Our walk this morning was a bit less eventful than yesterday’s walk. :0
We started out in the field. I had loaded my pockets with plastic baggies just in case I came across more animals parts. I was determined to clean them up.
Instead of sticking to our traditional trails I decided to try walking two dogs on the rail trail. Go ahead, you can ask. What the heck was I thinking?
It started out well enough, we pretty much had the trail to ourselves. Sampson was off leash and Delilah was on the 30 footer. Because it’s the rail trail and frequently used by walkers, runners and bicyclists you can see quite a distance in front of you.
Whenever I saw anyone approaching, I would call Sampson to me and leash him, then I would ‘reel’ Delilah in. 🙂 Most of the time when I see anyone approaching, I make the dogs sit until that person has passed.
This is a great test for the dogs because a lot of people walk/run with their dogs on this trail. What I found out today is they will both sit and wait patiently as a dog runs past, even if the dog is pulling against his/her lead trying to reach them.
HOWEVER, if the dog is lunging AND barking, all bets are off.
We met two ladies with a young dog, and the dog was pulling and was very vocal about trying to get to Sampson and Delilah and I was over-powered. 🙁
Thankfully this time I had the sense to drop the leashes so I didn’t get pulled head first into the women. The dog mom handled the situation very well, she didn’t panic, she just kept her dog moving. I apologized profusely and she went on her way.
Shortly after that I’d had enough. Sampson’s leash is an 8 footer, while Delilah’s is much longer. I need to wrap her leash around my arm in order to walk them together comfortably.
As those of you who have more than one dog know, two leashes, one in each hand can be a tad difficult. The dogs switch sides frequently and the leashes (and sometimes dogs) end up getting tangled. With Delilah’s leash wrapped around my arm it’s not exactly easy switching hands!
I took some pictures to try and capture the beauty of a quiet Sunday morning.
Of course the real beauty is after a nice long walk, there are two tired puppies.
What did you do today?
I enjoy seeing your pictures! It looks like a beautiful walk. Glad you survived it all right. I am glad you didn’t find any bones laying around.
The best part of my day was spending time with my daughters. They both headed back to college tonight. It gets so quiet here when the girls leave, but I am so happy that they were here to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.
Lila is missing them too. Lila gets a lot of extra loving when they are around, that’s for sure:)
I’m so glad you got to spend with the girls, I remember how awful it was when all of mine were away for Christmas, it’s just not the same. Will they be home for Christmas? Lila will get some extra loving then. 😉
I’m glad I didn’t find any bones either!!
Yes, I am counting the days until Christmas!
I know exactly what you’re talking about!! When we lived in a subdivision getting all the dogs walked took a lot of time, especially if it fell to either just my husband and I. We learned to walk 3 dogs at once all on the retractable leashes–It’s a challenge, but we’ve both gotten pretty good at juggling the three leashes and not getting everyone tangled up. The secret was knowing which dogs you could put together to do that–You can’t put ‘wild maniacs’ together. Otherwise you’ll end up like a kite on the end of the leash if they see something! 🙂
Kim, I can’t even IMAGINE juggling three dogs, never-mind on retractable leashes!
It is one of the easiest ways to get me in a bad mood while on a walk. I end up swearing and then it’s all over. 🙂
Yep, those lunging barking dogs are trouble. Still, that trail is beautiful, and I’d be tempted to walk there often. 🙂
I decked the halls yesterday, (as much as they will be decked this season :)).
I think I may try that trail again, a little earlier in the day. 🙂
You decked the halls? Good for you. I thought about it, then decided no. 🙂
Looks like a lovely Sunday!
It is a very nice way to start a Sunday. I hope to bring Hubby along next time!
It was great seeing you yesterday. I have purchased a headlight for walking just one dog so I don’t have to carry the flashlight as I have to walk Chase in the dark after work. I look silly but it works. I can’t even imagine trying to walk two dogs.
Oh Margaret it was great to see you too!! I would walk with a headlight and I don’t care what people think when they see me. 🙂
By the end of the summer I had basically forgotten I was wearing the net over my head, until I would come across someone who hadn’t seen me before and I would catch their startled expression.
I think you are wise to have your hands free while walking and trust me I don’t walk them both on leash frequently, at least not if I can help it.
I look forward to seeing you again!!
Yesterday I was stuck working, so I am very glad to hear you got to go on an outdoor adventure. At least one of us had a relaxing time in the woods. I guess I should say “relaxing”.
It took us a long time to get to the point where we could stand quietly while other dogs pass by. You should be incredibly proud of yourself! It’s no small accomplishment! And with two dogs??? That is doubly impressive!
Thank you Kristine, I know you know exactly what I am going through and I really appreciate the support.
I’m with Kristine. You have a lot to be proud of.
And expecting Samson and Delilah to sit still with barking and lunging dogs would be alot.
Thanks Pamela, I know it is tough with another dog lunging. They are both pretty good dogs (most of the time.) 😉
Tall person always keeps me close when people with dogs approach. It doesn’t happen that often because most dogs I meet are street dogs or home dogs roaming the streets. It can be quite trying!
How do you react to other dogs? Are you a sniff and go kind of dog?
Your trail looks beautiful.
I use a coupler when I walk the girls that way only one leash and no switching sides, makes walks much more enjoyable and easier, also helps to keep riva from pulling.
I’m thinking I’m going to have to try that. Of course that means new leashes since Sampson’s is eight feet and Delilah’s is 6 (or 30) LOL