Monday, March 31, 2008

The Dog Whisperer

I run outside two to four times a week and I take Lola with me. My perfect angel inside the house, she goes nuttso on runs. If we pass another dog or merely a back yard with a dog in it, she pulls on her leash and halter so hard that her front feet are off the ground, going 90 to nothing in the air. It’s quite a sight. No, it is not an aggressive act, just an attempt to get to that dog that she knows wants to play with her, too.

Rewind to last week. Cheryl and Lola are walking in the park. Young woman approaches pushing a baby in a stroller AND walking her dog. Give this woman an award. I tried to walk Lola and push Landri when Landri was at my house a year or so ago and I gave up on the activity, deeming it an impossibility. Back to my story…Woman stops. Woman’s dog stops. Woman’s dog calmly watches Lola go in to a raging fit, whining and pulling on her leash.

Woman: I am glad you walked by with your dog. I have been training my dog to behave on walks and was anxious to see how he behaved when he saw another dog.

(Training successful, I would say)

Cheryl: Where do you take him for classes?

Woman: I don’t. I know it sounds cheesy, but I have been watching the Dog Whisperer and it has been very helpful.

More conversation, but I’ll skip that.

So as soon as I got home I set up my DVR to record every episode of the Dog Whisperer. There was a DW marathon on Sunday and I watched several episodes. The man has the craziest looking roller blades I have ever seen, but he is a genius!

Armed with tips on how to correct her behavior (and mine) Lola, Freddy and I went for a walk. We didn’t make it too far, but we had lots of opportunities to correct. Freddy was bored. Later that night, we went for another walk (we left Freddy behind) and she did…better. Not great, but better. There is a house on the corner near a pond that poses the greatest challenge.

“I will rehabilitate my dog and train myself” (I stole that from Cesar).

Note to readers that don’t know Lola: Lola is the sweetest dog ever! She just wants to play with the other dogs. Please don’t read this and think that she is bad dog, because she isn’t. She just needs to learn how to walk better on a leash.

My new hero, Cesar.







5 comments:

*Kendra* said...

When did you get a blog? I'm so behind, but glad I can keep up with you now. Seriously run with your dog to my house one day---we live less than a mile apart!

Carla said...

Yes, I agree, Lola is a wonderful dog! I only wish my dog was 1/2 the dog she is! Do you think the Dog Whisperer can help us with Banjo?

MELANIE said...

My poor Roxie needs some dog whisperer help too! She is insanely wild and so annoying when people come over--like she has never seen another human besides us. She doens't get to go on many walks either because she pulls so hard on the leash she coughs and it is beyond embarrassing!

Carla said...

I am so glad you told us about The Dog Whisperer! We have watched several episodes and have falled in love with this man and his techniques! We have tried several on Banjo and we are now putting a muzzle on his. Hopefully that will help us get him to a vet, because so far I have taken him twice with no luck!! Ask Rich what he thinks of The Dog Whisperer while he is there!

By the way, I really appreciate what you are doing for him right now! He was kinda down yesterday when he was at the airport, but after speaking to him later that evening he sounded GREAT!! Thank you for welcoming him into your home and back to the street!! You are one of a kind!!

postpunkgirl said...

I think it's funny that you clarified the fact that Lola is a good dog. You're so sweet to that dang dog Cheryl... you're going to be a great mommy!

Lola IS a good dog. Maybe a little spoiled, considering you made her a bone shaped birthday cake, you have a Lola approved feeding schedule, and let her readily attack neighborhood children with sloppy kisses... but that's ok. :)