I almost lost Koko this morning.

[Cinder & Smoke]

And I told her she would have to stay on the porch or on leash.
I hope being exiled all day will have an impact on her.
I will also try to ignore her as much as possible.
This punishment usually has the greatest impact on getting her attention.

What would you do?

I HAVE done similar "punishments" ... but Ifear it has limited impact on the
Transgressor because the punishment is too far removed from the Sin ---
The pooch is unable to connect what was done in the foggy past with what is happening in the present.

The dog has long forgotten what he did that was "wrong";
and now is confronted with unpleasant behavior from his 2-Legger while
the dog is now "being good" ... makes NO sense to the 4-Legger.

"Punishments" (befitting the crime) are only effective when delivered
immediately (within SECONDS) of the dog comitting the infraction ...
any greater time lag results in confusion to the dog.

Happens at The Ranch all too often:
* Fido gets lost on a Hike and is late returning ...
* Dad hollers *COME* and **SLAMS* the front door!
* FIDO: Hark ... me hears the Leader's Voice ...
* FIDO: <slam>... Utttth- Ooooooh ... the dreaded *Door SLAM* sound ...

* Fido trotts home and presents himself on the front porch ...
* Tail Tip flipping slightly - a sign of pennance

* the Door flies open: "BAD MUTT! WHERE ya BEEN? GeT IN HERE!"

* Fido's Reaction: WTF! I come home for THIS!?? ... Why do I bother "lissnin" ?

[Queen of Poop]

I am so glad the driver didn't hit her. Koko, do you need a reminder of where your boundaries are??

[boomersooner]

Good luck!! I'm so glad Koko is okay! Maybe she was scared enough to remember what a car is! I would keep her on a short lead for a while, too....even if just for your own peace of mind.

[kokopup]

I appreciate your good wishes and advice. I sat down and had a good conversation with my best friend Koko. It might be true that she doesn't remember what she did wrong but she sure remembered that daddy was not happy with what she did. When I started talking she started nuzzling up to me like she was saying I'm sorry. Once we had Our talk she was happy again. I think I will do some re-training on the "come" command over the next few weeks, and I think for now she will have to stay on the leash.

I think she just has Spring fever. I will take her to the park in a few days and just let her run. I need to inspect some trails that we built week before last to make sure the down pours, we had last week, didn't wash them all away. She needs a bath so we can have a park outing before bath time. While she is on the trail she runs through every creek and mud hole she can find, so she is usually ready for a bath. I am just thankful she is OK.

[pomtzu]

Don't ya' just love that submissive/I'm sorry routine? They really know how to work it!!

[chocolatepuppy]

Oh no! I'm so glad Koko is ok! I'm sure she scared you half to death!

I stopped and said "Go Home" as forcefully as I could. She immediately dropped her tail, between her legs, and headed back home by way of the trail. After scolding her as harshly as I could I went in without giving her the usual treat.

Even though Koko did wrong at first, by running off, she did go home when you told her. jmho, I would have gave her the treat.

[Alysser]

That story is very scary, I would've been so scared as well! I can certainly understand your feelings. I am glad you had a "talk" with her and she seems to understand. I am quite sure she won't do it again but am thankful she is OKAY!