I didn’t have the opportunity to take the dogs for their walk on lunch yesterday, which meant we walked them around the block last night.
Delilah is on the thirty footer, no doubt about it. On the thirty footer she has a little of the freedom that Sampson has, but I still maintain control. I work her pretty hard on that leash, practicing for when we approach the dogs. I let her sniff off to the side, then I say “This way” or “Come here pretty,” and let her make her own choice. And last night she did, over and over again.
Last night the neighborhood dogs weren’t outside, but I would still say our walk was successful and truthfully I kind of prefer working Delilah without that added distraction. She did try to wander close to the dog’s yard, looking for trouble but I had made sure I had treats to help distract and reward her.
We decided the dogs should wear their reflective vests when we walk them at night. I discovered that my little point and shoot doesn’t do so well in the dark but I did manage a couple of pictures.
That tiny speck in the distance is Delilah
Sampson and Delilah getting their 'sniff' on.
Who's been peeing on my pole?
I also wanted to mention a sad bit of news I came across today. A wonderful woman who rescues and helps many dogs, lost five of her fur babies in a fire last week. If you’d like to send her a message here is the link to her blog.
It is so hard to be a dog owner when it is always dark out. Pretty soon we will have more daylight, and I am looking forward to that. It’s hard to keep track of everything, if you know what I mean.
Having two small black dogs and living in a less than ideal neighborhood, I always dread the time change. Makes it really hard to get out there at night. I’ve been getting up really early and trying to make our morning walks count since I’m not always comfortable venturing out after dark. The vests are a great idea. I was thrilled a few weeks ago when I discovered that our new EzyDog harnesses have reflective stitching. Makes me feel a whole lot safer taking them out!
I understand your feelings about walking at night. With distractions of other dogs and the darkness, it can be a little worrisome. One good thing is Miss Stella has taken to walking with a flashlight in her mouth. This way I have a quick way to light up our space when sitting on the side of the road and worried if a car headed our way can truly see us or not.
So sorry to hear about the woman losing her pups. I will visit and leave her a message.
The vests seem to be working. In the first picture I can’t make out a thing, but can still see the reflection. I hate all of the darkness this time of year.
I feel the same way about winter and walking at night … we too use those reflective vests and they work well.
Im so glad I made it over to your blog 🙂 we have been gone alot due to my medical crap but I couldnt wait to stop by and see how everyone was – we missed yall!
I love walking Fred in the dark – I think its because he is calmer since he cant see well at night so he is not scanning side to side in a frezy and I think the dark calms me down as well. We wear blinkies on the collars – Haylie cant stand to wear stuff and she is the one that needs to cause she is so dark sigh..
Great job to both of you!
Very sad news about the lady who lost 5 of her dogs in a fire 🙁