wobbles
I have found a new work out routine.
Friends whom have met Cookie knows how much trouble I have in walking him. Cookie is just so bloody hyper! The simple act of taking out the leash gets him barking non-stop in excitement. Even without the leash, he could somehow sense that you're thinking of bringing him out. That, would also set him into the I-will-not-stop-barking-until-I-am-outta-the-house mood.
BC recently sent me an email showing me an article about walking dogs. I came back home early today and was comtemplating on going for a jog, so I thought I might as well bring Cookie out for a walk and try out if the article really works. As usual, Cookie could sense me thinking of walking him, and got into his barking mood. It is really hard trying to calm him down. His tail kept wagging and because his tail is already so short, his whole butt moves as he moves. When I make him sit and stay, his body shivers with excitement and would make sure I'm always in his sight.
When I finally took out the leash, he totally lost it.
I had such a hard time clenching on the leash while walking him, making sure that he walks beside me instead of in front of me, which he always does. I yanked him back whenever he tries to be funny or got distracted by birds or cats. I had him so tight on the leash that he was choking but he didnt care. It took a while for him to realise that this is going to be a different walk. I'm now the leader, and he is to follow my pace. He soon became tired, and walked right beside me. There were moments when he thought he could overtake me, but I yanked him back, made him sit, and when I was sure he got the message, I start walking again.
Needless to say, I got many curious stares along the road. A guy who was jogging slowed down, simply because he was unsure if it was safe to overtake me and my hyperventilating dog. It was very embarrassing!
Still, I'm determined to train Cookie! If he ever wants to go out on happy walks, he better learn to follow my pace. We will see how it goes! :)