Operation Bonnie Fetch

Things are a'changin in our pack.

Given the recent harmonious dischord between Beth and Bonnie I have had to make some changes.

One change has been in how they are exercised. I have been splitting them up for their runs on the river.  What I have seen is a complete change in both Bonnie and Beth. 

Since Bonnie was a puppy she has had no interest in toys.  Really...none.  She would play with the other dogs, tackle them, wrestle, imitate a wild hyena in my living room, but the minute the toys came out - poof she was gone.  Beth took over. 

When the dogs played at the river - Bonnie chased them, bit them, ripped them, herded them...uhh you get the picture.

My focus the past couple of weeks has been to redirect Bonnie, hopefully changing her bad manners while playing.  We have been working very hard on this, trying to remove the incentive for Bonnie to herd the other dogs, rewarding her for focusing her attention on the ball or toy vs another dog.

We have had a break through!

Behold...Bonnie has a ball in her mouth!

She stalks the ball

She retrieves the ball

 She prances around with the ball in her mouth like it is a prized gem.

Oh yeah, she has the ball groove goin' on

Is this a happy dog?  A relaxed dog?  A dog having fun? 

Or a dog being encouraged to mindlessly chase an inanimate object?  Wasting her brain and her life?  Like a dog on drugs?  Nah... She is happy, joyful and content. 

Yesterday I felt the need for some beach time.  Just me, my camera and a dog - getting away from the insanity of the holiday.  Bonnie loves road trips, she loves being with me and I love the beach.  I thought it would be a good way to put to test her new found love of fetch.

When she realized where we were....she started yipping, barking and dancing in the seat.

I opened the car door...and whoooosh...she was out.  Then I looked, she was standing 20 feet away looking at me with a look I am so familiar with on Beth's face.

THROW THE BALL CAMERA FACE!

YEEEEE HAW!

And throw it I did

In the water

 

In the sand

Lots and lots of sand, much of it in Bonnie's mouth

 

Into the water again, let's get the sand out of the chops

Ugh, Mom, I forgot what that tasted like...

"Bonnie, GET THE BALL!  It is getting away!"

"Uhhh, Mom, that is a wave, I don't do waves..."

Good Girl!

She is quite pleased with herself.

She should be...I am

After Bonnie was good and tired, we sat on a log.  Enjoyed watching the sun set over the water.  The kites flying over our head.  Soaking up the peace, happiness and contentment that is the beach.

Ahhhhh...that felt great.