Our popular Swagger is the individual holding the stick. Story to follow. Within one month, an aggressive dog becomes the most popular dog of the pack!
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This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar. I knew he was going to be a friend and hiking companion the moment I met him. S, is a mastiff/Shepherd mix with doe eyes and a compact physique. He barked when I first entered the apartment - my Frida does the same. I knelt down (I am not fond of hovering over, even if I am only five feet tall) and did a combination of chatting, treat offering, and simply appreciating. This is a fine dog, I thought. "Love at first sight" is what his human emailed his previous owner. The story is S. was attacked by two dominant dogs and emerged scarred physically and even more, psychologically. When he feels cornered these days, he takes no chances. Our first walk (our getting-acquainted hike) took place on a Sunday morning at Humber Bay East. Also on the hike were my Frida and the finest, most gentle yet spirited Shepherd who is boarding with us. I had a feeling S. and our Shepherd would get along famously. They ran and covered so much ground - I just stood and watched and laughed. Three dogs on the trail who had spent time in our back yard and then inside our home becoming acquainted (over forty minutes) before setting out for a car ride to our selected trail. By the time we hit the trail, they were fast friends sharing in the joy of free running and exploration. Needless to say, S. doesn't wear a muzzle anymore. Note: this is not true of all dogs who have become aggressive, but the case of one dog who, after being attacked in a dog park, was able to find peace and freedom on the trail. Watching dogs explore new grounds is energizing for the human(s) present. I'm really honored to be part of this discovery process and so today, we're going to revisit an area (new for my canine friends; it's been some years for me!). Details and photos soon. LOVE, Janice
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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