It’s turning into a really long, harsh winter. It’s been too cold for my dad to walk Tommy lunchtimes and since the attack on the air con man, Tommy hasn’t been allowed into work so much so his days are long at home all day. I do go home lunchtimes to take him round the block, but it’s not much of a break for him. I always thought that getting a dog in March would be a better time of year, but the timing was right in September.
I have found it hard to get the enthusiasm up during the week to find new and interesting things to do with Tommy. Let alone the dark morning walk and the bitter cold! I have been tired a lot with the late nights (my fault!) and early mornings and it’s all proved to be a bit much. Tommy has started to be more ‘assertive’ when out walking. He will bark at some people, no pattern, and dogs on lead are now a no no. I haven’t been enjoying the walks. It’s down to me not being ‘bothered’ recently, and I know it and feel guilty.
A few nights ago on his ‘quick one round the block before bed’ walk; I had a bit of a breakthrough. Recently, I’ve been ‘oh come on Tommy, lets get this done’ with a bit of a moaning tone to my voice and almost pulling him on his lead to get the walk done. Monday night I walked more briskly than normal, put on a happy tone and kept my head up, being the assertive one. Being the pack leader. The walk was easier, and Tommy was wagging his tail more and not sniffing so much.
Tuesday mornings walk I tried the same. ‘Come on Tom, there’s a good boy, yes he is’ was recited a lot in a happy, almost baby tone. I called him back more when over the graves and gave him a tiny treat when he came rather than leaving him to his own devises. When I took him lunchtime, more brisk walking and brought his ball to the park with us. With the time saved by the more assertive walk, we had time for a very quick game of fetch. When I’ve got in from work I’ve been thinking of Southend Training rather than Rochford Training. More fun stuff, different stuff to challenge his mind. Weaving threw my legs; find the treat under the cups, paw, high five, crawl. A quick game of fetch in the house, blowing some bubbles. And it’s working.
I’m starting to enjoy Tommy again! His mind is more occupied, his behaviour out and about is better (but no where near as good as it could / should /was!), and he’s looking at me more for direction. He seems happier and more relaxed.
Proves that you only get what you give…
