I’ve never been one who walked my dogs every day. For so many years we had multiple dogs and a fenced in yard, and they always got lots of fresh air and most of their exercise playing in the yard. I did walk some of them sometimes, particularly our beagle Kobi who didn’t play, and our golden retriever Sheba who was easier to walk when she got older. It was never daily though, usually hit-or-miss, and not on a regular schedule.
All that has changed now. We’re a one dog family and that one dog doesn’t play fetch like his siblings did. When we still had Sheba, she and Luke would play together a lot, so I always felt like he was getting enough exercise. After we lost her, I tried to walk him more; sometimes alone and sometimes with Cricket. He did at least play in the yard some, but with Cricket now gone he just doesn’t get the game.
Luke can be a funny dog; he alternates between being high energy and being a couch potato. When he sleeps, he sleeps hard, but until he’s ready for that? He needs his exercise and he needs to be entertained.
We have just recently finally gotten into a regular routine and walks have now become almost daily. We were doing that even when it was still way colder than it should have been, but now that spring has finally arrived I am enjoying those walks much more. We might skip a rainy or busy day here and there, but for the most part we’re on a regular schedule of walks, even though the time of day can be different depending on what work I need to do that day.
Not only have those walks become routine, but I feel like Luke and I have been finding our rhythm – he is walking more nicely (far less pulling), and I am being more patient when he wants to stop and sniff.
I often let him choose our route. We walk in our own woods and we have a few different trails, so we can go different ways and change it up most days. On the occasion when I want to go a certain way, I just take a step or two in that direction and he is right with me. I might say “this way” but even when I don’t, he quickly catches on. It’s like we’re in sync, each sensing what the other might like. I can suddenly switch directions and he’s right with me.
The only times he pulls are when he sees a squirrel or chipmunk (we’ve been seeing wild turkeys on our walks lately but luckily, he’s had his nose to the ground and hasn’t noticed them), or sometimes at the very beginning of our walk when he’s excited. That’s a long way from where he was before when he and Cricket would be pulling me two different ways. I used to get impatient when he’d stop at the same places on every walk and sniff endlessly. Our beagle Kobi was like that too, and I’d be urging him on, so we could get our exercise and our time in! Now, however, I just let Luke do his thing. If I need more exercise, I’ll get it another way (I plan to start running again soon).
He also checks in with me on walks on his own. I don’t have to call him to me, he’ll just stop and come see me and then I tell him to “watch me”, he makes eye contact, and then gets rewarded with a treat.
The only disagreement we have on walks is over the deer poop he insists on eating every chance he gets (and we apparently have a lot of deer in our woods!).
I’ve even noticed that Luke is calmer when I’m putting his harness on for our walk. He actually holds still while I do it! I don’t know if he’s just finally learning that it goes quicker if he does, or if having his sister staring at the door and fidgeting when she was waiting was winding him up more!
He still does insist, however, on biting the leash as we head out the door, so we still have a little bit of work to do. I never expected perfection, and I am very thankful for the progress we have made!
Thank you to our friends at Brian’s Home for hosting the Thankful Thursday blog hop. Please visit other blogs through the links below!
Walking is such an important part of our days–I’m so looking forward to summer vacation (2 weeks!) when I have unlimited time to walk both dogs separately because walking Rye does nothing for my sanity and I need some solo walks with Barley. I’m hoping that some solo walks with Rye help make walking her a bit more relaxing, too, but I’m not holding my breath 🙂 I’m so glad that you and Luke have gotten in sync with each other–when Barley and I walk just the two of us, it definitely feels like she reads my mind.
I’m sure you’ll get there with Rye eventually too, especially if you have more time for solo walks when you can really work with her.
Now you are seeing why I get up at 4:45 every morning, to walk the dogs separately. It is so much easier – one on one.
I admit, during the weeks, I can tend to be easily frustrated with the stopping for sniffing, (work/dinner.) But on the weekends, I usually like to let them take their time. Because Sampson’s morning walks are timed, I have to watch that he doesn’t get too caught up in something. He’s had walks where he hasn’t gotten very far.
I have no advice regarding the deer poop, except if you see it before he does, you could maybe change your course, or try to get his focus on you. Delilah has gotten a whole lot better with LEAVE IT, I can generally get her off most things. And the poop, if she just sniffs and turns away, or pees on it, I give her lots of praise and treats.
Luke definitely needs work on his “leave it” when it comes to certain things, such as deer poop outside and tissues inside! We’ll keep at it. The problem is it’s often half buried under leaves so I can’t see it before he smells it out!
Walks can be a very special time together. It’s good for humans to stop being busy for a while and enjoy nature and the things around them.
You are right about that, Clowie. It’s as good for us humans as it is for you dogs!
It is hard to come out of the fog but I am glad y’all are making strides! ♥
Once in a while the fog descends again, but we’re still making forward progress. ♥
I am glad you are finding a new normal with Luke.
Glad you and Luke are finding your rhythm. And one advantage of daily walks…you’re getting your exercise too!
And I need it, that’s for sure. 🙂
We can always be thankful for progress. One of these days it will be perfect and you’ll be glad you kept at it.
Have a fabulous Thankful Thursday. ♥
‘Looks like you guys are having a good time! I have a halter and leash and The Female Human takes me out in the garden but, if the truth be told, I do more rolling than walking. But we have fun anyway!
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Alberto
Samantha enjoys some outdoor ventures too, but she mostly prefers to just eat grass! 🙂
One thing is for sure, training one dog is much easier than having multiple dogs. I’m sure you will find your new rhythm, and you will both enjoy it.
It is easier, but it would still be my preference to have multiples. But I think Luke is going to do better being on his own. So we’ll make the most of it!
Walking your dog is the best way to connect with them. Despite Dolly insisting on being in charge we still wouldn’t miss it. Glad Luke is adjusting to his new routine! Sandra and Dolly
Luke still has his moments, like when he almost pulled my shoulder out going after a chipmunk the other day! LOL
I love our daily walks, too. We don`t have a yard and so it is necessary for us walking regularly. So I wish you much fun with your daily routine… 🙂
It warms the cockles of my heart to read this! I “knew” this post would come at some point, but I wasn’t sure exactly when….
Shortly after Callie got her angel wings, Ducky started acting much sweeter toward Shadow. When I mentioned that to the vet, he said that sometimes when a {furry sibling}* passes on, a pet will come out of its shell, so to speak, and be more social with other pets in the household. (*my words, not his) Or, if there are no other pets, he or she will start to blossom without the competition for the humans’ attention. And in Ducky’s case, it is so true. And from reading your post, I believe that is what’s happening with your sweet, precious Luke.
I hope Luke can keep doing better and better. I do think your vet was right about all that, and thank you for sharing it!
Those daily walks are paradise for us and your post reminds me I should be more patient about letting the resident ‘sniffer’ have more time exploring the world the way he processes it.
It’s easier to do that when you only have one, or if both of yours are willing to stop and smell the same things….sometimes endlessly! LOL
It’s so nice you two are both enjoying your walks together. Luke, deer poop, really? Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
You cats don’t understand….it’s a dog delicacy. 🙂
Love, Luke
Katy got more walks after Bailey died, but once Annie came along the two of them are like wild children in the back yard together. They still get walks but not as much as they get most of their exercise playing with each other chasing squirrels, etc.
I always figure as long as they’re getting their exercise in some way, that’s what matters most!
Sounds like you two are having a good time on your walks! I take Layla for a walk every day at 10, and she always lets me know when it’s time to go. Thankfully, no deer poop on our suburban sidewalks 🙂
Oh, you’re so good to be on such a regular schedule! I like to keep Luke guessing as to when we’ll go. ha ha. Actually, now the weather is getting nicer we’ll hopefully be on a morning schedule anyway.
Sounds like things are moving forward well! We have the deer poop problem in our yard too, but we’re able to keep Daisy clear of it. Love the selfie!
Now the grass is turning green and he wants to stop and eat that too! At least that’s better than deer poop, since it doesn’t seem to bother his stomach. 🙂
it’s great that you are such a super walking team ;o) I hear you for the deer poop… specially the rabbit bonbons are a challenge… oh deeeeer.