I love taking both dogs for a walk, even though they can be challenging, with Cricket’s constant stopping to smell, and Luke wanting to pull when his sister wants to stop. I don’t like leaving Cricket behind, but some days it’s just what I need.
Yesterday was one of those days. The Dadz was home so he played ball early with the dogs; Cricket got her fun and exercise in, so I didn’t feel so bad leaving her behind to just take Luke. My hubby was headed to the dump anyway, and said he would take Cricket along. Usually Luke goes with Dadz but lately he hasn’t been too excited about getting in the truck (we’re not sure why). Cricket doesn’t love to ride either, but we still try to take her from time to time so that every time she gets in a vehicle she’s not headed for the vet.
So, with no guilt to deal with, Luke and I had a pretty much perfect walk. It didn’t hurt that the temperature was above freezing, the sun was shining, and we didn’t have to put on all our layers before heading out the door.
Taking Luke on a solo walk means he can choose his own pace, and I let him choose the way to go some of the time too. He knows the trails well, even knowing where we need to veer off and go back to avoid fallen trees that Cricket can’t usually navigate. If he goes off trail to smell something, he gets back on it.
This day, the deer had obviously also been enjoying the bit of warmer weather also, but with only one dog to watch, I could (mostly) keep Luke out of their droppings. I had a bag of treats, so we could also work on training (not having to wear gloves is a big help with that!). For some reason, he just seems to walk more nicely when his sister isn’t with us.
On the other hand, she also walks nicely when it’s just her. Maybe it’s me – and I can only handle one of my crazy dogs at a time! It’s those noses…while Luke is a Lab mix, we will never believe he doesn’t have beagle in him, or some scent hound breed (his DNA test said Dachshund!).
We looped around and back on our trails, and I didn’t spend nearly as much time sputtering as I often do. I was thankful to have a relaxing walk for a change, but that doesn’t mean Cricket won’t be coming next time. I’m sure mother nature won’t be giving us another day so nice for a while; I’m just glad Luke and I were able to get out and enjoy this perfect day together.
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What a nice walk, I love the warm weather we have been having.
Me too! I think ours is going to come to an end soon though. 🙁
I cannot walk both my dogs at the same time. There is definitely competition and much more pulling than when they are individual.
Treating is hard with the gloves. I bought those little stretch gloves, and while they aren’t too warm, they help. Of course my treat hand is now fingerless. LOL
Those nice weather days in the midst of the ick really do help, don’t they?
They really do! We’ve had so much dreary lately that every sunny day is greatly appreciated!
I’m glad it’s not just me that has trouble walking the dogs together. My only problem is that there is no way Luke is going to let me go out the door with only Cricket. I can only take her alone if the Dadz is around and takes Luke for a ride.
We don’t get the freezing cold which is fantastic, we just get cold and grey in winter.
BUT
It is summer now and we are SO enjoying the garden again!!
Marjorie and the Dash Kitten Crew.
Oh, you are so lucky! We’ve been a little warmer lately, but we’ve had a lot of that cloudy grey. If I could just see the sunshine, I’d be a little happier!
Out in the yard, walks aren’t an issue. But there’s no way I would walk on our busy road even alone never mind with either of the dogs. And I feel guilty leaving Shadow home to take Ducky anywhere else. (Even though I know her poor legs can’t handle long walks any more. It’s the knowing how much she used to enjoy them that strikes guilt at my heart.)
Yeah, it’s definitely not easy leaving Cricket behind! So we only do our solo walks about once a week, and only if Cricket has had her ball play time first.
Our road is so quiet, it’s crazy. You would love it.
Mommy gets Mrs Tammy to walk Tuiren while she walks me, the only time Mommy walks both of us together is when we are on our own property and we have a path that we stick to so all Mommy has to do is keep up with us as I Fenris like to fly around the path. Mommy is too chicken to try to walk both of us out in public where unexpected things can happen.
Trust me, I totally understand that! That is why we always stick close to home.
Pierre is our peeing boy while Bentley is the sniffer. Our walks are always fun and we don’t have to worry about the freezing temps down here. LOL!
I suppose if it was warm out, I might be more patient and open to meandering. But when it’s cold I’m in more of a rush to get back to the warm house! (plus the cold makes me have to pee…LOL)
It really sounds like you two had a terrific walk! Hope the hawks are staying away. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
No sign of the hawks, thank goodness!
You need another human to go on your walks so one can keep up with Cricket and the other can keep up with Luke. 🙂
Yes! If hubby goes with us, he can be up ahead with Luke, and Cricket and I can lag behind. He walked with us more before he went back to work. My sister comes with us sometimes too, and it does make things so much easier!
It’s tough when they’re so different.
If you’d like to take both of them at the same time it’d be best to wear out the more active pet with some playtime or vigorous exercize beforehand and then take them along for a walk together.
That is good advice, but it takes A LOT to wear Luke out! 🙂
I get to walk all by myself with Mom every day and I love it. My sisters go for walks and runs together. Mom says after walking 2 or sometimes 3 dogs at a time, one is so easy and relaxed. It’s good to split us up sometimes so we know there is life with just one of us doing something. Enjoy your walks!
I think that makes perfect sense, and you make me feel better about it. It just was easier when there were three dogs, and two left behind, but I know your Mom takes the two young ones and you stay home alone, Emma. I think when you girls are older, you’re a little more content to stay behind and nap.
I hear you… I had the same problem with our two huskies… I sometimes thought I come home without my arms… one pulled and thought he has to win iditarod while the other one waddled behind me and tried to find a treasure via nosework ;o)
Some days I wonder how far I can be stretched!! LOL