The day started threatening a storm. A bit of gray clouds started to darken the sky, but no water had fallen from the heavens as yet. Dogs in daycare got to play for an hour or two, although they seemed ready for a quiet stormy day already.
My dog walking clients, they get walked in any weather. So a bit of dampness did not stop me, and my faithful companion, Jack, from setting forth into the oncoming storm. An umbrella was required, and Jack was unsure about the advisability of staying in his sit as I opened it. Ahhh, a training opportunity during an otherwise routine walk.
Jack started off dutifully enough, aware that the rain would be a deterrent to auto sits, and the thunder would make for an unsure heel. These are things he has become more and more accustomed to as our training regime towards CDX, UD and finally UDX continues. Nature does not stop for dog trials. Nor do accidents and oopsies. Days that are different are great days for training to become prepared.
Additionally, Jack serves as a companion towards those dogs we walk. His job, however, requires that he not get in the way. This is done by remaining calm and steady during the walks, no matter what dogs, vehicles, or small animals we may encounter along the way. This is now old hat for Jack, and he does his job reliably, and looks forward to it.
Although the sky promised a down pour, we took the long way around so that I could get my exercise in as well. This is a great time to empty your mind out, admire the passing gardens and woods that are around you. Jack enjoys the smells and seeing all the same dogs we pass everyday.
Finally we arrive at Manny's house and to his excited barks of welcome. The rain hasn't started yet, but Manny would be ready to go even if it had. He looks forward to his daily walk. Although he has a big yard all to himself, what he really enjoys is a bit of company and new stuff to smell and pee on. He also gets to see his big friend Jack, sometimes Leon, and sometimes Roxy and Harley join us on Wednesdays and Fridays.
There are about four or five different routes that we can take during the days. I try and mix it up for Manny. Today we took the loop up
Spruce, all the way to the end and turn down to Trafton, back to Gingerbread, down Spruce, and then down Beacon St extenstion, finishing up to Hemlock towards Trafton and to Manny's street. Manny was quite fiesty today. He sprinted forward on his flexi and back. Chipmunk sounds made him bounce up and down with glee, his cute little ears perked forward. We saw Woody, our neighbors lab to say hello.
Just as we turned onto Manny's street, the skies opened up big time. Even with the umbrella we all got drenched as I got Manny safely squared away at his house. Poor Jack was very loyal and obedient the whole way home, with a "why did I ask to go out today?" look on his face. Dobermans are not huge fans of water EVER.
My dog walking clients, they get walked in any weather. So a bit of dampness did not stop me, and my faithful companion, Jack, from setting forth into the oncoming storm. An umbrella was required, and Jack was unsure about the advisability of staying in his sit as I opened it. Ahhh, a training opportunity during an otherwise routine walk.
Jack started off dutifully enough, aware that the rain would be a deterrent to auto sits, and the thunder would make for an unsure heel. These are things he has become more and more accustomed to as our training regime towards CDX, UD and finally UDX continues. Nature does not stop for dog trials. Nor do accidents and oopsies. Days that are different are great days for training to become prepared.
Additionally, Jack serves as a companion towards those dogs we walk. His job, however, requires that he not get in the way. This is done by remaining calm and steady during the walks, no matter what dogs, vehicles, or small animals we may encounter along the way. This is now old hat for Jack, and he does his job reliably, and looks forward to it.
Although the sky promised a down pour, we took the long way around so that I could get my exercise in as well. This is a great time to empty your mind out, admire the passing gardens and woods that are around you. Jack enjoys the smells and seeing all the same dogs we pass everyday.
Finally we arrive at Manny's house and to his excited barks of welcome. The rain hasn't started yet, but Manny would be ready to go even if it had. He looks forward to his daily walk. Although he has a big yard all to himself, what he really enjoys is a bit of company and new stuff to smell and pee on. He also gets to see his big friend Jack, sometimes Leon, and sometimes Roxy and Harley join us on Wednesdays and Fridays.
There are about four or five different routes that we can take during the days. I try and mix it up for Manny. Today we took the loop up
Spruce, all the way to the end and turn down to Trafton, back to Gingerbread, down Spruce, and then down Beacon St extenstion, finishing up to Hemlock towards Trafton and to Manny's street. Manny was quite fiesty today. He sprinted forward on his flexi and back. Chipmunk sounds made him bounce up and down with glee, his cute little ears perked forward. We saw Woody, our neighbors lab to say hello.
Just as we turned onto Manny's street, the skies opened up big time. Even with the umbrella we all got drenched as I got Manny safely squared away at his house. Poor Jack was very loyal and obedient the whole way home, with a "why did I ask to go out today?" look on his face. Dobermans are not huge fans of water EVER.
I realized, walking back as my velour jogging outfit soaked in the dampness from the air never mind the raindrops, there are some materials that are just not rain friendly. Good to know.
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