Shadow Dogs - The Joy Of A Late Afternoon Walk

Late afternoon is one of my favorite times of day to walk dogs. The sun begins to move down across the sky and creats a world of shadows that transforms the street into a gallary of art. Small dogs look big; big dogs look huge. Angles create distorted images that remind me of carnival mirrors with every movement transforming the shadow into a everchanging moving image.

It's Time To Allow Dogs To Be True Members Of Society

What are some of your dog's favorite place to visit? Dogs are very social and benefit from interactions with both humans and other dogs. But sadly, misconceptions about dogs and the countless myths about their behavior has lead to an over abundance of these:

For dogs to be upstanding canine citizens they first need to be social and accepted as members of the community. This includes park trails for dogs to walk on-leash. On-leash walking trails give dogs to opportunity to meet and greet other dogs and humans while maintaining their own controlled space.  In addition, with the help of the leash, they have the opportunity to learn boundaries, get exercise to release energy, and experience the world around them in a controlled environment.

Dog parks allow dogs to run off leash is a safe area as they learn to interact with other dogs of a variety of personalities and temperaments. They allow dogs to find companionship and learn life lessons that they can only learn from other dogs.

Experience eliminates fear - Dogs who are involved and accepted in the community are better behaved.  Through social events they learn and understand what is expected of them in society.

It's not only the dogs need to learn. Humans need to learn how to properly interact with their canine companions. Quite often, this requires the willingness and ability to think like a dog. It's important to respect a dog's space, treat them with respect, and understand that a dog can't respond with words. When bullied or intentionally, or unintentionally, provoked they may react with a growl or a nip. It's important to know that these reactions do not make the dog viscous, they are simply be communicating pain or fear.

It's time to let "man's best friend" be given every opportunity to to be part of the community and bring the joy and companionship that will enhance the lives of all they meet.

Don't Ask The Groundhog...Your Dog Knows When Spring Is On The Way

I know spring is coming without ever looking at the calendar, feeling the change in weather, or seeing spring bulbs starting to pop out of the ground. Although they are all signs of spring, the most accurate information comes from the dogs I walk.

Nothing excites a dog's nose like the change in seasons. Winter walks are challenging with snow covering up grassy areas and piling up around trees limiting the accessible sniffing areas. With everything frozen, even the uncovered area must loose their excitement. Although many dogs love the cold weather, live to climb to the top of snow piles, and hop and dig through piles of white, as the months drag on they seem to get bored with the frozen landscape.

I always wait for the day to come. We go out on our walk as usual, but as soon as we exit the door I can tell things are different. Their nose starts to twitch. Ears perk up. It's not long before I know a new season is upon us! Walks are no longer "walks" they are short stops from one sniff spot to another. Some spots smell so good it is difficult to drag them away! Do they smell the flowers ready to emerge from their winter hiding spots? Does the grass smell different as it awakens from its winter sleep? It makes me wish I could enjoy the scents of spring this early in the season but I will have to wait. When the flowers start to bloom and the trees start to bud I will finally be aware of the change of season by the slight changes in the scent of the wind. Until then I will enjoy the excitement I see from the dogs and anticipate the beautiful weather that will soon be here.

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks or How I Learned To Play Fetch

Even as a puppy my Sheltie Dallas was never very excited to play. She loves her walks, is happy to socialize with everyone she meets, but show her a ball and she is not interested - fetch is just not in her vocabulary.

It's been a long, cold winter and Dallas's walks have been shorter than she (or I) would like. Hoping to give her a fun activity, and possibly some exercise, I thought I would once again introduce her to "the ball" and see if we could have a fun game of fetch.

I chose a nice pliable, medium size ball with a nice squeak. Will full enthusiasm I showed it to Dallas. She was happy to come and sniff, but then promptly walked away.

Her first negative reaction did not deter me.Thinking she needed some additional incentive I rubbed some peanut butter (one of her favorite treats) on the ball. For that she came running over but instead of picking up the ball she sat and licked it, all clean, with out ever taking it in her mouth.

Still determined to have some playtime, I rolled the ball, said "lets go get" and ran with her to get it. She happily ran with me then waited for me to pick up the ball and roll it once again with the command. Again we both ran to the ball so I could get it. This continued for a while and not once would she pick up the ball but she was always happy to run with me so I could go fetch it.

Not exactly what I had in mind but we had fun and we both had some exercise. Maybe she would prefer fetch with a stick...

7 Reasons To Walk Your Dog

There are lots of reasons to leash up your pup and "hit the road", "pound the pavement" or "take a stroll in the park". Running free in a fenced yard or playtime at a dog park are great but neither has as many health benefits as an old fashioned walk. I have compiled a list of my top seven reasons why you should walk your dog. Some of these reasons may surprise you.  Although the list is in no particular order, the first reason I am listing is my favorite.


1) A daily walk is a wonderful opportunity for bonding time with your pooch: There is nothing like experience long walks together in beautiful weather.  Although there will be days of rain, snow, or other inclement weather you need to take the bad with the good - together.

2) Walking is not only great exercise: Starting the day with an invigorating walk is a wonderful stress reliever.

3) Outdoor walking is great for your dog's feet: Walking on hard pavement will help file your dog's nails.

4) Dog's that get out and walk are better socialized: Running around in a fenced yard is very isolating. If your dog doesn't see people, other dogs and animals they will not learn proper behavior.

5) It helps them learn their neighborhood: As you walk with your dog they will learn the sounds and
smells of their neighborhood/ They will also mark their territory, leaving their scent along the way. This serves as a guide for them to find their way home in the event they wander away alone.

6) Walking is good for all ages: Puppies and young dogs need an outlet for their energy; adult dogs will benefit greatly from the daily exercise. Walking helps older dogs stay active in their senior years.

7) It helps prevent dogs from becoming fearful: Locked behind a high fence, dogs hear noises they don't understand and they have no way to investigate them. When out for a walk these noises surround them, they can see what they hear.  They take clues from you, their walker, that tells them if these noises are cause for alarm.

Nothing makes my dog, Dallas, happier than her daily walk. Even if it is just a short walk around the block I can tell she enjoys every minute...and so do I.