I love the fact that I live in an area where I can let Tippy run free and roam a bit on her own. However, I have found I am a little hypocritical because I don’t like the fact that other people’s dogs have that same freedom.
As an example, about 3 weeks ago, mom and dad took Tippy for a walk in the neighbor’s field. When they got back near the house, there were two Pit Bulls down the hill, barking at them. They didn’t seem to be aggressive, but I was not happy that they were out roaming around. I was a little concerned that they might come over and hurt Tippy when I left her tied out or that Tippy would start roaming with them and get in trouble.
A few days later, Tippy and I went for a walk. I heard a bark from behind me and glanced back. Seeing a black dog, I thought it was Tippy and said, “What are you barking at?” That’s when I noticed it was one of the Pit Bulls. I continued on my walk, which included going back toward where the dog had been. I remained calm, because, again, he didn’t seem aggressive, but picked up a walking stick, just in case. He and his friend were down on the side of the hill when I got back, both barking. I just walked on. When I turned around to close the gate, both of the Pits were standing there. I said something to them, Tippy heard me, and came running from the house. She looked at them through the gate for a minute. I started to grab her collar and make her go back to the house, but I was afraid that would convey the wrong energy. So, I just watched to see what would happen, ready to intervene if needed. Tippy went through the fence to where they were and, fortunately, they greeted each other in a very calm manner. So, at least I know they aren’t aggressive towards her.
It is now pretty much a daily occurrence that I see them, either in the field, in my yard, or on my porch. Tippy gets very excited when she sees them, but, like a mom who doesn’t want her kids to hang around with the “wrong crowd,” I won’t let her out until I think they have been gone for at least 30 minutes. Here is how it played out a couple of days ago.
Tippy and I heard one of them barking at the gate. It was the white one, which seems to be a little more timid.
While Tippy was busy at the front of the house, I heard something on the back porch. Sure enough, it was the other one. He seems to be more bold. When I saw this picture, I thought it was interesting that my eye is reflecting in the glass on his neck because I was “keeping an eye on him.”
A few minutes later, they were both out back.
Tippy tried her best to get me to let her out so she could go play, but I persevered.
When I did decide to let her go out, I had her sit/stay until I got the garage door open and made sure they were gone.
Once I gave her the okay, she started smelling where they had been.
She did go to try to find them, but was back in about 10 minutes. So, either they were gone or she tired of them quickly. At least, for now, she isn’t wandering away with them.
I will just continue to keep an eye on them and Tippy and, if something needs to be done in the future, I will address it then. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary.
