I almost had a heart attack!
 

I had the scare of my life yesterday. I took Max and Lily out to potty as usual. There is a mini poodle, Winston, across the street that Max just does not like :confused: I don't really know why. Whenever Winston is out, I wait until he goes in before I take mine outside. Yesterday, I was bringing the dogs back in, took their leashes off, but the garage door wasn't down all the way when Max spotted Winston and took off running. I ran after him and he just kept running...I thought for sure I wasn't going to see him again. Behind our neighborhood is a lake with thick brush and if he got in there I wouldn't know where to start looking. I just kept saying to myself, at least keep up with him and don't let him out of your sight. Picture me screaming his name and crying and running as fast as I can barefoot. Finally he stopped to smell a huge pile of dog poo and I caught up to him. I picked him up and hugged him so tight!

What makes me so angry is that at least I have the courtesy to wait for the neighbor to go inside with her dog before taking mine out and she brings hers out all the time while mine are out... She didn't even blink when Max took off....she just stood there. Uggh! I can't help but have a little animosity toward her right now. I almost lost my baby boy yesterday. He means the world to me!

I read these stories here and thing how scary this would be. I am so happy your story has a happy ending. I guess the only thing you can do is keep your leashes on until you are inside and behind completely shut doors.

I started to suggest you could discuss this with your neighbor, but I realized she/he lets Winston out off leash and didn't chase after him when he was running away. Probably wouldn't do any good, but you never know.

Yes....a very scary lesson learned. I will NEVER take the leashes off again until the garage door is closed completely.

I just remembered...very eerie but my daughter had a dream just the night before that Max ran away. She even told me about it earlier in the day and in the dream he ran down to the bushes by the lake.

Oh wow! that is eerie. I have always heard if you share your dreams before breakfast they will come true. Now, I don't believe that,:rolleyes: but do think things can be revealed to us through our dreams.

Thank goodness you were able to catch Max! Tell him not to scare his mommy like that again.

I have read here and in books that instead of chasing your loose dog, try turning in the opposite direction and calling him to come. Of course, this works only if you can get your dog's attention.

Your experience is a good reminder to us all to continue working on commands "stay," "down," and "come." When teaching come, turn your body and feet the direction you want your dog to come.

:thumbup: nice reminder. As for getting their attention I yell, "Cookie" when my girls are in their own world outside. They know this word means a yummy snack. However, I don't know if it would work while in pursuit.:p

I think he was too far ahead and I was afraid to take my eyes off him. I tried everything that usually works...car ride, treat, etc. It seemed like he was on a mission!

I understand. Must be something about the name Max. ;) The one and only time my Max got loose was when I dropped the leash and thank goodness he ran directly to my father's outstretched arms.

We had a greyhound years ago that loved to get out and run down the sidewalk every chance she got. To bring her home we would take her leash outside and call her and say "Jade, do you want to go for a walk?", and she would come running. :p

:sidesplt: Love it!

Glad nothing bad happen, I think I would be freaking out too:(

The dream is spooky, Glad he's safe.

Thank you; me too :)

Happy to hear Max is safe. You think the lady would have atleast tried to help you out...how rude

Lola has a few neighborhood dogs that she can't stand and will take off is not on her leash.

Just like us humans, we all don't get along :)

Been there too, I was just up at my parents in nc took axel down to the creek for some fun, left the leash on the whole time! then when I got back to my parents I took it off to rinse his harness and him off, and he got out of my hands, and off he runs. To make matters worse! my mom thru some cantelope rinds in the back yard so no he grabs up one of these and the chase is on. You shoul have heard me screaming my parents has is a raised ranch on a steep hill that I was at the bottom of! my sister in law thank god new somthing was wrong and heard the fear in my voice...and when running out the front door to help, my hubby came out and my dog runs in the road with a car coming thank god! the car stopped, he could see how upset I was! and hubby grabbed him...I wanted to kill the dog! but I didn't of course I loved on him, it was my fault how could I punish him!