What does the largest collection of white pines in the area look like? Well, I'm glad you asked...
Pretty!
I tried to get Finn to sit for some nice pics, but this was the best we could do.
Somedog wasn't paying attention.
And then she did what she pulled on me once before. She walked in with me and after a few minutes of sniffing and walking, she turned around and just brought me back to the car. I don't get it.
That would be the open area parking lot behind her. Any thoughts on why she gets in these moods - I thought she would love exploring new places, but now I'm not too sure. Should I just be sticking to our usual walks around the neighborhood? That doesn't seem too exciting at all, right?
Hey Finn's Mom!
ReplyDeleteWow, maybe she is a little nervous in a strange place. Maybe try walking in just a little way and stay right there for awhile. Maybe let her wander a little in that space until she feels like moving on, then go in a little further. That's the best I can think of. If that doesn't work, maybe try the exact opposite ... just stroll right straight on deep into the woods without hesitating or stopping and see if that encourages her to keep motoring on. ??? Boy, that's a tough one. Please let us know how it goes! Finn's such a beauty.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP
Well Sarge said it pretty good. I agree with him. If you act calm and sure of yourself and walk without hesitation (as Sarge Said) but don't go to far the first time....you know, just work her into it.
ReplyDeleteYou can also walk and drop treats so the whole experience is fun and filling.....That way she would focus on where the next treat is.
That is if she is like me and would do anything, go anywhere when food is involved.
Love
Bert
PS Thanks for the picture this morning. It will work really great. If you get time we could use the last one on todays blog too. The one where she is behind the bush.
Hi there Finn. It sounds like she is just nervous in a new place. Does she like treats?? I would just try her for a short walk in the woods and maybe take some treats along and like Bert said, put them out so she can find them and maybe she will think it is fun. That is unusual for a dog to not want to walk in the woods.Hope she feels better as the walks go on. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Finn's Mom - many years before I was on the scene, my parents had a golden retriever named Dagmar. Dagmar loved walks around the neighborhood! But, whenever my parents brought her to the metroparks, she didn't want any part of it - go figure. So, maybe this is a retriever thing...???
ReplyDeleteStewey
I would just walk her as you would in your neighborhood and if you see something fun, encourage her to explore. Lots of encouragement and make it fun.
ReplyDeleteThe 2 brown dawgs love the woods and are bored with neighborhood walks. But then again in the woods they can flush birds, so it represents fun to them.
In my experience with yuki, it's simply fear. When she sees me taking out the harness and leash, she runs and hides. She will have her tail tucked and act like she has an injured paw. I think her fear is more the dogs in the neighborhood barking at her, because when she's out in the neighborhood she gets relaxed. maybe finn is the type of dog like yuki who doesn't like new situations/places. Maybe if you take her over and over she'll become comfortable with the place and will relax and enjoy herself.
ReplyDeleteWe all have different personalities. I am a little hesitant with new places, too.
ReplyDeleteYour pal, Pip
Well, I love the woods and stuffs... butt some of us don't. I think there might be too many grrrreat smells and it gets overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteHmm, that's a tuffy. With both my red goldens, they would have pulled me crazy into those woods, propelled by all those nature smells. The only thing similar, is that sometimes on just a sidewalk walk, Camry would just come to a halt, and turn and look at me. I never figured it out. I would look around and see nothing in particular. Overall, she had more fears than Penny. Maybe it's a need for reassurance. I think your smile and a soft uplifting tone, along with a gentle but firm hand on their back is helpful. The teacher also told us to stand up tall when giving any command, as the dog looks to you for guidance.
ReplyDeleteBest to keep exploring new places, tho. I think they benefit from it just as we do.
Yep, I thinks that Sarge, Bert and Frankie kinda said it all. Here in my woods there are so very many smells it really is overwhelmin sometimes!
ReplyDeleteBut at least you know the way back to the car Finn!
woo, Tessa
We agree with Sarge and Bert... If you are calm and relaxed and let her know that you are in charge and that you don't think the woods are scary, she will feel more comfortable, too. And yeah, we work for treats!!
ReplyDelete-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby
I think Finn may be a little nervous, its a common adolescent thing. Im a bit believer in positve reinforcement, make places fun. Speak in calm encouraging voice and maybe bring some tasty treats on walks or a favorite toy. I am very against flooding, forcing a dog to confront something they are uncomfortable about, so if he really digs in his heels I would not drag or force him. When Bob, our bulldog, was young I attended a training class where the trainer flooded him and it was awful. I think the positive approach is much better.
ReplyDeleteI think you are catching this early so with encouragement and patience you can get Finn to like new things. Another good idea would be to leave when he is having fun, that way he will be eager for more next time.
I just stopped by to let you know that I have enjoyed reading through your blog and your archives. You are a “Noteworthy Archive Award Winner”. You have some great posts hiding in your archives and this award will let others know that it is well worth their time to take a walk through your archives. Congratulations and enjoy!
ReplyDelete"Finn v Boot" gave us a chuckle.
In the spirit of the Genuine Blogger Award, there really is no obligation. Post the award badge to let others know that taking time to search through your archives is well worth the walk. We all have dusty archives that need brought back to the top of the pile again.
If you want to help another blogger shed light on a few dust bunnies, then go for it. As you visit fellow bloggers, take a moment and dig into their older archives to find a post you have not read. Let others know that you have found “Noteworthy Archives” worth digging for by leaving a message in their comments! Do the same if you are just checking out some new blogs.
Stop by and pick up your award badge here...
http://chancythegardner.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/patches-did-you-know/noteworthy-archive-blog-badge1/
I know that if I'm nervous somewhere daddies with give me some yummy treats and let me take my own time and generally I have lots of fun there in the end..
ReplyDeleteIt may just be a little overwhelming at first..
xo
Luna
I think Sarge and Bert gave some pretty good tips. Let us know if it helped. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHmm it sounds like someone might be a little nervous. We think that ensuring that you are calm and just keep going into the woods. Also try to make it exciting for Finn. She needs a leader!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... it does sound like Finn is a little nervous around those tall pines. Sounds like you've got great advice in the above comments! :)
ReplyDeleteWoofs & hugs for a wonderful weekend! <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
As the old commercial says, "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't."
ReplyDeleteDogs, like people, have different moods. I've noticed it with Duncan. He absolutely loves to swim down at the river but the last we visited he couldn't be bothered. He stayed close to me, seemed disinterested and was rather put out by the whole affair. As much as I wanted to take him swimming he simply wasn't in the mood.
Perhaps Finn is fearful of new places or maybe she just really wanted to walk somewhere else that day.
Woof! Woof! Oh I'm with you FINN ... but as I get older exploring new place is getting FUN n less scary especially if my Dad comes along. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
ReplyDelete