Now that we had learned how to work with Rocket, it was time to get him out on the trails! There had to be a way to tire this energetic pup out and hiking a few miles a day might just do it. First thing is first, we needed to find a suitable collar or harness for Rocket. After trying the collar a few times, we quickly figured out that a harness was the best way to go. With the collar, Rocket was constantly pulling and choking himself. With all his energy and power, he was full force ahead just like…well…a rocket! In addition to this, we were finding out that Rocket could get a bit overly excited on the trail, especially when we passed other dogs. Rocket made several “doggie friends” in the controlled environment of his home or of the homes of our friends and family, but if we passed a stranger’s dog, Rocket would lunge toward the dog growling and barking. This is not acceptable behavior out on the trails! We needed to be able to control Rocket and to restrain him quickly and securely, so a harness was the way to go. One big problem existed with the harness-his head! Rocket has a peanut head; in proportion to his body, it is much smaller and every time we would put a harness on, he would slip right out of it. That was happening with the collar, too, but we thought there would be no way for him to slip the harness. I don’t recall how many types of harnesses we bought and tried before we finally found a type that would stay on and that he could not wiggle his way out of. His new harness also had a handle that made it easy to grab quickly when he would try to lunge. Training continued out on the trails. We often stopped hiking and waited for others to pass by, especially if they had dogs. As the other dog would pass by, we would work with Rocket to keep his head turned away from the passers and our bodies between them and him. It helped to settle him and control his lunging, of course, we also had a firm grip on his harness. Today, he continues to feel the need to “protect” or “guard” us from those other dogs out on the trails. Luckily for us, when afforded the time and opportunity, we hike many miles on trails that are not very busy. On these isolated trails, we can drop Rocket’s lead and he stays right with us. If he starts to move too far ahead, we command him to wait and he does. He is an excellent hiker, as long as there are no other dogs near him. The exception is Frank. He and Frank are best buddies and they hike side by side.
Rocket poses very well, too. I literally have hundreds of photos of Rocket out on the trails.
In the above photo, you might be able to see how Rocket’s head is indeed small compared to the size of his neck and chest. You might also be wondering if we were ever able to tire this pup out. The answered to that question is a very happy, satisfying YES!!! Obviously, we are not able to hike every single day, but Rocket is much more content when he has had a good hike. That contentment sometimes even last for two whole days! When we are not hiking, we find other ways to meet Rocket’s need for non-stop motion. Fetching, chewing on bones, hide and seek, and playing a good game of chase are all ways we use to wear Rocket out. And when Rocket finally is ready to rest, he is the most loveable and cuddly pup ever!
My next blog post picks up where this one lets off. Vacation!!! Travel along with Rocket next week when he goes on his first vacation!
These are Beautiful Fur Babies Love the stories of Rocket But what about Frankie ?
I could certainly write a book about Frank! He is the most loveable, sweet, comical dog I have ever owned. I started “Frankie Fridays” for him. I am writing Rocket’s Story because he is a dog with many challenges. Right now, you are reading mostly fun stuff about Rocket. As the story progresses, you will read some more concerning chapters in Rocket’s Story. It is for this reason that I am writing about him. It is a way for me to process the type of dog he is and what he is capable of and how I need to stay committed and cautious, and even forgiving of what he is. I would have never chosen a dog like Rocket if I had known more about him at the adoption. I am grateful for Rocket, but he is a dog that takes lots of energy and one that cannot be fully trusted around strangers, other animals, and sometimes even Frank. It’s what you don’t know that can hurt someone, so I’m hoping that my blog will help others deal with the challenges or at least it will bring to light some of the issues with adopting a dog on blind faith. Maybe more importantly, how not to give up on them.
I love his peanut head!! Love reading about Rocket. His an adventure for sure!
Thank you, Janna! His story will eventually lead right to your front yard! I think Joe will remember that story very well when we get to it!!!