Chapter Sixteen: The Skagar Family Remains United

This time, Chen Na agreed readily. After all, walking the dog was a daily necessity, and it made no difference to her when she did it. What no one expected was that, without any preparation, Chen Na intended to open the door straightaway. One must bear in mind that this Alaskan dog had bitten two people in quick succession. Even so, she didn’t bother to put a leash on her dog. It was difficult to say whether she was simply careless or had never considered the biting to be an issue.

Zhang Congwen intervened in time, insisting that the Alaskan dog be leashed. Chen Na’s response was that she felt leashing her precious dog would restrict its freedom and cause it discomfort. Only after Zhang Congwen’s persistent insistence and Song Jiawei’s persuasion did Chen Na reluctantly agree to put the leash on the Alaskan.

Originally, Zhang Congwen had wanted the dog to wear a muzzle too, but Chen Na claimed she didn’t have one at home. Helpless, they had to make do.

No one imagined that what should have been a simple outing to walk the dog would take fifteen minutes to prepare. It was enough to drive anyone mad.

Once outside with the leash, the Alaskan’s demeanor improved markedly, becoming lively and energetic. Yet it was clearly unused to the collar-type leash, making several attempts to break free, but ultimately failing.

As the four descended to the ground floor, the Alaskan suddenly burst forward with explosive force. Chen Na was unprepared, nearly pulled off her feet by the dog’s strength, and almost lost her grip on the leash. Fortunately, Zhang Congwen was ready and grabbed the leash in time, averting disaster.

Chen Na said nothing, but her displeasure was evident on her face. Zhang Congwen, however, ignored it entirely.

After returning control of the leash to Chen Na, the Alaskan remained as excitable as before, eager to dash outward. Chen Na, being slender, was no match for the dog’s strength. Nor did she attempt to restrain its surges; instead, she jogged behind, trailing after it as it pulled ahead.

This scene looked less like a person walking a dog and more like a dog walking its person.

Zhang Congwen could see that Chen Na had no control over the Alaskan. If it tried to bite someone again, she would be utterly powerless to stop it.

Unable to bear the chaotic display, Zhang Congwen seized the leash from Chen Na, determined to curb the Alaskan’s behavior.

Yet as soon as the leash was in his hand, the Alaskan lunged again. Even the robust Zhang Congwen was dragged a couple of steps forward by the dog’s strength.

Once steady, the Alaskan seemed oblivious to the change in handler, still excitedly surveying its surroundings, poised for another burst. But Zhang Congwen stood his ground like a tree with deep roots, refusing to advance even half a step. Whenever the dog tried to surge forward, he yanked the leash sharply back.

“What are you doing?” Chen Na cried out, distressed as Zhang Congwen pulled the leash. She already felt that leashing her dog made it uncomfortable, and now the collar was pressed tightly against the Alaskan’s neck, which pained her as if it were her own.

Song Jiawei quickly stepped in, gently persuading Chen Na from the side.

Zhang Congwen ignored everything but the Alaskan. Each time the dog made a move, he would tug the leash back forcefully.

The Alaskan turned, puzzled, to look at Zhang Congwen—perhaps recalling the intimidation it felt yesterday at Peace Wetland Park—immediately becoming much more subdued. Yet this calm did not last; the thrill of being outdoors soon overcame it, and it began lunging again.

Zhang Congwen was relentless, pulling the leash back every time. After more than twenty repetitions, the Alaskan finally understood what Zhang Congwen wanted, and came quietly to stand at his feet.

Witnessing this, Chen Na was astonished. Zhang Congwen’s earlier lectures had failed to convince her; she had doubted his ability, suspecting him of empty theorizing, though she had not shown it outwardly. Deep down, she had thought him a man of words, not action.

But now, seeing the dog’s obedience, she was finally somewhat convinced. Yet her admiration was overshadowed by her concern for her precious dog.

Once the Alaskan could remain quietly by Zhang Congwen’s side, he set off walking. The situation improved dramatically—the dog’s excitement ebbed, and it watched Zhang Congwen’s movements attentively, sticking close to him and matching his pace.

Though occasional bursts still occurred, Zhang Congwen stopped each time, tugging the leash back until the Alaskan calmed and returned to his side.

After several repetitions, the dog finally ceased its lunging and adopted a normal state.

Zhang Congwen then returned the leash to Chen Na. Unexpectedly, the Alaskan behaved well at first, but after a few steps, its old habits resurfaced.

Instinctively, Chen Na mimicked Zhang Congwen’s technique, yanking the leash sharply back. Afterwards, she felt a pang of guilt.

But as she thought about it, her precious dog behaved so obediently with Zhang Congwen, yet reverted to its unruly ways with her. An imperceptible sense of jealousy arose in Chen Na’s heart.

Spurred by this, she gave another sharp tug, and the Alaskan obediently returned to her side. Chen Na was instantly filled with a sense of satisfaction.

After circling the neighborhood and confirming the Alaskan had no new issues, they suggested returning home.

Yet as they reached the building where Chen Na lived, the Alaskan resisted, utterly unwilling to go upstairs. No matter how hard Chen Na pulled, it stood immobile. Only when Zhang Congwen took the leash again did the dog miraculously comply.

Back in the living room, Chen Na was noticeably warmer than before, not only offering seats but also pouring water for everyone—something even she did not realize.

“It’s about time; the training should be finished,” Zhang Congwen said after checking his phone.

Upon returning to Chen Na’s home, Zhang Congwen gave her further instructions—reminding her to persist with the training, and advising against wearing impractical shoes like high heels when walking the dog.

Casually, Zhang Congwen asked, “How far do you walk it each day?”

Chen Na thought for a moment and estimated, “Usually about a kilometer. If I’m not busy, maybe three kilometers.”

Zhang Congwen was speechless. He marveled at Chen Na’s luck in owning such a good dog. The distance she walked the Alaskan was far short of the exercise a normal Alaskan requires—about five kilometers per day would be appropriate.

The fact that this Alaskan had not destroyed the house was nothing short of a miracle.

After explaining the proper walking distance, Song Jiawei discreetly asked Zhang Congwen, “What’s the right amount to charge this time?”