It's Been a Quiet Week

It has been quiet this week. Duke's 100 foot leash got loose and he ran off once but other than that, (though he went a long ways) the rope has been successful. He badly needs a bath which requires a lot of energy on my part. I may take him to the other dog park where there is a pond and a spigot to hose him off. Once he gets wet, he may not mind the bath part.WATCH THIS SPACE for an update on that.

Some Success

I've been using 100' of rope when I take Duke to the park. This has been successful. At first I tied him to a tree so he had limited running. He seemed to get the idea. Now I hold onto about 50' of the line. If he is playing with other dogs, that works fine and I'll let go. If a distraction is about to occur, he gets reined in.
Tonight we went to Petco where they allow dogs on leashes. This was an adventure and he was a little leary. He had to sniff everything. When we checked out he got treats and he stood on his hind legs just beautifully. Everyone was impressed.
I hate it gets dark so early. I can't see where I'm walking at the park so I have had an accident. Now I wear my rubber boots.

A Challenge

Saturday night I was sending an email and commenting how Duke was licking my arm as I typed. Then I heard more licking and discovered he had peed on the bed. The reason was because we had gone to the park early and he didn't relieve himself fully.
Tonight I brought the rope and he was playing with one of his girl friends when he decided to run off in the pouring rain. I gave chase and eventually he turned around but he just cannot be let off his leash.

New Toy

Duke has been misbehaving big time. He wants to run and play hide and seek. This means he is crossing streets and playing Russian Roulette with automobiles. Tonight I bought 100' of rope and took it to the dog park where I tied Duke to a tree. He soon figured out his limits. Also he likes to play with the rope. It's something new and he can get it in his mouth. It was fun watching him retrace his path along the rope. The other dogs like it too because they can grab it and play tug of war.