Splashing in the lake
06/18/2003
Saba and I headed out last night to do a little swimming and a little relaxing. I was exhausted from the lack of sleep Monday night but my baby was a bundle of energy.
We headed to the leash free dog park on the lake. It’s a spot we like to frequent. Saba gets to play with lots of other dogs, jump in the lake and play again. We see some of the regulars there and there is an opportunity to chit chat as the dogs play. Interesting, intelligent conversations and some nice owners. One gentleman I talk to has runs an international business, there is a trust fund guy and other assorted folks. Mostly nice dogs and nice owners.
One thing I have noticed is that the higher the income level, the less control the owners have over there dogs. Last night we were playing by the lake when we met up with 2 standard poodles. The man that owns them drives a very expensive vehicle, has a very expensive watch and just has the upscale look. Well Saba is just a happy go lucky kind of dog. Loves to play with everyone and is a good sport. Saba was lounging in the lake and playing with a couple of other dogs when the brown poodle starts to growl and get aggressive. Saba started to back away and we head up the trial. The poodle went into major aggressive mode. The poodle, hair raised, teeth out, growling goes toward Saba again. I let out with the authoritative voice, WRONG, and the poodle looks up and stops. I again use the big voice, BAD DOG, and the poodle timidly backs away. The owner in his timid voice is talking to his dog, “get over here“ and the dog ignores him. Confrontation avoided and we head up the trail. It just makes me wonder, why do you have big dogs and not have control over them? Are they just show pieces? Do you ever do any training with them? I know Saba is spoiled, he is a bundle of energy but when he gets commands, he listens. He is on his best behavior when we are out in public. He never wanders far from me and always comes back to check in if he is ahead of me on a trial. I guess I have worked hard with him and it shows.
(Note to Cranky: OFF at home does not count, he just loves you!)
