The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [84]
Daily walks provide golden opportunities for you to reinforce basic obedience training and introduce new tricks. Unleash some fun, creative ways to bust boredom on your regular treks with my four favorite walking games: the Molasses Walk, the Jackrabbit Sprint, Park It Here, and Curbside Attraction. Your increased activity may evoke some giggles and stares from onlookers, so bring your sense of humor with you on the walks. Act goofy and it will be contagious to Tippy and others.
The Molasses Walk begins with Tippy walking nicely at your side with the leash loose. Ask Tippy to look at you as you take giant steps forward in slow motion saying s-l-o-w in a drawn-out way. The goal is for Tippy to copy your slow stride. When he does, reward him with praise (good slow!) and a treat. Continue doing this slow walk for 10 or 15 seconds and then return to a normal pace.
Next, hasten the pace with the Jackrabbit Sprint. Start power walking and in an exuberant tone tell Tippy to go fast, fast, fast, fast! (Be careful not to move so quickly that you are dragging him behind you, though!) Keep this pace up for 10 or 15 seconds and then stop. Give him a treat and resume your normal walk.
BREED BYTE
Ancient folklore says that the Pembroke Welsh corgi (corgi means dwarf in Welsh) was a gift from the woodland fairies and that the breed still carries the marks of fairy harnesses on its coat.
In addition to varying the pace, spice up your walks with my Park It Here game. Depending on the size of your dog and his physical condition, pick a park bench or sturdy low surface onto which he can easily jump. Train Tippy by tapping your hand on the bench, then making a sweeping up motion as you say jump up! Help him initially by hoisting him up if he seems confused by this strange request. Once he is on the bench, make him sit for a few seconds before giving him permission to leap off. Praise and treat and be on the lookout for the next bench for Tippy to conquer.
The Curbside Attraction trick makes crossing the street more interesting. Stand on a quiet street (very close to the curb, so you don’t risk getting hit by a car). Face Tippy. Ask him to sit, and then use a treat to slowly lure him forward — the idea is have him move just his front feet. As soon as his front legs touch the street and his back legs remain on the curb, reinforce the pose by saying curb. At the same time, put your open hand in front of his face to stop him from continuing to move forward into the street. Praise and treat. This looks quite comical, but dogs have senses of humor, too.
These are just a few suggestions for spicing up your walks. If you vary your routine and make up your own fun games, I’m sure both you and Tippy will enjoy your daily outings more.
DON’T OVERDO IT
Be careful not to overexert your dog on walks and during activities. If your dog keeps up with you on a walk or tends to pull out ahead, but is now walking beside you, or even lagging a bit behind you, he may be asking to rest. If he displays any of the following signs, stop the activity and allow him to rest.
Drooping tongue
Rapid panting — an early sign of overheating
Hesitation — taking a few extra seconds before retrieving a tossed ball
Weight shifting — using different muscle groups to offset soreness
Staggering
Muscle tremors
Limping — check footpads for cuts and bruises and legs for sprains or muscle pulls
TEMPORARY DOGS
Owning a dog is typically a lifetime arrangement. However, if you have room in your heart and your home for a temporary dog, you might consider offering short-term care for a needy canine. Many animal shelters and rescue organizations are desperate for foster homes for