Hi Everyone,  Just want to share my experiences lately.  At the obedience class, the instructor wants us to teach the come command.  So we have been doing everything she mentioned.  First in the house (great job Duke), then on a lead outside (great job Duke), then in a safe area (great job Duke), then on our property (great job Duke).  Just some background info.  We have 3 acres of cleared land, then it goes into 2 miles of very heavily wooded area (not ours).  He decided last night to run into the wooded area.  There is a pond and brook in the area.  I didn't know what to do.  I completely broke down and panicked.  We have his collar on at all times, and he gets really good treats for being so good.  However he decided to take off.  Duke finally decided to come home.  I kept calling him so he could follow my voice.  Now I'm apprehensive about letting him go free.  He came home all muddy.  So I gave him his bath very calmly.  But I didn't sleep well last night.  I'm so afraid of losing him again.  What do I do to get over my anxiety?

Duke's mom

Hey Lucille .. I googled this question and you should be fine. You shouldn't have to reapply it after a bath ... BUT ... that's just the information I was able to locate. To be 100% sure, I'd just give the animal hospital a call and ask them.

I had wondered about the Frontline and was told (by my vet) if the product was on 2-3 days before a bath that it would still be effective after the bath.

Hi Everyone,  Talking to Duke in a stern, but calm way is the answer.  Whenever he hears me be insistant, he definitely knows he better listen to me.  At our obedience training class we did alot of come commands.  The one mistake I was making is letting him get too far before calling him.  So now I make sure we do it often and let him get to a certain point.  Now we let him go to the car without a leash.  He knows what car means.  In fact, he loves to go for rides so he runs to the car.    My husband and I are so blessed to have Duke in our lives.  Every day we get up and he kisses us good morning.  We feel as though we have a purpose.  I know it sounds strange.  I just can't put it into words how much we love this little guy.  Thank you Ratbone Rescues and Debbie Collins for giving us such a gift.

Duke's mom 

I've learn with Hoss that I cannot let him get too far away or he won't listen.  I watch him closely and when I see that determined, "I see/smell something and I'm gonna go after it!" look or stance, I quickly call or say something to redirect his thoughts.  If he does get far away, I head towards him and when I'm within his "sweet zone", I then call him.  Lots of praise and happy dance when he comes...he eats this attention up.

Lucille, Duke is a very special boy.  We loved him so very much.  It was hard, hard, hard to let him go.  But we're so happy that he has such a wonderful home!!

D