White Dog was not happy when Michael woke her at 6:30am to go for a walk. Not that the hour is too early, she and Steve go to the Park at the time several days a week. No, she complained that a neighborhood walk was not the morning routine and when she walked, she walked with Steve. Steve explained, as I had last night that this pattern was important for Michael both to gain independence and to learn the responsibilities of dog ownership since he desperately wants his own dog when his mom returns home. Walking and exercising a dog before school, after school and in the evening is an important task that has to be done every day and he cannot get distracted by being too tired or by wanting to play on the computer.
White Dog whined about why she had to be the trainer and how she didn't want to go with Michael (he doesn't know the way. He's too slow. He doesn't stop at my favorite places.). She kicked up a fuss, strained against the lead and refused to walk. In general, White Dog made Michael feel very rejected. She came back and laid next to me in the bed expecting sympathy. I gently said to her, "This is something you can do to help (and get some extra walk time) and I am going to insist that you try again tomorrow with a better attitude." At the same time, Steve was encouraging Michael, "Try again tomorrow and just be patient. Her refusal this morning does not mean that White Dog does not like you. A new dog would have to slowly learn a routine as well and our girl is not any different."
11 comments:
It will come in time....some things take just a "little" longer.
I think your parents are doing a great job teaching Michael how to be a great dog owner...I know Michael would appreciate it too! Mom wished she had someone like that to help her out with before she got me. She said, at least it would teach her what to expect when bringing home a new puppy. She learnt it the hard way. LOL!
Scottie
I'm sure Clive approves of your lesson to WD!
We khan't wait to read the next post!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Here's to the next attempt working out a little better. We pups like our routine but we can adapt when done carefully. C'mon, Siku - give Michael another try.
Woos, Phantom, Thunder,and Ciara
Siku, you are so sweet in helping Michael as he prepares for a pup. That's exciting news for you! A new cousin to play with sounds like so much fun!:)
Love,
Teddy Bear
hey Siku Marie,
I understand your feelings. The dog my human, K, had before me would not walk with anyone except K and her mom, the only two people he knew the most. If anyone else tried to walk him he would just sit down and not budge. That is just the way he was. So, don't be hard on yourself. Some dogs are just set in their ways and it is our quirky ways that make each of us unique!
I do hope Micheal does not take it personally. And it is such a great idea to have him learn all about caring for a dog before he makes the big step of getting his own. Dogs do require a lot of commitment - some more than others. And you, sweet Siku Marie, are in a great position to make sure Michael becomes the best dog owner he can be!
Make sure to teach Michael one of the most important lessons of dog ownership - that as a dog owner, he needs to give meaty treats to his dog every hour, on the hour. :->
Good luck to both of you!
Suka
p.s. Silvius did not bring home any goodies. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the info on the Op Pack's new pup. What a cutie!!
Siku it's alright, maybe next time you'll have better luck. Benny here will go with ANYONE that walks by happily. But isis, not so much.
It's Ok, White Dog. Change is hard for everyone but look at all the new things you will learn and see. :)
Oh... you know what we're thinking right now. I hope this all works out with a very very happy ending. I know in some way, it will.
Fondly
Jake and Fergi xxoo
Siku, you are doing a great job and helping out Michael, keep your chin up!
Post a Comment