Friday With Lexi...

Friday April 3rd, I went for a jog with a friend of mine early in the morning. I came home and then took Lexi out for her morning walk. My idea was to take her to the tennis courts near us, as I can close the gates and let her off leash to run around without her running away. My idea was while she ran off energy I could do some post-jog stretching. We lasted about 10 minutes before she found something to eat... the pit of a plum with some of the fruit on it. I tried to get to come to me so I could take it away. Of course she would not come. I gave her the command to leave it, of course she did not. I spent 5 minutes trying to get her to drop it/come to me that when I finally did get a hold of her I was none too happy.

In fact I was livid!

I was kneeling at this point and had her by the collar. I threw her to the ground and held her in the submissive position our trainer recommended. I told her, "That's IT! We are done here! We are going home!" I clipped her leash on and I the phrase "I could kill you right now" went through my head. Let me explain this... I was really upset at her because she may have eaten the pit of that plum, which could potentially cause trouble for her bowels = $$$$ vet bills.

So, no more play time and we went directly home at a fast walk. All the while in my head is running... "I'm DONE with this!! She rarely comes when called! I'm TIRED of trying to train her and getting no where! I don't want her anymore! She can go to someone else!" Meanwhile, on the other end of the leash...

Lexi, is walking in perfect heel position, as I have been training her, or rather constantly fighting with her about. Plus, she keeps looking up at me to see what I'm doing. So, along with all the thoughts above are these thoughts... "Oh, sure! NOW, you understand heel. NOW you stop pulling on the leash! NOW you be a darling, responsive dog! Now that I'm seeing red I'm so mad at you!" I'm also thinking how I don't want to always have to walk around angry to get her to walk beside me properly. SIGH!!! I didn't even dare to praise her because as soon as I do that, she'll know I'm not as upset as I was and the tug of war will start all over again.

LORD or whomever!! Please give me strength! I love my puppy, I love my puppy, I love my puppy!

Honestly, I really do!