Without a Leash

Yesterday we celebrated Chet and Leota's 50th wedding anniversary and the dogs were not invited. They stayed home in Wooster in their crates while we celebrated. Ken and I drove separately because after dinner he was transportation to the airport for some of the relatives, so when the celebration was over, I drove home to Wooster. The dogs had been in their crates for a little over four hours and were eager to go outside when I got home. Usually when I take both dogs outside, I put the collar and leash on Rudy first because he gets right down to business and I have Emme wait on the porch. I take Rudy outside and when he is done, I return Rudy to the porch, take off his collar and leash and then put the collar and leash on Emme to take her outside. Yesterday, as I opened the door to take Rudy out, Emme dashed out the door. She had on no leash or collar and I was terrified that it would be the last time I ever saw her. I was afraid that she would run away and I would never be able to catch her. She ran to the edge of the house, squatted down and did her business. I called, "Good girl. Good hurry up. Come. Let's get a treat." She quickly ran straight back to the porch, dashed up the stairs and was ready for that treat. I was just lucky. The combination of having to go really bad and being eager to get a "good girl treat" saved me. I have learned my lesson. From now on, I will put the leash on both dogs before I let one out the door. I never want Emme outside without a leash until I know she is absolutely trained and will not leave the yard. A scary lesson.