In the dog-house....

[Fab Foodie]

I've just had an accusation levelled at me for which I need feedback...bear with....

We have 2 Whippets we lure course with. One in particular is like Houdini and will escape and charge across the field at the slightest opportunity. It costs us a £10 fine and a walk of shame when this happens as it disturbs another pairs race.

So last weekend am in the camper with Houdini and I'm to deliver a cup of tea. Despite my best efforts Houdini slips by me and us off into the field to chase the lure.

Now fast Whippets can top 40mph and Houdini is a champ, so no slouch. Before I know it he's 100 yards from me at full tilt (reminder - that's around 40 mph folks) and apparently I'm in trouble for not chasing after him.

For the record I'm a 5'8" 95kg 59 year old with a coronary stent...exactly what was I supposed to do, die of a heart attack in a futile effort?

 

[stephec]

When you say, 'slips by,' was he not on a lead?

 

[Jameshow]

Why the fine? Is this it a sports event??

 

[Fab Foodie]

When you say, 'slips by,' was he not on a lead?

He escaped his lead the previous week! Now we double lead/collar him outside the van. But no, he was in the camper and despite an extra dog-gate it's hard to squeeze out with a flask of tea, manipulate the gate/van door and physically restrain houdini without 3 hands....

 

[KnittyNorah]

exactly what was I supposed to do,

Have him in a dog crate, or collared and leashed, in the first place?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Why the fine? Is this it a sports event??

It is a sports event. There's trophies and everything!

 

[Badger_Boom]

When you say, 'slips by,' was he not on a lead?

Sounds similar to when my working cocker ‘slipped by’ when I was trying to get his lead on as he emerged from the crate in the car.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Have him in a dog crate, or collared and leashed, in the first place?

He'd destroy it or harm himself. Once he'd escaped there was nothing I could do! That's the point.....

 

[Fab Foodie]

Sounds similar to when my working cocker ‘slipped by’ when I was trying to get his lead on as he emerged from the crate in the car.

They can be slippy devil's....
Houdini is the same.

 

[rikki]

What were you supposed to do with the tea while giving chase?

 

[Fab Foodie]

@rikki exactly....

 

[KnittyNorah]

He'd destroy it or harm himself. Once he'd escaped there was nothing I could do! That's the point.....

Ah. When I had working Jack Russells and took them to terrier shows and races, the first thing I insisted they learn was that their crate was a very desirable place to be, so even in throes of excitement there was no question that they'd damage themselves. As mum was in a wheelchair at that point, the door had to be either open - when the dogs had to be in the crate - or closed. I simply couldn't risk having to manage both an escaped dog and someone in a wheelchair!

I've often thought it a pity there isn't something on the lines of a (safe for both humans and dogs) horizontal equivalent to a bungee jumper's rope, for use with sighthounds. And recalcitrant terriers.

 

[jowwy]

Keep your dog on a lead at sporting events at all times, then he cant slip by you......so they are correct, it is your fault, as your the owner.

 

[steveindenmark]

DO NOT have him in a dog crate full time.

Sh1t happens occasionally.

 

[si_c]

Rather than a collar and lead, how about a harness? It shouldn't be possible to slip that, and if you tether them to something like a ground anchor then they should be more secure.

I don't think you are at fault here, responsible yes, but you'll only be at fault if you keep letting it happen without trying something different.