Walk Softly and Bark at a Big Stick

There has been a big stick in the open space behind us threatening our house for the last few days. At least our dog, Dodger, seems to think it is threatening us.

Dangerous stick

When Dodger, ever alert, first spotted the stick he barked at it like crazy, and Dodger is not usually a big barker. When his most fearsome bark didn't scare the stick away he switched to a new tactic, crouching down and creeping toward the door, very low to the ground, going for the surprise ambush before he let out a bark. Again, the stick showed no fear and stayed put. Even in his failure to chase the stick away, Dodger has remained valiant, keeping vigil at the door with his eye on the stick. He has tried a couple of other tactics, like dozing off from time to time, trying to fool the stick into thinking his alertness had waned, or even walking away for a while and returning to try the barking or sneaking up maneuver.  Alas, the stick and Dodger remain in a standoff.

I guess tonight I will have to take him out to the field to have a go at the stick, or at least to lift his leg on it so that stick will know who is in charge.