A post on a facebook page that I like was just what I needed today (except I changed the word "people" to "dogs"
Flowers naturally bloom when they are ready, and dogs are the same way. Let's not force or pressure anyone to open up just because WE think it's time... Patience grasshopper!
Walks
Oh my.
The stone statue is in full effect.
Once we get outside with her leash and martingale on, she has started to become a stone statue right by the gate to go out.
I have been able to get her out the gate by pulling on her leash and calmly saying, "Let's go" but I have to be honest with you....I feel TERRIBLE for pulling her. Once I get her outside the gate she does starts to walk with me, but with hesitation...and lots of me tugging and saying sweetly, "Let's go!"
Maybe I'm selfish?
I am a total walker.
I LOVE going on walks! I always have. This is why it is so discouraging for me right now that she does not enjoy going on walks.
I'd love to ideally walk her 3x a day - in the morning before work, when I get home from work, then a short walk at night before bed to try to tire her out a tiny bit.
Right now I have only been walking her twice a day - morning and evening because 3x seems like it would be too stressful.
Morning walks go much more smoothly than evening walks. My guess is that there is just too much activity at night - more people/kids out, more noises, etc and it freaks her out. Many times I just cut the night walk short because I see her getting stressed.
My questions.....
At what point do you "give in" to your dog just NOT wanting to do something?
Should I be pulling her to go...or NOT going at night at all because she is scared?
Part of me craves the tough love approach and thinks I need to get her exposed and 'out there' but another part of me wonders if I am making a mistake by "forcing" her...
I am considering a harness, since I worry about pulling her neck. Greyhounds' necks are not as strong and sturdy as other dogs.
I will admit.
I am just frustrated today.
The worst part is I can't let it show around Gracie. I definitely need some yoga this morning...
Cats
She continues to be a rockstar with Béla. I am so very thankful for this.
Sometimes Béla can be an instigator, though. Today she would not move in the hallway when Gracie wanted to pass. Once Gracie felt confident enough to pass, Béla swiped at Gracie's hind leg. Ugh. There are rules for both of you! No hitting your sister, Béla!
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| I am in charge here. |
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| Smiles in the office |
Kind of forgot about these....
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| First "roach" (couldn't get pic to flip on blogger correctly) |
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| First semi- "bed fail" |
Bela is to much! I love her.... You are very lucky to have seen Gracie roach! I am still waiting to see Jerzi do it. Don't know if she ever will but hoping so just because its so damn cute!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great job your doing. Try to relax and not over think all about Gracie walking. Skip the night walk for a few days. You go and do your walk leave her at home. Never know it may work like the stairs did. She wanted to be with you and finally climbed the stairs to do it. Well..... We never no! I say it's worth a try. Lol
Thank you Susan for your support and advice! That's a great point about the stairs...look what patience did for that! The adoption rep gave the same advice of maybe skipping night walk. She said greys at the track are not usually even out at night. Last turnout is dusk, so the whole concept of being outside at night is new to them.
DeleteI have a feeling Jerzi will roach soon...just because you talked about it! Keep your eyes peeled! :)