  I've been meaning to tell you how much our puggies have changed since walking with you. Over the holidays we were visiting a lot of different households where, in the past, the puggles were not necessarily praised for their manners and calm behaviours! But this year... what a difference!!! They're so much more relaxed and happy, Chris and I are overjoyed!! I'm so grateful you came into our lives!
Lana It's not me (well, maybe a small part) - it's the trails!
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Hi K.,
I forgot to put the change for the harness in an envelop. I had the money on the kitchen table and saw it there after Fido left. I must tell you that I cried before he left; he has a way about him, truly. While I was sitting with him and waiting, he rubbed his head on my lap. It was most unusual. He was so calm by the end of his stay here. I was really proud of him. About the bones I sent--make sure you're around when he chews on bones. Also, the long ribs should be thrown out when he has chewed all the meat around them and loses interest in the bare bone. I would prefer the beef neck bones. You can buy these at Kennel Cafe. The large size would be fine. He still has trouble staying still when I put on his harness, but I find it's easier when he's sitting in the front seat beside me in the car (just to slip the harness on). Frida veers away when she sees the harness. I talk to her while I'm putting it on and give her a treat right after. I also think it might be easier to teach Fido to walk beside you after he's had a good run. You might try putting the harness and leash on him and having him follow you back and forth in the yard (or even in the house). You would use treats (dried liver/chicken/small kibble bits from Kennel Cafe samples) as you teach him. Just keep a treat in your hand beside (or even slightly behind) your thigh. Reinforce all the time. I like to say "walk with me" or "stay close," because "heel" gets really boring. How is he doing tonight? It must be hard adjusting first to being away from home and then, although loving his family, leaving his new human and canine friends. What a rewarding time! I miss him. Best wishes, Janice Founder and Caregiver Happy Trails Dog Service There have been occasions when I've been asked to walk one dog in a two-dog family. Today the young dog was the most anxious to get out and used the outdoor washroom facilities immediately. The older dog was pleased to be out, but not as urgently as the younger six-year old.
It's true a dog may sleep during the family's absence, but that's not optimal. A dog owner once proudly told me her dog sleeps twenty hours a day and is none the worse for it. She has now acquired a second dog whom she wishes to be a "crated" dog. I know the hype about crates, but their use really should be limited - but that's another post. Having a dog is a real commitment. A dog is more than a wagging tail when you come home. It may seem expensive to hire a daily dog walker, but if you can't come home mid-day, hiring a dog walker is a generous and loving act. . |
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January 2016
AuthorJanice is the founder of and primary caregiver at Happy Trail Dogs Service. She is also the founder of an arts-related non-profit and worked in the fitness industry for over two decades. She is an artist, editor, writer, and mother of two wonderful women and a glorious lab named Frida. Archives
January 2016
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