Dogarazzi: Week 46

I am pleased to report that Ted is completely trained on our invisible fence! He doesn’t stray anywhere near the boundaries of our yard for fear of being zapped, and putting the collar around his neck usually induces a somewhat mellow mindset in him. Most recently, Ted has loosened up enough about the fence that he scampers around, footloose and fancy-free without being scared. Best of all, he has the whole yard at his disposal, and he doesn’t get shushed for petty misdemeanors like chewing the magazine rack, scratching at the carpet, or getting into the baking supplies. In short, the invisible fence is a godsend for all parties involved.

Last week, JG had to attend his school’s sports banquet to give out an award, and I was home alone with Ted. Sometimes, solo sessions with the dog are really rewarding and sweet, but at other times, he can be a royal pain. After I got home that afternoon, I took Ted on a really long walk through the neighborhood to tire him out, but I knew that wouldn’t be enough for him to sit patiently on the couch with me. If I was able to catch him singlehandedly, I may have let him roam around the house while I ate dinner, but the fact is that Ted is a darn fast devil, and he understands that I do not have the stamina nor the agility to outsmart him. My solution was to walk Ted around the house on his loose indoor leash during the short time it took me to warm up my dinner, and then take the food out back. I collared up Ted and let him loose, and a fallen branch kept him occupied while I sat in my Crazy Creek chair, ate my leftover penne, and read The New Yorker.

After my leisurely meal, I chased Ted around the yard, and he ran circles around me at breakneck speed. Twenty minutes passed, and the little guy was so tuckered out that he did not protest one bit when I hooked the leash on him so I could take everything inside. Back in the house, I plopped Ted on his blanket, and settled in to the coveted corner seat of the sectional. My right hand held my magazine, and my left stroked a quiet, content Ted, who dozed off until he heard the sound of JG’s key in the lock. Instead of the possible hyperactivity and frazzle that can come from these nights alone, JG came home to a calm dog and wife, thanks to our outside playtime.

Recently, after he had just mowed the lawn, JG took Ted out to run around because the short grass would be so nice. He loves watching the dog tear around the yard because Ted angles himself into the tight turns with his little legs blurring under his body. Plus, Ted needed to learn how to fetch a Frisbee at some point, right? Sprinting on the freshly-cut grass yielded a surprising result: green paws! Hilarious.

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