Having had raised two dogs that were trained to respond to verbal instructions and to stay in their yard when outside without supervision, I thought I was hot stuff at working with dogs....then came Hannah. I probably did more "right" in working and training Hannah than any other dog, but Hannah was sent here to make me humble. Hannah sees the neighborhood as a wonderful world of scents and sights that have been denied her. Given the opportunity, she's off to see the wizard! My husband and I have on several occasions been spotted running through the backyards of our neighborhood, leash and treat in hand, imploring our wayward girl to "come, Hannah, come." We'd get close, and then away she would dart. Fortunately her interest in other people helped to capture her a couple times as she would run up to the neighbor boy and he was able to grab her collar. Another time she just got so tired, she got into our vehicle for the ride home.
Even though we now have a fenced in yard and she gets plenty of exercise (always did as I would run her with a 20 foot lead dragging, so I could have a fighting chance if she started to take off), accidents do happen. The last time we were all in the garage waiting to go into the house and I accidently leaned on the garage door opener). By the time I stopped the garage door, she was gone. Tucker too but he came back when I called. I decided to take a different tact. Instead of chasing her, I got a leash and treats and sat on the front stoop. I saw her round the neighbors houses but she would come back to see where I was. It killed me (we don't have a busy street but there are cars) but I just sat there. It must have been less than five minutes and her journey was only around a couple houses across the street when she came back and walked right up to me. I showed her the treat and she let me take hold of her. Her other escapades with us chasing her had gone for several blocks and crossing several streets. This moral of this story is that in Hannah's case it appears that chasing her gave her the security to explore farther and farther. Without us "in sight" she wasn't quite as sure of herself.

Obviously I don't have the answer just my own observations. The fenced in yard cost a fortune, but it was the best money I have ever spent. You do get better at preventing accidents. I have yet to get her a micro chipped, but that too will come. You just do your very best by your girl. That is all anyone can do.

[This message has been edited by RachelJ (edited December 19, 2000).]