Talking The Talk So You Can Walk The Walk

Well, people, I apologize to all my readers for not writing last month. In saying that, let’s talk your Canine Family Member. I see so many of you, in Athens, who have dogs, some I see riding around town with them, others I see walking them, and in some funny cases, I see you being walked by them. So, let’s discuss what I observed.

Those of us who ride with our Special Companions should always be aware of the danger of them riding in the vehicle and going from rider to driver. One of my Great Danes, Samson, is a prime example. He likes to ride up front and sometimes he likes to paw at me. I have to pay attention to this behavior and insist that Samson not be so overbearing and tell me how to drive! So, one thing I will be investing in soon is a seatbelt for Samson and the others who ride. One problem I see with this is if you have an accident, will you be able to get them safely away? Think on this.

Now, for those of us who walk our “Darlings.” Always remember when walking, walk facing traffic with your dog on your left, if possible. By walking your dog on the left, you ensure that you have some reaction time if your dog decides to jump out in front of a car and pull you with them. You must be able to pull them back to safety, or prevent the incident from the start.

Then there are those of you I see, red faced, flustered, and wanting to yell at the world or your Canine Family Member, who seems oblivious to you huffing and puffing. They are happy because they get to swing you this way and that. They have figured that you need a lot of exercising. Your lower back and arms are killing you and you are ready to smack the dog but you hold out. Some of you are ready to give up and just go back to the house.

Some of you will even give up completely on the walking and make Fido/Fidoette use the backyard for exercising. Well, folks, I am here to tell you, that I can help. First, look at your equipment. What kind of leash do you have? A six foot leash is recommended because we want to train the dog to walk close to your side. What kind of collar does your dog have on, or do you have a harness on? Harnesses are great but should be placed on your dog after they are trained to walk properly unless you want your dog to work by pulling something. In many instances I recommend the pinch collar which is the evil looking chain collar that has prongs faced in. Many of you see this device and cringe because you believe you can maim your “Baby”. It is a training tool and should only be used with training. Come and see me before you purchase this device and I will gladly show you how to use it. Just call my number listed at the end of this article. So, if you don’t want to be that person with the dog who is happily dragging you here and there, then call me. I am always glad to help!

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”
By: Joel Allen