Evie and I have been taking walks on the beach for about a week now, and it was suddenly today that we figured out how to walk together.
To help Evie understand that I want her to walk directly at my side without pulling ahead and yanking the leash, I need to *relax* inside and not let any pressure or resistance from me travel down the leash.
I had this insight after trying to photograph her as we were walking and I was admiring her gait and her luxurious coat. Each time I took out my iphone, it interrupted the “moment” we were having and changed the dynamic to make it somehow stressful. I realized that she is very intuitive and sensitive to me and everything I am doing.
So, when I began paying attention to my own “insides” and walked with her in a relaxed way without directing her or correcting her with the leash, she fell right into step beside me, just behind my knee.
It was like learning to ride a bike. You try and fail over and over again until suddenly you are just doing it!
What an incredible accomplishment that I know will enhance our relationship as we do more and more things together.
To help Evie understand that I want her to walk directly at my side without pulling ahead and yanking the leash, I need to *relax* inside and not let any pressure or resistance from me travel down the leash.
I had this insight after trying to photograph her as we were walking and I was admiring her gait and her luxurious coat. Each time I took out my iphone, it interrupted the “moment” we were having and changed the dynamic to make it somehow stressful. I realized that she is very intuitive and sensitive to me and everything I am doing.
So, when I began paying attention to my own “insides” and walked with her in a relaxed way without directing her or correcting her with the leash, she fell right into step beside me, just behind my knee.
It was like learning to ride a bike. You try and fail over and over again until suddenly you are just doing it!
What an incredible accomplishment that I know will enhance our relationship as we do more and more things together.
Ronda, Glad you are having good weather and enjoying yourself. And you figured out the art of dog walking! Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteLaurie Wendt