Little Bear
There’s a scene from the first Bourne Identity film where Jason Bourne, sitting in a restaurant, tells his companion that within seconds of sitting down, he knew exactly how many exits there were, how long it would take to get to each one and who, amongst their fellow diners may be a threat.
Now I claim no such super powers of observation, (I couldn’t tell you what colour my own socks are at this present moment) but having a reactive dog does teach you to become something of a strategist. I know which parks, fields and tracks to avoid and when. For example the dog park nearest us isn’t safe past May as it’s so lush with greenery that you can easily get dive bombed by an off lead dog without warning plus the exits are too far apart.
I’ve also learned to spot the sometimes less than 100% considerate owners a mile off. The ones who look completely disinterested in their dog and let it practically walk itself while they chat on the phone or gossip with friends. If we spot one of these in the distance, we’re off like a shot in the other direction. Handling your own reactive dog on a lead is one thing, but trying to keep a strange off lead dog away from him when it’s owner is half a football pitch away is quite another.
Tools of the trade
I’m sure Jason Bourne could fashion a deadly weapon or a useful lock pick out of a toothpick and an after dinner mint, but as a mere mortal, I have to take a more mundane approach. These days I never, ever leave the house to walk the dogs without copious amounts of treats, a squeaky tennis ball or two and my clicker. After Little Bear was attacked last year, I also carry a pet corrector just for emergencies and since Annie disappeared, a spare lead, just in case I ever find a lost dog (oh yes, what a boy scout!)
The organisation bit, not being my natural forte, has taken a while, but I see every walk as an opportunity for Little Bear to succeed. If I forget the tools that help him then I’m setting him up to fail and that’s not fair on either of us. So I shove everything into a little back pack and leave it by the door ready for the next walk.
If dog walking in our house sounds like a military operation, then I have to admit, sometimes it feels that way too. But then you have days like today when all the preparation and practice pay off. On this morning’s school run, LB was an angel. We passed tonnes of kids, people on bikes, push-chairs and kids on scooters – one in particular was being ridden by an ecstatic five-year old girl who was singing her heart out at the very top of her voice ‘Hip, hip, hip HOORAY! The sun has come out to play!! I’m so happy Daddy! The sun has come out!’ She squealed as only little girls can. As we were standing just a few feet away, I anticipated a bark fest, but Little Bear was sitting at my feet, mouth smiling, tail wagging. Hip hip hooray indeed!
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