Happy Walks for Happy Dogs
We have done lots of racing across fields this week, enjoying the warm sunshine and the fresh air. Ears have been flying about everywhere, flapping in the breeze. For the calmer dogs, some TTouch bodywork (massage) and sausage trees.
Always Learning
Slightly different learning this week. I listened to an interesting podcast by Gretta Ford with the brilliant Mutty Professor. If you don’t already follow her, take a look at her Facebook page, which is full of fantastic videos about dog behaviour and social communication. Roz had me reflecting that we often only show the best on social media, setting an impossibly high bar of perfection, and setting us up for failure. In contrast, Roz’s videos aren’t about the perfect plan for the perfect dog. Instead, they often recognise that our dogs are living beings, not robots, as are we. Imperfection is inevitable, sometimes we can learn from it, but sometimes it just is what it is – that moment where the squirrel runs out, and you just know that you’re not going to be able to compete!
Thought for the week
My dog, Penny, LOVES to chase. Squeaky balls are her absolute favourite, reserved for special occasions (under strict orders from her physiotherapist!). Instead, we love to play chasing the treats, winding up the throw like a professional cricket bowler before flinging it to some random place for her to go and seek out. My throwing skills are not professional level, but I like to think that adds to the fun!
What non-ball chasing games do you like to play with your dog? Tell us in the comments below.
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