In a peculiar twist to canine education, Tim Dowling finds himself embroiled in his wife's unconventional dog training regime, which involves stealthy games of hide-and-seek amidst the oak trees of their local park. This unexpected approach stems from their pet's recent graduation from basic dog school, a milestone marked by a certificate bearing the simple word "Completed" without further accolades.
The Unusual Training Method Unveiled
During a rare midweek joint dog walk, Dowling's wife abruptly interrupts his monologue about email troubles by darting behind a large oak tree, urging him to do the same. Initially mistaking this for an avoidance tactic aimed at an unwelcome acquaintance, Dowling soon realises they are concealing themselves from their own dog. The pet, momentarily distracted by a puddle, panics upon losing sight of her owners, frantically searching before spotting them and expressing relief with exuberant leaps and twists.
His wife explains that this hide-and-seek exercise is a core component of Intermediate Dog School, designed to teach the dog to remain within their "orbit." Despite the completion of initial classes, the dog's behaviour remains unpredictable, often leading to troublesome incidents, particularly when out with Dowling alone.
Park Encounters and Canine Conflicts
The training's effectiveness is put to the test in subsequent outings. One lunchtime, Dowling returns home with the dog looking disheartened after a skirmish with another pet named Violet, whom he describes as "violent." Though unharmed, their dog bears a tooth mark, highlighting ongoing social challenges.
Another awkward episode unfolds when their dog and another swap balls during play, refusing to exchange them back, leading to a prolonged and frustrating standoff. Dowling humorously suggests swapping dogs as a solution, met with silence from the other owner. Eventually, boredom prompts their dog to abandon the ball and focus on excavating a large hole in the field.
Taking Training into His Own Hands
Seizing an opportunity to practise the hide-and-seek technique, Dowling crouches behind a tree while the dog digs intently. As minutes tick by, he checks his phone, answers texts, and scans headlines, feeling increasingly peculiar about the situation. After seven minutes, the dog finally ceases digging and approaches, passing the tree before noticing him crouched there with a bewildered tilt of the head.
Dowling's dry remark, "That's right, you came here with me. Remember?" underscores the absurdity of the training method. This anecdote sheds light on the quirky lengths pet owners go to in refining their dogs' behaviour, blending humour with the realities of animal companionship.
The story reflects a broader theme of family dynamics and the often-ridiculous endeavours undertaken in the name of pet education, leaving readers amused by the dog's antics and the couple's persistent efforts.
