Cesar's Way Starts Today

Enjoying "the walk"

A little lost? Read our last chapter: A Wonderful Thursday
 
Well, after watching our Cesar DVD I did pick up a few things which we are trying. Today started our morning walk regiment. In about half an hour we walked close to a mile, then came home and I fed her. She's beat (more so than our normal walks) and I am hot and sweaty but It's good for both of our health.

On our way out we came across what seemed like an early morning murder scene where a mourning dove did not come out on top. All that was there was a pile of feathers, but Leia looked at me as if to say "Uh, Mom... Can we not go over there?" 

Mourning Dove Murder... Sorry Birdy

We moved on and took our first walk outside of the complex. She walked very well and even impressed some drivers as she waited for them to turn before she crossed with me. Good girl!

Here are the guidelines we are following (the following is a quote from Cesar's Way: 6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk)

Ok, so she was walking a bit too far ahead in
this picture but it was also taken during the
first 10 paces of our walk outside the complex.

1. Walk in front of your dog. - Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash. - This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

3. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk. - Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. How to reward your dog during the walk. - After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Keep leading, even after the walk. - When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Reward your dog after the walk. - By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

So far we are complying with most of the "rules" and if Leia has walked at my side for a good while I'll chat with her and pet her on the head, as affection seems to be her reward of choice (second best, food!). Today, in the afternoon, we are expecting thunder storms (of course, it has also said that the past two days but so far, only rain.) I guess we will see if it happens.

She is falling back into some bad habits and whined a bit last night and this morning. I didn't give it any attention except one "eh!" but really, tonight the squirt bottle is coming to bed with me. Just because she is comfortable in her new home does not mean she can whine at me to get her way.

4:00PM - Leia has been expanding our bubble a little and was content to sleep in the bedroom for a bit today. She seems to behave her self pretty well on her own as long as I'm not actually gone. She is currently chilling in her crate (by choice! second time today). I think she might be able to sense a storm coming as she has been pacing a little and couldn't decide whether to sleep in the bedroom, on the floor beside me, or in her crate. Hoping she will do fine if it storms. 

11:00PM - Oh my lord Florida... weather 90% chance of precipitation and thunderstorms... almost sunny evening with one shower... gosh darn it how do I just know that the first storm will be on a school night... *sigh*
Leia is learning how to play with toys and how to entertain herself. I wonder if she ever really had toys in her previous home. She seemed to have no clue what to do with a Nylabone but now she has not only caught on but is also starting to chew on it without prompting (the first few times I had to kinda encourage her to try chewing on it.)

Read our next chapter together! -One Week Home