One pup, the Guardian, sits in the doorway protecting the "ball" and utters challenges to the others to try and steal the ball away and escape to the yard.
The others try to charge or sneak up to get the ball and then get past the Guardian for a final sprint down the hall and out of the dog door.
It is perfectly legal for the White Dogs to work cooperatively to win the prize and this is when it is most fun to watch the game. It is also when White Dog must be most vigilant to make sure there is no nipping, or poor conduct that takes place in the excitement. When that happens play is interrupted and White Dog recalibrates the game for fairness.
Zsofia is an expert Guardian and she also talks a good round of "smack" challenges.
Sachi has the best sneak attack. And Bailey presents a good one-on-one challenger. But it is seeing the pack instincts of Bella, Pearl and Opal creating distraction and constantly moving that pushes Zso's skills. And while they are working their trio smoke and mirrors, Sachi dashes in, nabs the ball, scoots under Zso's belly and, with the help of Bailey and Opal blocking, escapes to score.
The next round usually sees Sachi as Guardian. He is little but he is a fierce protector of the ball; his noises along are intimidating.
Bailey is learning the game quickly and has tried her hand at Guarding...and now Tizenegy, who still watches from the sidelines adds barking color commentary and seems interested in participating. Like Bella, he likes the distraction decoy attack position.
I look at Steve. "How could a professional football game on television be any more exciting than this?" he asks.
1 comment:
Oh, Zsofia the Guardian pic is so beautiful. Our Bandit is the keep of *all* toys here. She could not have been given a better monicker! And who knew? I guess the universe did!
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