Has your Bichon ever gotten away from you? ran off, wandered?

[darwinsmom (Chris)]

You know, I actually started a different thread a few weeks ago wherein I got great advice about teaching Darwin recall because he will do this. I have a daughter that will do it, too, and I have to say that emotion is about 100 worse, but it's still pretty bad w/ Darwin. I keep him pretty controlled at home, but when we go visiting, he is so interested in everything new that he just takes off. A bit of advice I was given here is to actually not chase him- to stay still and turn my back (still keeping him in site, of course) and that he would come to me. It was a true leap of faith to try it, but it works. I still don't rely on that- prevention is key, but It's good to have some idea what to do when it happens.

For my daughter, we considered getting a Brinks GPS locator. Honestly, I might consider the same for my bichon if it kept being an issue.

Hugs to you!
Chris

[Katrinka]

This was several years ago now, but I had to constantly remind my grandchildren to close the backyard gate. So I didn't even know that Buddy had gotten out. I thought he was still in the backyard, wandering and sniffing.

Then I got a knock on my front door.

I go to the door, wondering who it is? I cannot see anyone thru the window.

I opened the door to find Buddy standing there, alone. He had only went as far as the tree out the front, to pee on it, and then he came right back home! LOL

[Alison]

Thats so cute he knocked to get back in.Alison

[IServePrincess]

We live in a little neighborhood with lots of nice families and one family that is rather vile (Door slamming, yelling, etc.).  So of course when Princess has run off you know where she goes....I guess she wants more action? 

[Rawfed (Ella)]

  It was very entertaining reading your stories. I am glad that none of your fluffs got away for good.
I really have to keep a tight grip on Sky's leash for sure. He has tried taking off chasing after a bunny again but he didn't get away because I was holding on tight.

[MamaMia]

oooh yes.. our Hero is a wannabe hunter and we have cats and chickens in our neighbourhood. One cat he chased stopped and turned around to face Hero, and then he became a wimp and just stood there.. So im glad he doesnt go for the kill, at least.. lol.. My dad had chickens too and Hero chased the rooster, the rooster also stopped and stood his ground and Hero didnt know what to do. He could get himself into trouble, easy!

[Rawfed (Ella)]

Haha!  That's so cute about Hero!

[Little Bella (Kathy)]

How it is to read all the " get-away" stories!  Chloe (who we lost in Oct. 2009) was usually very good about taking off...but when we moved to the new house, my little old :fluff:walked out the door at night while the moving men were going in and out. I'd had her on a leash but let it go to do something.  When I couldn't find the little one of the movers said, "If your dog is white, there's one two doors down the street doing a in your neighbors front yard!"  It was Chloe allright doing her thing!  Good thing she didn't wander very far!

[kjb131313]

I actually bought Toby a cloth leash this week. I get a little scared with the flexi leashes......there is such little material. I was a fan of the flexi until this week. We have rabbits that like to hop around at night and Toby tries to go after them. I feel better with a sturdier leash. He has never gotten away. For that I am so grateful as I live near a busy intersection. I love my Toby-Wan-Kenobi.