The Object of the Walk.
Jake is no longer a one man dog. Since he started his very long period of Probation with us, he has refused to take his walks with anyone but me. Owen and Kimberley have gradually usurped my position. While I am away at work, it seems that they have been taking him and following him around the Common on his favourite walks.
Owen came with me one night last week to keep me company on a very beautiful and warm evening.
" Jake behaves so differently when he's walking with you Dad" 
... "He does??" 
..." Yes, he runs off and disappears, then he sneaks up on us from behind 
...like he's playing Hide and Seek...He runs around with the Horses and the Cows...He dives into ditches and things." ...." I'd never noticed. " 
It seems it's true. I hadn't noticed these things, but we have been walking the paths so long together that we both know where to go and he knows the special places that interest and amuse him. Owen and Kim must hold a sense of responsibilty in their heads...They call him back when he goes out of sight...keep their eye on him all the time. He gets the same walk as when with me...he just seems to have a little more fun when allowed to wander off and do his " Doggy Things ". I told Owen my thoughts on the subject.
Today he walked with us and instead of watching Jake with the eye of a Hawk, Owen went wandering and mooching in the hedgerows too. There was a lot of Shrieking and laughing as Owen laid in ambush on Jake and Jake came bursting through to surprise us.
Owen has realised that it's not just a case of walking the Dog. It's a case of enjoying the occasion with him.
When we go out this evening Owen has decided to flush rabbits out so that Jake can bring home a Supper. He's getting the idea.
Das the Dad.
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Prev Message
