Well my Mom raised Pekingese, and we went through numerous big dogs over the years, one in particular that I remember well was a big Newfoundland Hound. These small dogs always had their own large fenced in run while the large dogs were generally tied up in the yard, and on occasion were untied to run a little when we were outside playing. Now none of these dogs were ever purposefully walked, they generally got their own exercise by playing and wrestling each other in their designated spaces. When these dogs were out of their fenced yards they would take off like a rocket, never returning to our calls and offerings of treats. They would return from the bush hours later covered in burs, twigs, and small pine branches, with a huge grin knowing that they were in trouble but satisfied none the less at the adventure they had been on all afternoon. Try as we might as children, those dogs wouldn't stay, they would take off after cars, squirrels, rabbit, basically anything that moved was fair game to them and were beckoning them to come for that elusive romp in the wilderness.
So when I was young, whenever I saw the man with his untethered dog I watched with envy and curiosity as to how he taught the dog to stay so obediently beside. Through stop signs, passing cars, and even passerby's would only receive a slight tail wag but the dog would not loose a step in the greeting. I always wanted a dog like that, and knew that one day I would have a dog trained that well and that I would know the trick of the man to get his dog to stay close.
Well here I am now, grown, and still envious of the man on the bike with his faithful sidekick. I happen to have one of these such man/dog friendships just down the road from me. I see him coming to get his mail everyday, the dog is never on a leash. I even see them zip by my drive way, man on bike and dog trotting ahead, not blinking an eye towards my noisy house and yard full of dogs, chickens, and ducks. I am still envious.....
But not as much I suppose, because I do kind of own one of those dogs. No, not one of the hounds, Pebbles of course, faithfully follows me all around the yard, and even down the road to neighbours houses should we go for a walk together. She just loves being with me, she likes being the "perfect" dog in the house. As we walk out together to the back 40 she faithfully
trots ahead of me ready to protect me with her life, should the need arrive, and she would too, there is no doubt about that. If she sees a bird or rabbit, she takes chase, and sometimes I let her because I see the thrill in her eyes. But, if I don't have the time to wait for her while she is off hunting I will just tell her nope, not this time hun. She understands I suppose, and returns back on to the task of escorting me to the back yard to feed the pig. She always has the best manners should a neighbour stop by to buy a dozen eggs, or stop to chat about the weather or bear problems. But however, should that neighbour bring a dog with them, then all is lost and hell breaks loose in my own yard. There is no calling her off, no telling her nothing, she only wants to defend her property and territory. So although she really is close to being perfect, she isn't and never will be there. I am OK with that though, I mean really we are all a little messed up and protective in our own way. She is an excellent companion for me at chore time each night, and she knows that the birds here belong here and she never chases my ducks or chickens, she is an excellent little farm helper. If only I could teach her to herd!With that I say pfffft to those darn bassets. Useless critters they are, don't get me wrong I really do adore them dearly. They keep the bed warm after my hubby gets up for work, they give me unconditional love, and plenty of entertainment. But lets face it, you sure as heck ain't gonna see me out on my bike anytime soon with those two yahoos tagging along with me faithfully. They make good companions, on leashed walks....
