Four Positive Paws

What does a successful walk actually look like?

When I ask this question, most people answer with distance.
"We walked three miles."
"We walk for at least an hour."

Our dogs don't measure ejoymment in miles. like humans might.

They experience their walks from their perspective, scent, safety, stimulation.

A successful walk might be twenty minutes in a less busy space which could be Urban, Suburban or in the Countryside.

It might involve stopping to sniff every point of interest.

It might mean seeing one dog at a comfortable distance instead of ten dogs up close.

It might mean coming home relaxed instead of exhausted.

As humans, we often focus on where we walked and how long we walked for or how many times a day we walk.

Our dogs are far more interested in how they experienced it.

Is it time to think about our walks differently?

What would change if your goal was a calm , relaxed dog rather than a long walk?

The Cat, the Crow and the Jogger.

This morning's walk presented us with all of the above.

First the Cat, stood, staring then ran, in a straight line all the way down the road. This created excitement, a bit of frustration and some pulling.

A lovely recovery which is a huge improvement.

Next the Crow. A huge Crow landed just across the street. It peaked interest and the need to pause, stare and process the sight, sound and scent.

We waited for as long as he neeeded and moved on when he was ready.

Then the Jogger, running from behind us, a little concern as we gently crossed the road to create some distance. Watching by a tree that was used as a natural comforter with some long grass to sniff while the jogger passed.

This was all in a short space of time. No barking, a little pulling, quick recovery and ready to rest and relax now.

Our walks can include a lot of input for our dogs.

Even if our dog doesn't appear to react or seems to cope well, we can consider what it might be like from our dogs perspective.

If we later see some excessive barking or our dog seems to struggle to settle, it may often be more than just something in the moment.

New Hope do amazing work.

I know that all rescues need support in many ways.

A simple donation for some puppy formula will help.

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Thank you.