photo: markomni
Happy Fourth of July!!!
I followed the advice of other dog owners and took the dogs for a long walk at Strawberry Fields. We walked around the fields nearly 2 times (that’s about 2 miles) and then I took the dogs into the dog park to play. My goal was to squeeze every ounce of energy out of them. We’ll head back this afternoon.
Today, it was just me with the dogs. I love it when my boyfriend joins us, because we have fun chats and the dogs always crack us up. When I’m on my own, I use the walk as a time of reflection and most of it is about the dogs. There’s nothing like three dogs to keep you focused on the now.
My random thoughts while walking the dogs…
Car Prowls at the Dog Park
Whenever I pull into the dog park I ask myself “gravel of concrete?” There are two areas to park. The gravel area is the parking for the dog park. The concrete is the parking for the soccer fields. The car prowls happen in the gravel area. So the question is “do you feel lucky? well do you? punk.”
The car was safe and secure today.
To Leash the Dogs or Not to Leash the Dogs
Sydney stays close by making her the perfect dog for off leash walking. Rodrigo feels the need to greet every dog in the area, making him a great candidate for the leash. Blue is becoming a mini-Rigo, making him a great candidate for the leash. Of course, if Rodrigo is on the leash, Blue will stay close by too. All dogs need to be on the leash until we enter the dog park, so not only am I testing the waters to see if off leash walking is possible (empty soccer fields, no dogs near by, no Frisbee golf players), I’m also breaking the law.
So, Kimberly, do you feel that since you live with a cop, the law doesn’t apply to you? Of course not.
The dogs were off leash today.
Dammit, There’s Another Dog Here
Okay so the first clue should have been the only other vehicle in the parking lot (gravel and concrete). And, yes, I’m at the dog park so isn’t the point of being at the dog park to socialize with other dogs. Yes and no.
We’re still dealing with the humping and although every interaction is an opportunity to train Rodrigo. He gets three strikes: he humps, he gets a verbal “nope,” and then he goes on the leash and has to sit next to me. He’s starting to make the connection between humping and losing play time.
So I was hoping (1) for a peaceful walk with my pack alone and (2) a great chance to practice recall. 1 out of 2 ain’t bad. The dogs did GREAT with their recall. I still use Casey Jones Bones (broken in small pieces) as training treats.
Always Be Selling
Of course, if there are other dog lovers, I have to share Keep the Tail Wagging and a business card. I gave out two today. Many times when walking the dogs, we’ll come up with great ideas for Keep the Tail Wagging. We have a product that we’re thinking of bringing to market (it’s a secret) and I come up with great ideas for articles.
What Smells Bad to Me is Ambrosia for Dogs
There aren’t many pitfalls to walking the dogs at Strawberry Fields. What I look out for are when all three dogs are fascinated by a smell and then Sydney starts trying to figure out how to get her neck on that smell. That’s about when you’ll see me yelling “Syd Sdy, no! No, Sydney! Sydney Come!” She has great recall, right after she’s rolled around in a dead bird or mouse. Yayyyy.
There’s another section of the fields where grass is rotting in a creek. That smells lovely. And when I say lovely, I mean you’ll want to throw up in your mouth. The dogs love running through that creek. Another great opportunity to practice recall.
It’s Hot. Do I Really Want to Come Back?
So I started this post this morning and now it’s the afternoon. I haven’t been writing all day, just here and there. It’s time to head back out for another walk. It’s a gorgeous day today and it’s time for me to get out there and enjoy it. Have a wonderful, fun, and safe Fourth of July!
Do you use your dog walks to ponder?
July 4, 2012
Fur Mom Confessions