Here in San Diego, we have a dedicated island that is entirely leash free. Its HUGE. Its called Fiesta Island.
Now, the whole island is leash free, and surrounded by the bay. There is a road that goes all the way around with a 10 mph speed limit.
There is also a dog park that in of itself is enormous. You cant see to the other end. It is fenced in almost entirely until the fence reaches the shoreline and then there is a big gap between the water and the beach where you can get out.
I took Whiskey there to practice recall in a space so open, it seems like he could be free. I started on the leash for a little bit, then let him off.
He did great. I brought hot dogs and he didnt get more than 20 ft away before checking back.
When he met the first dog (who was very bouncy) he was obviously timid which i wasnt expecting. He barked and seemed nervous, so i brought him back and we moved along down the beach.
The next dogs where all good, but he still seemed timid.
The rest of the time we were there, he seemed to be on a mission ahead of me, almost searching. Then when we were headed to where we parked, he wouldnt come back when i would call him. He looked back and kept on going and dissapeared of the hill. I wasnt freaking because i knew there was a fence ahead, but I was a little confused at why he seemed so intent on getting away.
Then i got to him, leashed him and he was almost pulling me to the car.
Do you think he was overwhelmed? I feel like maybe I took too big a step taking him there. I have only had him for not quite 2 months. (he's about 4 years old)
I didnt bring my other dog because I wanted to focus on him.
I want him to have fun and play, but it seems like he just didnt want to be there. I'm assuming I took him way too soon.
How long before I should try again, or should i just try a smaller venue?
Now, the whole island is leash free, and surrounded by the bay. There is a road that goes all the way around with a 10 mph speed limit.
There is also a dog park that in of itself is enormous. You cant see to the other end. It is fenced in almost entirely until the fence reaches the shoreline and then there is a big gap between the water and the beach where you can get out.
I took Whiskey there to practice recall in a space so open, it seems like he could be free. I started on the leash for a little bit, then let him off.
He did great. I brought hot dogs and he didnt get more than 20 ft away before checking back.
When he met the first dog (who was very bouncy) he was obviously timid which i wasnt expecting. He barked and seemed nervous, so i brought him back and we moved along down the beach.
The next dogs where all good, but he still seemed timid.
The rest of the time we were there, he seemed to be on a mission ahead of me, almost searching. Then when we were headed to where we parked, he wouldnt come back when i would call him. He looked back and kept on going and dissapeared of the hill. I wasnt freaking because i knew there was a fence ahead, but I was a little confused at why he seemed so intent on getting away.
Then i got to him, leashed him and he was almost pulling me to the car.
Do you think he was overwhelmed? I feel like maybe I took too big a step taking him there. I have only had him for not quite 2 months. (he's about 4 years old)
I didnt bring my other dog because I wanted to focus on him.
I want him to have fun and play, but it seems like he just didnt want to be there. I'm assuming I took him way too soon.
How long before I should try again, or should i just try a smaller venue?