A big step for little Boone

[Jeri]

Big t-storms were heading our way yesterday, so I headed straight home from the train station in hopes of beating the rain, and I made it.  Unfortunately, the rains came seconds after I got home, so I had three dachsies with full bladders that HAD to go out in the storm.   Skeeter and Poldie know enough to stay close to the house where it is driest, get it over and head right back inside.    Booney is not that bright and fears that he will melt in the rain.  He flet the first few drops and  he ran right back in the house.  I put him outside a couple more times, and he ran back in before I could even shut the door.  I went outside with him, and he froze, then headed back to the door. 

So I thought that if I put the leash on him, Boone will stay put and go potty.  Past experience has taught that Boone will not take even one step while on a leash.  He just freezes in place as long as the leash is on him, and if he has to stay there long enough, eventually he will go potty.  So I stood out there getting wet with him, AND...nothing.  We just stood there getting wet.  Then the real downpour came, and there was nothing to do but head toward the house.

Now this is the exciting part!  I took a step toward the house, and so did Boone!  I walked all the way to the door, and so did Boone!  I went inside, and Booney follwed me!  Once safe and dry inside, I thought Boone would freeze again, but just to be sure I walked through the kitchen, dining room, hallway, and into the nerdery, and Boone stayed with me every step of the way! 

Boone has never taken a step while on a leash before!    

Once in the nerdery I put down a potty pad, and...nothing.  I ended up having Boone sit on my lap until the storm passed, and later he went out, off leash, and pottied.

The whole leash thing is not a big deal for most dogs, but we have had him over a year, and finally he walked on a leash!  He didn't go where I wanted him to go, and he didn't do what I wanted him to do, but he walked and I am celebrating! 

[Teresa]

That is wonderful. It is hard to get any dog to start walking on a leash, especially an adult one. I'm proud of Boone for finally doing this. Too bad you had to stand in the rain and get wet for him to finally get the idea. At least he didn't potty in the house!
Hopefully he has decided that leashes aren't so bad after all.
Boone, I think a few treats are in order here!

[Barb]

Boone - you rock dude   :thumb:

Jeri - that is great !!!  A big step forward !!!   

[Sandishooligans]

What an accomplishment!  Excellent Booney!  All your aunties are very proud of you!   :thumb: