I've been a little overwhelmed lately with Talos' impending departure and a workload that would kill a horse. I was hard at work on the computer today when I happened to see the dogs through my office window – they were in the yard, lounging in the sunshine, content with the world.
I'm always complaining that I don't spend enough time with the dogs, that I neglect their training, that I wish I could do more with them. So I took a cue from them and went out to enjoy the sunshine. I had some treats already chopped up in the fridge (cheddar cheese), so I grabbed their collars, my clicker, and a 30-foot leash.
Talk about excited! They're never happier than when they're working. We have about three acres, but less than an acre is fenced. Getting to walk across the unfenced field is a big deal to them – that's the wild-animal-freeway and the dogs love getting the chance to check out who's been where.
I took each one out and worked with them. Nothing fancy, just recalls, sits and downs, waits and stays. And lots of frolic! Sometimes they'd earn a piece of the cheddar cheese, other times they'd get the chance to run wild on that 30-foot leash with me. Here's the cool thing: I think their preferred reward was running with me!
I busted out of my work-work-work routine, the dogs got an unexpected and very rewarding training session, and we all enjoyed the beautiful weather — together. Does it get any better?
It's amazing how therapeutic our dogs can be. Go out and enjoy the sunshine (or sunset) with your dog today. You'll both be happier for it.
We try to do zoomies ( http://twitpic.com/1fouj9 )every night after work before we bring them in for the evening.
Yes! I LOVE the zoomies! Part of my stress stems from the fact that I work all day PLUS every evening during the week. I miss out on the relax-in-the-backyard with my husband and the dogs. So when the evening zoomies happen, I’m never home to enjoy them during the week. But that makes the weekends even more valuable! Love the picture, by the way… 😉
Sorry to hear about the waiting you are going through with your dog. Have your read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, great dog book that is so powerful, I posted a link on the page below. Maybe the short video commercial will cheer you up…
Have you seen the latest great dog commerical? How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend…
http://www.ultimatehealthfordogs.com/Be-Your-Dogs-Best-Friend.html
I LOVED The Art of Racing in the Rain – fantastic book. Especially since I’d just lost my sweet, old dog not too long before I’d read this. It made me stop and wonder if he was ready to become a man…