retriever and Benny my 5 year old black lab. Dukie is my 10 year old blind black lab. They were all pretty hyped up today so walking them was a challenge. And that is what triggered my memory. Two of my dogs are involved in dog therapy programs; that means I go visiting the seniors with my dogs. This particular day of the great escape I had all three dogs in the jeep because we had been out for a walk in the park. I had decided to make a quick stop and visit one of our senior friends on the way home. My dogs have been trained never ever to leave the vehicle until I say "OK". They have always been very good in obeying this command. But, not today, nope, today they are getting ready to freak me out. As my dogs tend to do every once in a while. I arrived at HOME ON THE HILLS, that is where Benny and I go visiting. I will leave Nikki and Dukie, the blind one, in the jeep. Today we will only stop by for a short visit. I reminded my dogs that they must stay and not come out of the jeep. The parking lot is full and since it is a beautiful day, many of the seniors are "hanging" around outside the front door. There are seniors in wheel chairs, with canes, or just standing around. I opened my jeep, and what happened? I just could not believe it! All of my dogs jumped out. Just like that, they jumped out. Nikki, the leader of the gang is running at full speed towards the front door. Benny is of course running right behind Nikki. And, my Dukie is also running, he just doesn't know where to run to because he cant see where he is going. Well, I freaked and screamed and chased my dogs. There is no way I can catch them. I could just picture those poor seniors being knocked over like bowling pins by my fast approaching excited dogs, ready to greet everyone they see. "Wow, look at all the people to jump on." I screamed some more, and luckily some nurses were outside and heard me. They helped fend off my dogs. I cant believe that no one was hurt or knocked over. Wow, someone was looking out for us. Meantime, I am shaking. I am also not wearing running shoes. Heck, I didn't mean to go running today, just walking. I slipped in the parking lot and lay there like an idiot, still screaming for everyone to be careful. I was also terrified that one of my dogs would get run over. I am a diabetic, so my sugar level went haywire on top of it all. When we finally got all my dogs leashed and put back in the jeep I was exhausted. I did not know whether to cry or laugh, or just pass out. Or maybe do all three of those things. Anyways, we did survive this ordeal. And it taught me a lesson. Never ever assume my dogs will listen all of the time. I never did go back in to visit that day; I was too shaken with what could have been. Thank God nothing did happened that day. We all drove home and calmed down. Soon this incident was forgotten. Except for every once in a while when those memory triggers hit, and then my heart beats all over again. Dog Therapy Visiting has been a passion of mine for 5 years. I first became involved in this work when visiting a friend in the hospital. A beautiful Golden Retriever silently walked into the room and instantly brought comfort. That was Tasha. Tasha and her owner became my mentors.
About the Author

Pet health care, nutrition and dog training are of great concern to me, and I promote all three. I also have a husband, Chris. Chris is battling the monster, MS. The dogs are wonderful company for him. Here is an excellent dog training course you can do at home http://www.happypetstop.com/adamstraining.htm. Contact me at: http://www.mimfreedom.com

 Ruth Bird

More Articles 

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home - Jeff Cuckson
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one of the rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a chance to find a loving new home In many ways, this is simpler than going through the...

What A Dog Really Needs - David Riewe
Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans. Most dogs now are owned as pets mainly because they are THE ideal pets. A dog will always try to keep you pleased...

Are You Really Ready to Get a Dog? - Valerie Goettsch
Dogs are wonderful companions. Having a special four-legged friend greeting you at the door when you get home every day, wagging his tail and making his doggy smile at you is an instant mood-brightener. I even get a greeting when I come back from...

Dog Breeds - Steve Wilcott
Experts disagree on the exact number, but estimate there are more than 300 breeds of dogs. Each is valued by someone or by a group of people. In fact, they exist because they were bred to have characteristics that make them well suited for specific...

Barking Problems: Train your dog to stop barking! - Moses Chia
All dogs bark, it’s their way to communicate a message. Dog barks for various reasons: to greet, to alert, out of boredom, to attract attention or when they are excited. Although some barking from is acceptable, too much barking is certainly...

How To Help Your Dog With Food Allergies - Gene Sower
Because every dog is unique, it's sometimes very difficult to determine what causes food-related allergies and what doesn't. Common pet food culprits include wheat, corn and soy. Various proteins also create their share of problems in certain dogs....

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You’re The Boss - Charlie Lafave
Do you have problems at your house with who’s in charge? By that I mean, does your dog think he’s the boss? In your effort to form a stronger bond with your dog you may have inadvertently told him he’s the Leader of the Pack. Here are 5 simple and...

Dog Travel - Taking a Vacation with Your Dog - Jane K
Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with you on weekend excursions and trips to the country. When it comes time to take a longer vacation, however, we always face the dilemma of what to do with Fido. Traveling with your pup is not...

Leash training dog / dogs pulling on the leash - Jon Decker
The following are methods used by Downtown Pets in Lower Manhattan, a professional NYC dog walker company. Here are some keys to stop a dog from pulling on the leash. 1. Hold the leash with two hands - one through the loop and...

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know... - Daniel Lesser
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential health problems such as: - Skin allergy - Food allergy - Cancer - Hip dysphasia - Bloat - Heart ailments - Hypothyroidism - Fleas - Worms Knowing what they are will help...