An Atlas a day!

Jun 15, 2026 4:39 PM

I do let him chase the chippies, but only because I know he can’t catch them. He gets to run and chase in a safe spot. He only does it when I give him his release command.

I should say that I mostly HATE flexi leads and usually don’t advise people using them. They are not safe and offer no control to the handler. I’ve heard too many horror stories. However, I do use one on walks like this where I want him tethered, but also want him to have a bit more freedom of movement. I will also use a long line, but the one I currently have is cloth and starting to break down. I’d like to get a neoprene one, but it’s at the bottom of my long list of things I need to purchase. I also carry a regular leash in case I find myself in a situation where I might need better/safer control. Honestly, it’s more in case we encounter another dog that is being aggressive, of which there are several on my neighborhood.

Anyway, much love from my chippie chaser and me.

I was expecting him to bring back a human bone

1 month ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Oh my, the self-control and obedience of that dog. He sprung forward like a bullet as soon as you gave him permission! Such a good little boy 😍

1 month ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

so cute

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My corgi is starting to pick up focus really well. Blows my mind. In stressful situations she’s still hit or kid 50/50 but that’s a huge improvement from nothing.

1 month ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Haha, cheeky Atlas chasing things.

1 month ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Be sure to check him for ticks now and then. Lyme diseae is no joke.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I use a long biothane leash combined with a zippy leash for extra range because my doggo will chase any huntable, non flying animal so I can rarely let her run free. As long as you can read a situation and know your dog all is well :) also she doesn't run into her leash at full speed anymore but I still use a harness with any lenghty lines

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

He's such a good boy. I hope things are going better for you right now.

1 month ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

let slip the dogs of DAWH!!!!

1 month ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Dogs are better than people

1 month ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The leash I have is nylon, almost like a car seat belt, two meters long, and it's got six handles. I don't know if it's available where you are, but it might be perfect for you. Enough length to let the dog sniff around and you can easily shorten it up when you need them to stay closer

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Such a good listener <3
The retractable leashes are fine as long as you know when/why they are/aren't appropriate for the situation. And it sounds like you definitely do. :)

1 month ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 1

It's a breed thing as well, ACDs (or border collies?) like Atlas aren't known for testing the lead

1 month ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Very true, they're not appropriate for all dogs, even in the "best" of circumstances. It's up to the owner to make smart decisions about how to keep their pet safe since they know their pet best.

1 month ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

But please stop using them with collars and use them with harnesses. They can really lead to terrible injury or worse.

1 month ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Oh yeah, excellent point!
We had one for my pup who was SO non reactive (she stood there when we got attacked by dogs, thankfully I was always able to just pick her up to keep her safe), never once chased after rabbits or cats, etc. She wanted to say hi to other dogs but it was always a mellow excitement.
But we still ALWAYS had her on a harness with it for her own safety.

1 month ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

what are your thoughts on the bungie leads? I've heard mixed about training and pulling, but my Doberman does really well with one. Trouble is she never pulls with me, but my friend was dog sitting and said she pulls like crazy. I don't know how to train it out of her if she never does it with me.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I think bungie leads are good for hiking, especially if you’re doing something a bit steeper where your dog may rock hop. But for street/city walks, I prefer a standard leash. If your dog pulls for your friend and not you, it might mean you guys have to work together to teach your dog not to pull for them either.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

There are Youtube videos about how to train a dog to not pull on a leash. The basic method, for your friend to do; soon as the dog starts to pull, stop walking, completely. Wait for the dog to stop pulling (maybe even sit), then start walking again. Repeat as needed. Really simple.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

yeah, but she doesn't pull with me, so I can't teach her. And I'm not there to keep my friend that dogsits consistant.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I meant, teach your friend how to train the dog. Your friend trains the dog, not you. If you don't want to do that, your dog will never learn to stop pulling.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Graveyard?

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm vacationing in Maine right now, literally passed like 8 run down graveyards yesterday. Someone comes and knocks down weeds every once in a while. They're just absolutely everywhere, no one could keep up.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yep, we live right next to it. I forage there a lot in the spring.

1 month ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0